What if the next frontier of artificial intelligence wasn't about the future but about reclaiming the past? Nigerian artist, filmmaker, and creative technologist Malik Afegbua became a global conversation-changer when his viral "Elder Series"—AI-generated images of stylish seniors on a fashion runway—highlighted the deep-seated biases in AI training data, forcing us to confront the lack of representation in our digital future.
In this powerful episode, Malik argues that the solution to AI’s bias lies in intentional storytelling and leveraging technology to connect directly with the wisdom of the past. He introduces the revolutionary concept of creating digital twins of our ancestors, which would enable future generations to engage with their heritage and access "credible knowledge from our ancestors”.
Malik and host Eric Olander discuss how African creatives are intentionally shaping AI, how understanding historical context is crucial for future projections, and why embracing technology can be the most powerful way to preserve cultural legacy for a better tomorrow.
What you'll hear in this episode:
Why the quality of AI's outputs depends entirely on challenging its biased inputs, and the role of African creatives in that process.
The groundbreaking vision of creating 'digital twins' to represent and learn from ancestral knowledge in a modern context.
How preserving African histories through technology is helping to build an aspirational future not one that is suppressed or sad.
Why understanding historical timelines is crucial for revealing patterns that inform our decisions today.
Malik’s advice on how a positive mindset and intentional stories can empower change without needing external permission.
Chapters:
00:00 The Rise of AI in Daily Life
03:04 Bias and Representation in AI
05:53 The Role of African Creatives in AI
09:02 Challenges of Access and Ownership in AI
12:03 Preserving African Histories through Technology
17:46 Reimagining the Future with AI
20:56 Empowering Change through Technology
About Malik Afegbua:
Malik Afegbua is a Nigerian artist and the CEO of Slickcity Media, in Lagos, Nigeria. He weaves magic across film, VR, and design. At Slickcity Media, he crafts documentaries, commercials, and immersive VR experiences, pushing boundaries and blending tradition with innovative tech like VR and AI art.
His viral "The Elder Series" exemplifies his genius. Using AI, he reimagined seniors in vibrant fashion shows, sparking a global dialogue about inclusivity and challenging ageism. But Malik's impact extends beyond visuals. He is a champion for social change and founded C.E.L.S. to empower Nigerian youth through education and mentorship.
He is a cultural guardian, collaborating with Meta to preserve African heritage through VR documentaries. His expertise in AI design shines through collaborations with Marvel Studios, Cadbury, Glenfiddich, IBM, and more. His AI art has graced platforms like Cannes and the Mozambique Ministry of Tourism.
At Slickcity Media, Malik leads the charge, translating ideas into captivating content across platforms. He harnesses the power of AI to enhance storytelling and deliver innovative narratives, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Follow Malik Afegbua on:
Instagram: @slickcityceo
LinkedIn: @malik-afegbua
Find out more about ‘The Elder Series’ here: https://elderseries.carrd.co
Find out more about Salzburg Global here: https://www.salzburgglobal.org
Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation, joins Salzburg Global President & CEO Martin Weiss to challenge how the world thinks about conservation. For decades, global efforts have focused on protecting wildlife from people — but Kaddu argues that the future of conservation depends on putting people at the centre.
In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Kaddu shares how African-led, people-centred approaches are transforming communities, driving economic opportunity, and redefining the global sustainability agenda. From mountain gorillas in Rwanda to youth movements across the continent, he makes a bold case: the future of the planet depends on Africa.
Why traditional conservation models — rooted in colonial history — have failed African communities
How centering people, livelihoods, and local economies leads to more sustainable conservation outcomes
The success story of Rwanda’s community-owned luxury lodges and mountain gorilla conservation
The crucial role of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s political, economic, and environmental future
Why the global fight against climate change cannot succeed without Africa
How Europe and Africa can move beyond aid toward equitable trade, investment, and shared innovation
The mindset shift Kaddu believes is needed: from protecting Africa to partnering with Africa
Chapters:
00:00 The Need for a People-Centered Approach to Conservation
10:12 Rethinking Conservation Economics
20:11 The Role of Youth in Africa's Future
26:07 Optimism and Opportunities in Africa's Development
Takeaway:
Conservation isn’t about protecting animals from people — it’s about empowering people to live with and benefit from wildlife. To secure a sustainable future, the world must change the conversation and recognise Africa’s central role in global survival.
About Kaddu Sebunya:
Kaddu Sebunya is the Chief Executive Officer of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). He has over 25 years’ experience in conservation at grassroots, national and regional levels in the USA, Africa, and Europe, and is now responsible for driving AWF’s long term-strategy.
