The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the World Economic Forum have agreed on a partnership to develop digitization, signing a letter of intent in Davos. The document was signed by Vice Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science, and Technology, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov, President of the World Economic Forum Børge Brende, and the Forum's Managing Director Jeremy Jurgens.
"In 2019, Ukraine redefined the concept of a digital state: we chose a mobile-first approach and launched the government super app Diia. This has shaped the culture of digital transformation in Ukraine and influences the entire world. Governments of other countries are interested in our experience, and we are already cooperating and sharing our experience in launching a government application in Estonia. The opening of the GovTech Center in Kyiv in collaboration with the World Economic Forum is a logical next step, and our team is very excited about this partnership," noted Mykhailo Fedorov.
One of the main outcomes of the collaboration will be the opening of the GovTech Center in Kyiv. This platform will focus on developing government technologies, bringing together scientists, business leaders, technology companies, the public sector, and global communities associated with the Forum.
The center will address topics such as government digital transformation, the development of e-governance, and digital skills. Ukrainian startups and innovators will have the opportunity to exchange experiences with foreign partners and accelerate digital reforms in Ukraine through this center.
"We highly appreciate the inspired work of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, implementing digitization under the most challenging conditions. This not only demonstrates the resilience of the Ukrainian government and citizens but also of the country's digital infrastructure. The creation of a new center in Ukraine will undoubtedly help the country develop new partnerships and strengthen its achievements in the GovTech sphere," said Jeremy Jurgens.
The first Global Government Tech Center (GGTC), which will focus on innovations in the public sector, digital transformation, and the application of cutting-edge technologies in government and public sector organizations, will soon be operational in the German capital, Berlin (GGTC Berlin). Ukraine will become the second country in the world to host such a platform. This underscores that international partners highly value the development of innovation and technology in Ukraine. Despite the full-scale war, the country continues to progress and set global trends.