"Tallin Digital Summit 2023" Debrief
- Sirine Ameur
The Tallinn Digital Summit (TDS) 2023, a significant gathering of policymakers, practitioners, and experts dedicated to discussions on the future of digital governance was a great opportunity for GovStack to showcase its active engagement and valuable contributions.
ITU presence (Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Hani Eskandar, Yolanda Martinez, Jaroslaw Ponder, Valentina Stadnic) was marked by two significant events, each aligned with our commitment to advancing digital governance, promoting inclusivity, and empowering women in the tech sector.
GovStack Side Event
ITU joined the efforts with the GovStack founding partners in organising the GovStack Side Event at the TDS. It focused on the evolving landscape of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPGs). DPI encompasses the critical components of connectivity, legal frameworks, and more, which collectively foster open, inclusive, secure, and resilient digital societies. DPGs, such as data sharing and registries, are essential components of this landscape.
Our involvement underscored the importance of these concepts in the digital transformation journey. We highlighted the challenges faced by governments worldwide in harnessing the potential of DPI and DPGs, such as resource limitations and traditional administrative processes. Our contributions were closely aligned with global initiatives like the UN Digital Public Goods Alliance which prioritize DPI and DPGs in their digitalization agendas.
TDS session on “Welcoming the 1st Cohort of GovStack Women in GovTech Challenge 2023”
Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivered the keynote, and several exception women (including Nele Leosk and Katharina Mänz) shared their insights on the importance of gender parity in tech and women's role in driving digital transformation. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to empowering women in government digital teams and the broader GovTech ecosystem.
The challenge provides participants with valuable skills for developing citizen-centric digital government services and effectively managing digital teams. During the session, participants were well-informed about the unique opportunities to interact with experienced mentors and expand their global network. Notably, the challenge leverages the GovStack building block approach, an innovative methodology for creating digital solutions.
By participating in this event, GovStack reinforced its dedication to promoting diversity and gender parity in the tech sector. This initiative aims to challenge gender stereotypes and provide equal opportunities for both men and women in technology. GovStack's support was instrumental in bringing together 215 exceptional women from around the world, who recognize the potential of technology to create a more equitable future.
Our engagement in the Tallinn Digital Summit underscored our commitment to driving digital governance, fostering diversity, and accelerating global digital transformation.