Kaddu has worked with Oxfam UK, the World Conservation Union - IUCN, USA Peace Corps, Conservation International, and Solimar International.
He believes conserving Africa’s wildlife is too important and too urgent to be left to the West alone. He is concerned that big African voices leading the fight against the destruction of habitat and wildlife today are few, arguing that it is time the African elite step forward.
Working with leaders in business, politics, civil society, policy, international development and education as well as the youth, Kaddu is building a global coalition for conservation to protect Africa’s natural capital for posterity. He sees conservation as a social, economic, security and health question requiring new partnerships and multi-sectoral strategies for the people and wildlife to benefit.
Kaddu is a member of the China-Africa Wildlife Conservation Council, a group of civil society and business leaders convened by AWF and the Aspen Institute to serve as a people-to-people platform for supporting China-Africa cooperation on wildlife and wildlands conservation, sustainable economic development, and governance. He is also a member of the Club of Rome and contributes frequently to newspapers in Africa, Europe and the USA.
Kaddu has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and two Master’s degrees: An MA in Law, Policy and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University, USA; and an MSc in Sustainable Resource Management and Policy (Imperial - Wye College, University of London).
Learn more about the African Wildlife Foundation: https://www.awf.org
Follow Kaddu Sebunya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaddu-kiwe-sebunya-384b4658/
Find out more about Salzburg Global: https://www.salzburgglobal.org/
Follow Martin Weiss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-weiss-ba264424a/
“We have to stop asking, ‘What does China want?’ and start reckoning with what it actually is.” — Kaiser Kuo
Salzburg Global’s podcast series Conversation Changers brings the spirit of dialogue, openness, and innovation that defines Salzburg Global to audiences worldwide. In each episode, leading thinkers and practitioners explore the forces reshaping our societies — and how we can engage with them to create a better, more inclusive future.
In this new episode, host Eric Olander speaks with Kaiser Kuo, host of The Sinica Podcast and Salzburg Global Fellow, to unpack one of the defining megatrends of our time: China’s transformation and its impact on global power dynamics.
From ration cards in the 1980s to high-speed trains and artificial intelligence breakthroughs, China’s evolution has been breathtaking — and polarizing. Together, Eric and Kaiser explore how perceptions of China have shifted over the decades, why global debates about its legitimacy and ambitions have hardened, and what this “Great Reckoning” means for the future of global order.
Kaiser argues that this is a civilizational turning point — a moment when the world must come to terms with a China that is no longer rising, but setting the pace.
“Modernity is no longer something the West owns. China has become one of its principal architects.” — Kaiser Kuo
In this episode you'll hear:
How China’s rapid transformation has reshaped society, technology, and prosperity
Why Western hopes that China would “become like us” were misplaced or misunderstood
The enduring divide between “dragon slayers” and “panda huggers” — and what it reveals about Western attitudes
How China’s model of modernization without Westernization inspires the Global South
The role of propaganda, social media, and “infrastructure porn” in shaping perceptions
Why generational shifts suggest a changing global view of China
Kaiser’s call to “stop asking what China wants” and start understanding it on its own terms
The episode underscores a vital idea: modernity is no longer a Western monopoly. Understanding China today means reckoning with a new global reality — one that demands humility, balance, and genuine dialogue.
Chapters:
00:00 China's Transformation: A Historical Perspective
05:10 Polarization in Global Discourse on China
10:01 Engagement vs. Isolation: The West's Approach to China
15:02 The Great Reckoning: Shifting Perspectives on China
19:59 Understanding Modernity: China’s Role in the 21st Century
About Kaiser Kuo
Kaiser Kuo is the host of The Sinica Podcast, a leading platform for nuanced conversations about China and the Chinese diaspora. A writer, musician, and longtime observer of China’s transformation, he has been at the heart of cross-cultural exchange for decades. Kaiser is also a Salzburg Global Fellow, bringing his deep insights on media, identity, and geopolitics to the Salzburg Global community.
Find out more about Kaiser Kuo and the Sinica Podcast here: https://www.sinicapodcast.com/
Follow Kaiser Kuo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiserkuo
Follow Eric Olander here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olander/
Find out more about Salzburg Global here: https://www.salzburgglobal.org
Salzburg Global’s podcast series Conversation Changers brings the spirit of dialogue, openness, and innovation that defines Salzburg Global to audiences worldwide. In each episode, leading thinkers and practitioners explore pressing global challenges — and how we can rethink them for a better future.
