GovTech Meetup in Kyiv:

Digital Diplomacy, Global Challenges and Ukraine as a Strategic Actor in Digital Innovation

On May 6, Kyiv hosted the second GovTech Meetup, organized by the Global Government Technology Centre (GGTC) Kyiv, the world's second GovTech centre after Berlin, established at the initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine as a global platform for cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of digital transformation with partners around the world.

The GovTech Meetup series, launched by GGTC Kyiv, aims to create a unique platform for the exchange of experience, knowledge and best practices between Ukrainian and international experts in the field of innovation in public administration.

The event brought together digital transformation experts, digitalization leaders and CDTOs (Chief Digital Transformation Officers) from the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant ministries. Other guests included public policy experts and representatives of partner organizations, including the GovTech Alliance.

The keynote speaker was Ieva Ilves, International Advisor to the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and a leading voice in cybersecurity and digital policy. A former First Lady of Estonia, she brings extensive experience in shaping digital and security strategies for NATO and the EU. Ieva is also the founder of several digital education initiatives, a strong advocate for women in tech, and serves on the board of the AI Center in Latvia.

In her presentation “Digital Diplomacy: Lessons Learned and Global Trends”, the speaker described how current geopolitical challenges affect the technological potential of countries and their digitalization strategies, shared the experience of Estonia and Latvia in implementing digital innovations and their impact on national development strategies. The speaker outlined the challenges Ukraine is facing on its way to digital transformation and European integration.

“Digital technology shapes a nation's future today. In the global technology race, the speed of innovation goes hand in hand with the security and resilience of society. Estonia and Latvia show that investing in digital systems and building citizen trust creates powerful tools for society. Ukraine is proving that digital transformation is a key strength when facing modern threats. In today's global tech race, going digital isn't just about convenience – it's about national resilience and security,"

Ieva Ilves

International Advisor to the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on cybersecurity and international outreach

"The topic of cybersecurity and digital transformation has the power to unite diverse stakeholders. It is not only a matter of Ukraine’s post-war recovery, but also an opportunity to strengthen our position as a global leader in digital solutions — even in the face of ongoing russian aggression, including in cyberspace. Ukraine has the potential not only to learn, but also to share its own experience in this field”

Dr. Ilona Khmeleva

Lead of the International Advocacy Cluster at East Europe Foundation.

The event concluded with an open discussion with the audience and a dynamic networking session. Participants exchanged contacts, discussed possible collaborations and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's role as a digital leader in the region.

GGTC Kyiv will continue to organize a series of GovTech Meetups in Kyiv, inviting top speakers and international experts in the field of digital transformation to share experiences, find joint solutions, and strengthen global partnerships.

The Global Government Technology Center (GGTC) in Kyiv became the second GovTech centre in the world after Berlin and the 21st Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in the World Economic Forum network. GGTC Kyiv is supported by EGAP Programme, implemented by East Europe Foundation (EEF) with support from Switzerland, and initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and World Economic Forum.