The fact that he programmed this framework for his project in Istanbul is now helping him in Worms. Nothing changes in the technology, it is just refilled with regional applications. Koyun is convinced that Germany needs its app because: “An app just for administration will never prevail,” he says. “How often do you have to renew your passport or register your dog?” Far too rarely for this specialized app to be used regularly. That’s why he wants to combine as many functions as possible from different areas in one app.
They have already been working on the version for Worms for four months. “We are currently in the process of bringing the city’s and various companies’ applications onto our app,” says Koyun. A challenge is to adapt the app to German data protection laws and regulations.
Economic strengthening of the region through “myCity”
“myCity” is scheduled to go live at the end of November with a big press event. The mayor can then send messages, regional news and events will be announced via the app, and there will be a regional alarm function. Every shoe store, every pizzeria and every pharmacy should be found in the app. Koyun wants to strengthen the local, the municipal level. “I always say: strengthen your region, strengthen your country.”
Koyun feels a deep connection to Worms and he likes the mayor very much. He gets 80,000 euros from the city to implement the app – he says he can’t do much with that. His company will pay up to one million euros on top. “In Worms,” says Koyun, “there are three very important historical things: the Nibelungen saga, Martin Luther – and Kobil.” He laughs. And then says seriously: “I am convinced that this technology will prevail. Whether with Kobil or without, I don’t know.”
Assane Badiane, a Senegalese comedian, writer, and social commentator, has become known for his ability to blend humor with social and political commentary. His unique approach to humor often serves as a tool for reflection, discussion, and understanding of complex topics such as democracy, freedom of speech, and societal values.
The Role of Humor in Democracy
Humor plays a critical role in democracies, as it can act as both a mirror and a critique of society. Assane Badiane believes that humor is not just about making people laugh but also about challenging the status quo, highlighting injustices, and opening up conversations about pressing issues. In democratic societies, humor can serve as a powerful instrument for political and social engagement, allowing individuals to address sensitive topics, including corruption, inequality, and political leadership, in a way that is accessible and relatable.
For Badiane, comedy offers a lens through which audiences can reflect on their societal values and beliefs without feeling attacked or confronted directly. Through satire and wit, he encourages critical thinking about democracy, governance, and the freedoms people often take for granted. His comedic style allows him to criticize political leaders and expose the flaws in the system, but in a way that softens the impact of the message, making it palatable for audiences of all backgrounds.
Humor as a Catalyst for Change
Badiane’s perspective on humor and democracy extends beyond just a tool for reflection. He sees humor as a catalyst for change—by addressing sensitive and controversial topics with humor, he can provoke thought and inspire action. He often tackles issues like corruption, authoritarianism, and the erosion of freedoms in his performances, using humor to make the audience question the status quo and consider how they might challenge it.
Through his comedy, Badiane has created a space where people can talk about democracy not just as an abstract concept but as something that is alive and constantly evolving. He uses humor to remind people of the value of democratic institutions and the necessity of holding leaders accountable. In this way, his work contributes to strengthening the democratic process by encouraging citizens to engage more actively with their political environment.
Democracy and Freedom of Expression
In many parts of the world, including in Badiane’s home country of Senegal, freedom of expression is sometimes threatened. Humor can often be the last bastion of free speech when other forms of dissent are censored or suppressed. For comedians like Badiane, their work often navigates the fine line between pushing boundaries and maintaining the freedom to express their views without fear of reprisal.
Badiane’s comedy allows him to comment on sensitive political situations, often with a lighthearted touch. However, beneath the humor lies a powerful message about the importance of protecting freedom of speech. In his view, democracy is built on the foundation of open dialogue, where diverse opinions can be shared without fear of censorship. Through his work, he promotes the idea that citizens should have the right to speak freely, and humor can be one of the most effective ways to safeguard that right.
The Power of Laughter in a Divided World
In a world where political polarization and social tensions are increasingly common, Badiane sees humor as a unifying force. Laughter has the ability to break down barriers and bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or political beliefs. In his performances, he often draws attention to the divisions in society but uses humor to bridge those gaps, encouraging his audience to find common ground and work together for positive change.
By using humor to address contentious topics, he helps create a space where people can engage with these issues in a less confrontational way. Humor makes difficult conversations more approachable, and for Badiane, it is a way to open up dialogue about democracy and its challenges in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
Assane Badiane’s work exemplifies the vital role that humor can play in promoting and protecting democracy. Through his comedy, he highlights the strengths and weaknesses of democratic societies, encouraging his audience to critically examine the political landscape and consider their role within it. By using humor as a tool for social commentary, Badiane helps to raise awareness about issues such as freedom of expression, political accountability, and the importance of active citizenship. In doing so, he reminds us that laughter is not just a source of amusement but also a powerful force for change and progress in a democratic society.
