During the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Ukraine co-founded the world’s first global council, Global GovTech Board, which will bring together digital leaders from around the globe.
Global GovTech Board is a platform for digital transformation leaders from various countries to develop new technological solutions for citizens, enhance cybersecurity, and create joint international projects.
“It is essential that governments worldwide not only adopt new technologies but also unite to share experiences and best practices. Through Global GovTech Board, we are creating a space where world leaders in IT and digital transformation can collaborate to address global challenges, improve govtech practices, develop joint strategies, and build efficient, innovative governments of the future,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development, and the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
The Council will operate permanently, with Ukraine and Germany as co-founders, coordinating its activities through the GovTech centers in Kyiv and Berlin.
“It’s surprising that no such platform for digital leaders of governments at this level has existed. We are thrilled to bring this to life, building on the foundation of GGTC in Kyiv and Berlin with the support of the Ukrainian and German governments,” said Manuel Kilian, CEO of the GGTC in Berlin.
The board will be attended by top IT executives (CIOs) and ministers responsible for digital, including annual meetings to exchange ideas, assess progress, and set strategic priorities. Additional activities such as workshops, events, and working groups will be organized throughout the year.
“We believe that technology has a unique power to transform government operations. Digitalization is the foundation of an effective, transparent, and inclusive system of governance that provides every citizen with quick, easy, and fair access to quality services. By implementing smart approaches, automation, artificial intelligence, and innovative solutions, we are shaping a future where governments become true partners to their citizens. In this vision, technology is not just a tool, but a path to freedom, opportunity, and progress. The establishment of Global GovTech Board represents a strategic step towards addressing the world’s most urgent challenges and delivering rapid and effective solutions through collaboration and innovation,” said Valeria Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration.
The establishment of the Kyiv GovTech Center (GGTC Kyiv) in December 2024 marked the beginning of the implementation of the global council. This center, the second in the world after Berlin, became the 21st node in the global network of the World Economic Forum’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). This achievement underscores Ukraine’s leadership in digital transformation and creates opportunities to share Ukrainian expertise globally.
“The launch of Global GovTech Board is a significant milestone in the evolution of digital governance on a global scale. By uniting leaders from around the world, this initiative lays the foundation for a connected and efficient digital future. At GGTC Kyiv, we are honored to collaborate with our colleagues from Berlin and remain dedicated to building a global network where governments can exchange expertise and develop effective solutions that make digital transformation more accessible to every citizen,” commented Zoya Lytvyn, Head of GGTC Kyiv.
“The launch of Global GovTech Council is not only a pivotal moment in the field of global digital governance but also a testament to how long-term partnerships can yield transformative results. Over the past decade, Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, implemented by East Europe Foundation with the support of Switzerland, has laid the groundwork for Ukraine’s leadership in GovTech. This initiative, made possible by these efforts, exemplifies the impact of innovative cooperation and our shared dedication to advancing digital transformation for the benefit of the citizens of Ukraine,” said Victor Liakh, President of East Europe Foundation.
GGTC Kyiv was established at an initiative of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine within the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, implemented by East Europe Foundation and supported by Switzerland.