On May 6, 2025, representatives of the GovTech Alliance of Ukraine (GTA UA) took part in the GovTech Meetup on Digital Diplomacy organized by our partners at the Global Government Technology Centre in Kyiv (GGTC Kyiv).

The special guest of the event was Eva Ilves — cybersecurity expert, advisor to the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and former First Lady of Estonia.

Participants discussed key challenges in digital governance, cybersecurity, public trust in government services, and the strategic role of technology in the global geopolitical context. Ms. Ilves shared insights based on Estonia’s, Latvia’s, and Ukraine’s journeys toward building digital states.

One of the central messages: Ukraine should not only focus on IT exports but also invest in building a strong national brand as a digital state — one based on:

• public trust in digital services,
• high-level tech expertise,
• and institutional capacity.
  

These elements are essential for increasing Ukraine’s influence on the international stage and boosting its investment attractiveness.

Special attention was given to WINWIN — Ukraine’s Global Innovation Strategy until 2030. Its success depends heavily on effective public-private collaboration, including the involvement of GovTech companies and the broader innovation ecosystem in creating practical and scalable digital solutions.

GTA UA extends its thanks to GGTC Kyiv and Eva Ilves for the inspiring discussion. Events like this not only strengthen the GovTech ecosystem but also build Ukraine’s resilience in wartime and shape its digital future.

Photo: Global Government Technology Centre in Kyiv.‍