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Ismet Koyun, a prominent figure in the field of digital innovation and transformation in Germany, has ambitious plans for digitizing the country. His vision revolves around leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, increase accessibility, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens. Koyun, who is known for his leadership in digital transformation initiatives, believes that digitization is not just a technological challenge but also a socio-economic necessity for Germany’s future.
Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
One of Koyun’s primary goals is to improve Germany’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that high-speed internet is accessible to all, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Despite being one of the world’s leading economies, Germany has historically lagged behind in terms of internet connectivity and digital infrastructure compared to other European nations. Koyun advocates for a more inclusive approach to connectivity, stressing the importance of 5G and fiber-optic networks that can cater to the growing demands of businesses, schools, and healthcare services.
By enhancing broadband access across Germany, Koyun envisions a more equitable digital landscape where people, regardless of their geographical location, have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy and access services online.
E-Government and Digital Services
Koyun is also passionate about transforming public services through digitization. His vision includes a fully integrated and accessible e-government system where citizens can easily access public services, such as healthcare, education, and legal resources, through digital platforms. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital government services, and Koyun wants to ensure that this shift is not temporary but becomes a permanent part of the public sector in Germany.
By streamlining bureaucratic processes through digitalization, Koyun aims to reduce red tape, improve efficiency, and make interactions with the government more transparent. This would not only enhance citizen satisfaction but also optimize the allocation of resources and improve overall service delivery.
Education and Digital Skills Development
Koyun’s vision for digitizing Germany also places a significant emphasis on education. He is aware that in order for Germany to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, its workforce must be equipped with the necessary skills to navigate new technologies. To achieve this, he advocates for an education system that places greater emphasis on digital literacy and technology-related skills.
This includes introducing coding and programming at an early age, integrating digital tools into classrooms, and ensuring that teachers are adequately trained in using new technologies to enhance learning outcomes. Koyun sees this as a crucial step in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities presented by a digital economy, and for ensuring that Germany remains competitive in the global tech sector.
Supporting Innovation and Startups
In Koyun’s plan for digitizing Germany, fostering a robust startup ecosystem is also a key priority. He advocates for a more supportive environment for innovation, where startups can thrive and contribute to the country’s technological advancements. This includes providing better access to funding, removing bureaucratic barriers, and creating a regulatory environment that encourages entrepreneurship.
Koyun believes that by empowering startups, Germany can tap into the creativity and innovation needed to drive digital transformation across various sectors, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and mobility. By supporting these emerging companies, Koyun envisions a more dynamic and competitive economy that can adapt to global technological trends.
Sustainability through Technology
Another key component of Koyun’s vision for Germany’s digital future is using technology to promote sustainability. He believes that the digital transformation can play a significant role in tackling pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and resource depletion. Through the use of smart technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (artificial intelligence), and big data, Germany could optimize energy consumption, improve waste management, and reduce its carbon footprint.
For example, smart cities that integrate sustainable infrastructure with digital technologies could drastically reduce environmental impact while improving the quality of life for residents. Koyun also advocates for digitizing the energy sector to make renewable energy sources more accessible and efficient.
Digital Health and Telemedicine
Koyun is keen to advance digital health initiatives, including telemedicine and electronic health records, to improve healthcare access and efficiency in Germany. With an aging population and increasing healthcare demands, digital solutions in health services are essential to ensuring that everyone receives timely and effective care.
Telemedicine can particularly benefit people living in rural areas who may have limited access to healthcare facilities. By utilizing digital health platforms, doctors can offer consultations remotely, making healthcare more accessible and reducing the strain on physical health facilities. Koyun envisions a future where digital health solutions are seamlessly integrated into the national healthcare system, ensuring better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
In any digital transformation plan, cybersecurity is a critical component. Koyun emphasizes the importance of building robust cybersecurity systems to protect citizens’ personal data and ensure trust in digital services. As digital platforms become more integral to everyday life, the threat of cyberattacks and data breaches increases.
Koyun supports the implementation of stricter data protection laws and cybersecurity measures that safeguard not only personal information but also the security of public and private institutions. He is committed to fostering a culture of digital trust, where citizens can feel secure using online services without the fear of privacy violations or data theft.
Conclusion
Ismet Koyun’s vision for digitizing Germany is forward-thinking and comprehensive. His approach recognizes that digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies but also about creating an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative ecosystem where every citizen can benefit. Whether through improving connectivity, advancing e-government services, fostering digital skills in education, or supporting green technologies, Koyun’s vision seeks to position Germany as a leader in the global digital economy while ensuring that the benefits of digitization are shared by all.
