The Global GovTech Board, an initiative uniting national and federal leaders to transform digital governance, was officially launched this week at Ukraine House Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025. Jointly led by GGTC Berlin and GGTC Kyiv, the Board aims to accelerate innovation, foster global partnerships, and redefine the standards of digital governance in the 21st century.
Through its activities, the Board also plays a pivotal role in shaping the global GovTech agenda, addressing critical challenges such as technology procurement, cybersecurity, and sustainability, and establishing global standards that guide how governments worldwide leverage technology.
The launch of the Global GovTech Board followed the recent establishment of the Global Government Technology Centre (GGTC) in Kyiv in December 2024, aimed to underscore Ukraine’s leadership in digital government transformation and to scale its innovative practices worldwide. Kyiv became the 2nd GovTech Centre globally, after Berlin, and the 21st node in the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network. To remind, GGTC Kyiv was established at an initiative of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine under within the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, implemented by East Europe Foundation with funding from and supported by Switzerland.
The event in Davos was opened with remarks from Zoya Lytvyn, Head of GGTC Kyiv, and Manuel Kilian, Managing Director of GGTC Berlin. Keynote speaker Markus Richter, State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior and Federal Government Commissioner for Information Technology, highlighted the critical importance of international collaboration in digital transformation. Speaking virtually, Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science and Technologies, and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, shared insights on Ukraine’s pioneering role in digital governance. A Letter of Intent was signed by representatives of participating nations and organizations, formalizing their commitment to the Global GovTech Board.
“It is essential for governments worldwide not only to adopt new technologies but also to cooperate in exchanging experiences and best practices. The Global GovTech Board provides a platform for global leaders in IT and digital transformation to work together on addressing global challenges, enhancing GovTech practices, developing joint strategies, and shaping effective, innovative governments for the future,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
“We believe technology has unparalleled power to transform how governments operate. Digitalization is the foundation of an efficient, transparent, and inclusive governance system, ensuring that every citizen can access quality services quickly, seamlessly, and equitably. By embracing smart approaches, automation, AI, and innovative solutions, we are shaping a future where governments become true partners to their citizens. In this vision, technology is not merely a tool — it is a pathway to freedom, opportunity, and progress. The creation of the Global GovTech Board marks a strategic step in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and driving swift, effective responses through cooperation and innovation,” mentioned Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for Eurointegration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
“It is somewhat remarkable that a platform uniting government digital leaders at this scale has not existed until now. We are pleased to make this a reality, building on the foundation of the GGTC Kyiv and Berlin, with the strong support of the Ukrainian and German governments,” added Manuel Kilian, Managing Director of GGTC Berlin.
“The launch of the Global GovTech Board marks a significant milestone in the evolution of worldwide digital governance. By uniting global leaders, the initiative lays the foundation for a connected and efficient digital future. At GGTC Kyiv, we are honoured to cooperate with our colleagues from Berlin and believe in building a global network where governments can share expertise, and create impactful solutions that bring digital transformation closer to every citizen,” commented Zoya Lytvyn, Head of GGTC Kyiv.
The Global GovTech Board is the first global forum to bring together chief information officers (CIOs) and chief digital officers (CDOs) from national and federal governments, Ministers, and official leaders responsible for digital affairs. Its mission is to enhance GovTech practices, share insights, and foster international cooperation to transform government operations and improve citizen services. By providing a platform it will facilitate the exchange of strategic insights, enabling members to share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and co-create strategies that drive the effectiveness of government technology.Cooperation is a central focus of the Board’s activities. Members will work together to develop and implement multi-government and inter-agency projects that improve government performance through shared expertise and joint initiatives.
Another key objective is to strengthen technological sovereignty. By fostering coordinated initiatives and international partnerships, the Board aims to empower governments to maintain greater control over their digital strategies, ensuring that technology serves the public interest and supports national priorities.
“The Global GovTech Board’s launch is not just a milestone in global digital governance but also a reflection of how sustained partnerships can yield transformative results. Over the past decade, the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, implemented by East Europe Foundation and supported by Switzerland, has laid the groundwork for Ukraine’s leadership in GovTech. This initiative builds on that foundation, demonstrating the impact of innovative collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing digital transformation for the benefit of citizens in Ukraine”, added Victor Liakh, President of East Europe Foundation.
