Debate: Are digital nomads the new colonizers? Ethics of work-from-abroad

Enjoy deeper conversations? Want to make genuine friends while sharing perspectives? Every Tuesday night we meet to discuss global issues, with the goal to learn from each other and find solutions together.

This week's topic: Digital nomad ethics
Overview: Digital nomads are increasingly criticised for acting like "temporary colonisers" - especially in poorer countries. Locals point out how they overwhelm resources, mix in segregation and lead to gentrification. Another issue which was also associated with "volun-tourism", is misrepresentation of local culture. Are these issues always true? And are there ways to overcome them and create more "ethical" forms of working from abroad?

Easy background reading:
Digital nomad culture is clashing with local culture (Fast Company)
Barcelona's digital nomad nightmare (Vogue)
Local responses to global nomads (University of Melbourne)
Digital Nomads are the new gentrifiers (VICE)
The Rise of Digital Nomads: A New Form of Neo-Colonialism? (Lais Londe)

Let's grow together by discussing highly relevant topics in a constructive and stimulating environment!

KEY INFO
Time: 7:30pm. Please arrive punctually. Our debate starts after some casual socializing until most people arrive. The debate then lasts about 60-90 minutes, and there's some mingling after the debate, too.
Venue: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS
Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway
Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks. Tea, milkshakes, drinks, pizza, hotdogs and nibbles (incl plant-based options) are available at the bar.
Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters.

DEBATE FORMAT
We may adjust depending on the turnout of the evening, but it's usually a table group discussion with turns, styled after Model United Nations (MUN) debates. Typically:
- Introductions and initial thoughts (~15 mins).
- Group breakouts per question (~25 mins per question).
- Final round of opinions (~20 mins).

EVENT ETIQUETTE
(Rules & expectations)
- Debate the topic, not the participants - no personal attacks!
- No phones, no interrupting, no bystanding
- Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines

WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?
We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals.

NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts also attend after work and may happen to arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway. Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.

*Our other weekly events*
- Tuesday and Friday evening socials every week
- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea
- Outdoor fun (hiking, kayaking, etc) every Sunday
- Pub quiz or Canary Wharf evening alternating on Wednesdays
- Dining, cultural and travel activities on-demand

JOIN OUR TEAM!
We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"!

DISCLAIMER
We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Despite careful planning and structure this is a private informal activity, so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any form of harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour. We collaborate with the police if needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our admin decisions may not always be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.
(Image credit: ms. thang on X / Colombia)