In this new episode, host Eric Olander speaks with Tina Purnat, a leading expert on health communication and the social dynamics of information, about the complex realities of navigating health information in today’s digital age. Together, they explore how misinformation spreads, how trust is built and eroded, and what it takes to restore confidence in health systems.
Purnat reflects on the shifting relationship between health authorities, media, and the public, and why trustworthiness — not just trust — lies at the heart of effective health communication. The discussion delves into the role of social media, the growing influence of health influencers, and the importance of cultural context in shaping how people interpret health messages.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How the digital age has transformed the way people seek and believe health information
Why mistrust in institutions has become a public health challenge
The role of social media and influencers in shaping perceptions of health and science
How cultural context affects the success or failure of public health messaging
Why rebuilding trust begins with self-reflection and community engagement
The episode underscores a vital point: tackling misinformation isn’t just about correcting facts — it’s about reconnecting people, communities, and systems through dialogue and empathy.
Chapters:
00:00 The Erosion of Trust in Health Information
02:56 The Role of Social Media in Health Decisions
05:57 Healthcare Providers and Misinformation
09:10 Cultural Contexts in Health Communication
11:52 The Influence of Health Influencers
15:10 Navigating Health Information Chaos
17:56 Building Trust in Health Systems
About Tina Purnat:
Tina Purnat is a global health expert working at the intersection of data, technology, and policy. With over 20 years of experience—including leadership roles at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)— she helps organizations navigate complex health systems and design smarter, evidence-based solutions.
Currently, Tina is Vice President of the Global Health section at the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), an Associate Editor for several peer-reviewed journals, and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate at Harvard University. Her work spans pandemic preparedness, digital health, trustworthy AI standards and systems, and the intersection of digital society with public health. Tina uses innovative, systems-based approaches to help organizations and governments design resilient, ethical, and people-centered health responses in a rapidly changing world.
Follow Tina Purnat here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinadpurnat
Follow Eric Olander here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olander/
Find out more about Salzburg Global at salzburgglobal.org
In this episode of Conversation Changers our President and CEO Martin Weiss sits down with Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times in Europe. Over four decades, Steven has reported from more than 120 countries, serving as bureau chief in cities from Moscow to Jerusalem to London to Bangkok. He's a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his sharp insights on Russia and the shifting balance of power across Europe and beyond.
In this conversation, Steven and Martin discuss the current state of Europe in relation to the United States, the challenges posed by migration, his experiences in Moscow during pivotal moments in history, and the complexities of understanding Putin's narrative regarding Ukraine. The dialogue highlights the shifting dynamics of power, economic decline, and the impact of migration on European societies.
Chapters
00:00 The Decline of Europe: A Historical Perspective
06:01 Migration Challenges in Europe
11:01 Reflections on Moscow: A Journalist's Journey
16:46 Understanding Putin: The Russian Narrative
About Steven Erlanger
Steven Erlanger is the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, covering Europe from his base in Berlin. He writes on foreign policy, European policy, diplomacy, conflict, migration, and integration, with more recent focus on NATO, American foreign policy, Russia, and the war in Ukraine.
He studied political philosophy and government at Harvard and later taught at the Kennedy School of Government. Having grown up during the Vietnam War, attended Woodstock, and found his way into journalism, he began at The Boston Globe before joining The New York Times in 1987.
Erlanger has reported from more than 120 countries, some of them no longer in existence, and has served as bureau chief in London, Bangkok, Moscow, Paris, Jerusalem, Berlin, Brussels, Prague, and Belgrade, as well as chief diplomatic correspondent in Washington.
Among his many honors, he has shared in two Pulitzer Prizes: one in 2002 for coverage of Al Qaeda and another in 2017 for reporting on Russia.
Find out more about Salzburg Global on salzburgglobal.org
To launch Conversation Changers, Eric Olander speaks with Martin Weiss, our President and Chief Executive Officer, to reflect on Salzburg Global’s origins in the aftermath of WWII — and why our mission of fostering dialogue and reconciliation is more urgent than ever.
From the historic setting of Schloss Leopoldskron to the role of the arts and listening in bridging divides, this conversation sets the stage for what’s to come: bold ideas, diverse voices, and stories of transformation.
Find out more about Salzburg Global here: salzburgglobal.org
Change begins with conversation.
For over 75 years, Salzburg Global has brought together diverse voices at Schloss Leopoldskron to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Now, we’re opening the doors even wider.
Introducing Conversation Changers — our brand new podcast where thought leaders, artists, policymakers, and change-makers from around the globe come together to reframe dialogue, explore new ideas, and imagine better futures.
Join us now and be part of changing the conversation!