The future of collaboration platforms: Insights from Open Social Summit Fireside Panel

The conversation opened with a reflection on how digital platforms support cooperation across borders and between organizations. Gayan explained that collaboration at the global level is becoming more interdependent. Challenges such as climate change, crisis response and sustainable development require networks of institutions rather than isolated teams. Platforms like SparkBlue help bring these networks together by offering shared spaces for consultation, learning and discussion. According to Gayan, the ambition is to create environments where expertise and experience flow easily from one team to another.

Zarko reinforced this idea from the perspective of the World Bank. He described how the Bank works with governments, partners and regional teams that must stay aligned on policy and operations. Digital platforms help create this alignment by offering structured spaces to share insights and coordinate work. Zarko noted that the most valuable tools are those that support long-term learning. When staff can access knowledge produced in another region or project, the institution becomes more effective and resilient. Collaboration platforms are essential to making that knowledge accessible across teams.

Paul added a perspective shaped by his work at Upsun, where he focuses on building tools for community and data management. He emphasized the importance of interoperability. Organizations use many different platforms. If these platforms cannot speak to each other collaboration becomes slow and fragmented. Paul argued that the future of digital work depends on systems that exchange data smoothly and operate with shared standards. This allows organizations to create unified digital ecosystems instead of scattered tools.

A key theme that emerged early in the discussion was trust. Gayan highlighted that global communities depend on trust to function. People must trust the information they receive, the data practices of platforms and the reliability of the systems they use. Without trust, participation collapses. Gayan noted that responsible AI plays an essential role in strengthening trust. Human-centered design, transparent models and clear data protection policies allow organizations to use AI without creating fear or uncertainty among members.

Zarko connected trust to governance. Large institutions need clear rules that explain who manages data, who can publish content and how decisions are made. Governance ensures accountability. It also helps avoid the confusion that arises when multiple teams use the same platform without coordination. Zarko explained that well-defined governance models allow collaboration platforms to grow while maintaining quality and reliability.

The panel also explored how AI will shape the future of collaboration. Paul described how AI can assist with classification, search and content discovery. As communities grow, it becomes harder for members to navigate large collections of resources. AI helps surface the most relevant content and reduces the time required to find key information. He emphasized that AI should be used to empower users rather than replace their judgment. Tools that assist with context, summarization or structure help people make informed decisions.

Gayan agreed and explained that at UNDP, AI supports, rather than directs, community interaction. For example, AI can highlight important discussions or identify emerging issues across the global network. These signals help moderators guide conversations and help staff focus on areas that need attention. Gayan also noted that AI helps connect knowledge across regions. When an insight from a project in Africa is relevant for a team in Asia, AI can surface that connection quickly. This helps turn dispersed knowledge into shared learning.

Zarko added that the potential of AI becomes even more powerful when platforms use open standards. Models need access to clean and well-structured data to generate reliable insights. Standards help ensure that information remains usable across different systems and organizations. When institutions adopt similar frameworks, it becomes easier to collaborate and to integrate tools. Shared standards reduce duplication and help organizations focus on solving problems rather than managing incompatible technologies.

Another topic that emerged was the human dimension of collaboration. Technology can create the conditions for cooperation, but it does not replace human relationships. Zarko noted that communities succeed when people feel connected and engaged. Collaboration platforms help create these connections, but they must be designed with empathy. Tools should support diverse users and reflect the needs of teams across cultures and contexts. The panel agreed that human connection remains central even as AI becomes more common.

Gayan emphasized the importance of equity. Global platforms must protect marginalized voices and ensure that diverse perspectives are included. AI should not amplify biases or exclude contributors. Responsible development includes testing models in different contexts and listening to feedback from communities. This ensures that digital collaboration serves everyone rather than a narrow group of users.

As the discussion moved toward the future, the panelists agreed that collaboration will continue to become more integrated. Institutions will rely on ecosystems rather than standalone tools. AI will assist with complexity. Standards will ensure interoperability. Governance will protect trust. Human participation will guide impact. Together, these elements define the direction for the next generation of community platforms.

In closing, the panel highlighted that the goal of digital collaboration is to help organizations work with more clarity and purpose. Whether addressing development challenges, supporting government programs or managing large networks, collaboration platforms help people share insights, coordinate efforts and build collective intelligence. The fireside conversation offered a vision shaped by experience and grounded in values. It showed that the future of collaboration will depend on open ecosystems, responsible AI, and the belief that people achieve more when they work together.

‍