Proving Identity in a Displaced World

How do you rebuild a life when you cannot prove who you are? In this episode, Colin Walsh, Founder of Civitas ID, explores one of the most significant yet often overlooked challenges facing displaced populations: the inability to access trusted forms of identity that are recognised by governments, financial institutions, and employers.

With more than 123 million people displaced worldwide, Colin argues that identity is not simply an administrative issue - it is the foundation for accessing opportunity, financial services, employment, and essential support. Through Civitas ID and its partner organisation, Etymos, he is helping to build the credential infrastructure needed to connect displaced individuals with the systems and services that can enable them to rebuild their lives.

Colin shares how this work combines technology, advocacy, and policy reform to create solutions that are both practical and scalable. Drawing on lessons from pilot programmes in Kenya and Colombia, he reflects on the importance of engaging directly with displaced communities, understanding local contexts, and designing systems around the needs of the people they are intended to serve.

At its core, the conversation highlights the power of identity as an enabler of inclusion. Colin's perspective offers a compelling look at how trusted credentials can unlock access, dignity, and opportunity - and why solving this challenge is critical to supporting displaced populations around the world.

Listen to the full episode here