Building Trust in a Digital Age: Blockchain, AI, and
Cyber Security
International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAED-UK)
An Initiative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF-UK)
Chaired by Kostas Kapelas
📍 43 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3NA
🗓️ 22 October 2025
🎥 Watch the full programme: https://youtube.com/live/F5-MoEKiwTY
The International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAED-UK), an initiative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF-UK), convened a thought-provoking evening exploring how emerging technologies can foster trust, transparency, and ethical leadership in the digital era.
Bringing together business innovators, technology specialists, and peacebuilders, the event examined how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Cyber Security can contribute to a more trustworthy and human-centred digital economy.
Speakers and participants discussed the role of technology not only as a driver of efficiency but also as a means of advancing interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values—the core principles of UPF’s peacebuilding vision.
Mr. Enrique Miguel Sánchez Motos, Chair of IAED for Europe and the Middle East, joined via Zoom from Spain to introduce the IAED’s global mission. He discussed the organization's mission to use the economy as a constructive instrument for peace by promoting harmony and sustainability through macroeconomic and microeconomic frameworks. He emphasized the importance of establishing rules for public budgets, monetary stability, private and public property, labor relations, and economic efficiency.
Mr. Santosh Paudel, Secretary General of UPF Asia Pacific, extended his welcome, stressing that trust is the foundation of peace—both in digital systems and in society at large. He highlighted the organization's work in promoting peace and progress through the integration of science, technology, and spiritual values, expressing appreciation for the UK chapter's efforts in advancing these goals.
Speakers included:
- Sam Sharma, Visionary AI & Digital Transformation Consultant, Elevate AI Tech AI-First Businesses: The Future of Intelligent Startups https://youtu.be/-BmziAd0DSc Video of Presentation
Sam Sharma, is a visionary AI & Digital Transformation Consultant with over 20 years of global experience helping leaders simplify complexity and unlock new growth through technology. From his roots in Tier 1 banking to founding successful consultancies in the UK and US, Sam has guided countless businesses to move faster, work smarter, and future-proof their operations. Sam believes AI isn’t just about automation, it’s about amplifying human potential by keeping AI at the heart of the businesses. Today, he’ll share practical insights on how leaders should leverage AI as the core and not just as an add on tool in order to create time, clarity, and momentum. Get ready to be inspired to lead your business into the future with confidence.
- Phillip Franklin, Managing Director, Obsys Ltd From Data to Decisions: Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder https://youtu.be/dv7iTatFOtM Video of Presentation
Phillip Franklin has been designing and building bespoke software applications for over 40 years. Key to that is always to keep up with the latest technologies and tools, so the best solution can always be utilised. He specialises in getting a deep understanding of each businesses requirements, and then using his knowledge of the latest tools, working out a solution that works for everyone. Usually this starts by designing and modelling the system database. Then adding all the layers on top of that, using the appropriate tools for the tasks. By asking the right questions, issues are resolved before any code is written, so solutions written by Obsys tend to last for years, and require little support. He has been looking into AI and Machine learning for over 20 years and is excited by the latest advances in AI functionality. But, as with all new things, there are traps and issues to be avoided, so understanding these new tools is essential to avoid wasted time and money.
- Julian Fox, CEO & Founder, Techrelate Securing Your Digital Identity Online https://youtu.be/69sStRR7XYU Video of Presentation
Julian Fox is the CEO and founder of Techrelate, a technology managed services provider based in London with over 16 years of experience helping businesses safeguard their digital systems and data. A seasoned IT manager and privacy advocate, Julian has dedicated his career to protecting organizations against cyber threats while making complex technology simple, secure, and effective for teams. Passionate about digital identity, encryption, and the human side of cybersecurity, Julian combines technical insight with a practical approach to managing risk in the modern workplace. Beyond Techrelate, he is an advocate for continuous personal growth and enjoys life as a sailor—always searching for fair winds, balance, and new perspectives.
Chair: Kostas Kapelas, IAED-UK
Through real-world examples and thought-provoking insights, this IAED evening will explored how technology can be harnessed to serve people, communities, and peace.
Hosted by:
Universal Peace Federation – UK
A Global Network of Peacebuilders
www.uk.upf.org @ukUPF
Charity No. 1185412
UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN
Speakers Biograhies:
Sam Sharma, Visionary AI & Digital Transformation Consultant, Elevate AI Tech AI-First Businesses: The Future of Intelligent Startups
Sam Sharma, is a visionary AI & Digital Transformation Consultant with over 20 years of global experience helping leaders simplify complexity and unlock new growth through technology. From his roots in Tier 1 banking to founding successful consultancies in the UK and US, Sam has guided countless businesses to move faster, work smarter, and future-proof their operations. Sam believes AI isn’t just about automation, it’s about amplifying human potential by keeping AI at the heart of the businesses. Today, he’ll share practical insights on how leaders should leverage AI as the core and not just as an add on tool in order to create time, clarity, and momentum. Get ready to be inspired to lead your business into the future with confidence.
Phillip Franklin, Managing Director, Obsys Ltd From Data to Decisions: Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Phillip Franklin has been designing and building bespoke software applications for over 40 years. Key to that is always to keep up with the latest technologies and tools, so the best solution can always be utilised. He specialises in getting a deep understanding of each businesses requirements, and then using his knowledge of the latest tools, working out a solution that works for everyone. Usually this starts by designing and modelling the system database. Then adding all the layers on top of that, using the appropriate tools for the tasks. By asking the right questions, issues are resolved before any code is written, so solutions written by Obsys tend to last for years, and require little support. He has been looking into AI and Machine learning for over 20 years and is excited by the latest advances in AI functionality. But, as with all new things, there are traps and issues to be avoided, so understanding these new tools is essential to avoid wasted time and money.
Read also 'Redefining Prosperity: Business Flourishing Through Employee Well-Being' IAED https://uk.upf.org/business-flourishing
#IAED #UPFUK #DigitalTrust #AI #CyberSecurity #Blockchain #PeaceThroughInnovation #Leadership #EthicalTech #UPF20Years