AGENDA

08:00 – 09:00 | Registration

09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Ceremony
Welcome address by Tech Diplomacy Forum & UNESCO

Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO
Ayumi Moore Aoki, Founder President of the Tech Diplomacy Forum

09:30 – 10:25 | Plenary Session: The State of Tech Diplomacy & Regional perspectives
A comprehensive overview of the current global tech diplomacy landscape, featuring insights from regional leaders and experts. This session will explore how different regions approach digital cooperation, highlighting successes, challenges, and opportunities for alignment.

Panelists:

• H.E. Albertus Aochamub, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and UNESCO
• Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, Mr. Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Netcompany – former Deputy Secretary-General Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Dr Hoda Alkhzaimi, National Expert on Advanced Sciences Research and Future Economy, UAE
• Marielza Oliveira, Chair and External Member of the Advisory Committee, UNU-EGOV

Moderator: Hwalani Mabaso, Women in Tech G20 Representative for South Africa

10:30 – 10:45 | Ignite Talk: ‘How to Build a World’ by Dex Hunter-Torricke
We stand at an inflection point unlike any in human history. The next decade will bring technological capabilities that could solve humanity’s greatest challenges—or accelerate our worst crises. Drawing from two decades of experience at the epicenter of global politics and the tech revolution, from the United Nations to SpaceX, Dex Hunter-Torricke explores the kaleidoscopic futures now emerging and why they demand fundamentally new forms of global cooperation.

10:45 – 11:10 | Coffee Break (Main hall)

11:10 – 12:00 | Panel Discussion: Digital Sovereignty & Global Cooperation, Navigating the Complexities of a Polarized Digital World
This panel will discuss the intricate challenges and opportunities surrounding digital sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected yet politically fragmented global landscape. Expert panelists will explore the delicate balance between national digital autonomy and international cooperation.

Panelists:

• Manas Chawla, Founder and CEO London Politica and Co-founder and Director Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy
• Audrey Plonk, Deputy Directors of the Directorate for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) at the OECD
• Biljana Braithwaite, CEO Sustineri Partners
• Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss (EPP group) in the European Parliament
• Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank [ONLINE]

Moderator: Kathryn Rose, Tech Diplomacy Forum Special Envoy 

• Philippe Vogeleer, Non-Executive Director, Global Partners For Digital Development
• Georja Calvin-Smith, News anchor and Presenter of Eye on Africa and Across Africa, France24

12:20 – 13:00 | Panel Discussion: Building Capacity Across Diplomacy and Tech
This session will focus on the critical topic of enhancing digital capabilities within both diplomatic services and technology companies worldwide. The discussion will explore how modern diplomacy and the tech sector are being transformed by digital technologies, and the collaborative steps needed to ensure that diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders are equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age. Panelists will share perspectives on capacity building, cross-sector partnerships, and the skills required for effective global digital engagement.

Panelists:

• Titi Akinsami, Public Policy thought leader on the digital economy, Board member of Global Digital Inclusion Partnership
• Ashutosh Chadha, Senior Director UN Affairs and International Organisations at Microsoft
• Prof Saman Sarbazvatan, COO and Vice Dean Ecole des Ponts Business School

Moderator: Dr Doaa Abu Elyounes, Programme Specialist on Ethics of AI, UNESCO

Please note that lunch is not provided. Participants are invited to explore the numerous restaurants and cafés in the surrounding area.

14:30 – 15:15 | Panel Discussion: Cybersecurity and Disinformation: Diplomatic Strategies for a Secure Digital Future
This panel will explore the critical intersection of cybersecurity, disinformation, and international diplomacy. As cyber threats and information warfare continue to evolve, diplomatic efforts are crucial in fostering global cooperation to address these challenges.

Panelists:

• Ana Cristina Ruela, Senior Programme Specialist, Freedom of Expression and Information, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO
• Antoine Jardin, Co-Founder & CTO, Arlequin AI
  
• Prof Jamil N. Jaffer, Founder & Executive Direction, National Security Institute, GMU Law School, Venture Partner, Paladin Capital Group
• Moctar Yedaly, The GFCE, Africa Region Director · The Global Forum for Cyber Expertise (ONLINE)

Moderator: Georgiana Dragomir, Strategy Officer, NATO office of the chief Scientist 

15:20 – 15:50 | Oxford Style Debate: Tech companies should have formal representation in international diplomatic forums
This debate explores the evolving role of technology companies in global governance and diplomacy. As tech giants increasingly influence international affairs, questions arise about their appropriate level of involvement in diplomatic processes traditionally reserved for nation-states.

PROPONENTS

• Katarina Wallin Bureau, General Manager for strategic relations, European Government Affairs, Microsoft
• TBC

OPPONENTS

• Dr Katrin Le Maire, Strategy Advisor and Independent Scientific Researcher
• Simon Saneback, Serial Entrepreneur and Technology Investor

Moderator:
Sagufta Janif, Tech Policy Advisor/Consultant- Pacific Region, Women in Tech Fiji Director

15:50 – 16:15 | Coffee Break

16:15 – 17:00 | Panel Discussion: Bridging the Digital Divide in the Global South
Panelists will explore strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing global digital inequalities, discussing the importance of access to technology, digital literacy, and inclusive policies in creating a more equitable digital future. The discussion will give particular attention to Africa’s perspectives and engage key stakeholders, including youth, civil society and grassroots organizations, essential in bridging the digital divide.

Panelists:

• Savannah Maziya, Minister of Information, Communications and Technology for the Kingdom of Eswatini
• Julio Pertuze, Professor, University of Chile
• Elisabeth Moreno, Chair of the Board Ring Capital, President Femmes @ Numérique, former Minister of Equality of France
• Nele Leosk, Team Lead, Knowledge Hub Digital, European Commission, Former Ambassador for Digital Affairs, Estonia

Moderator: Amal Kasry, CHIEF of Section for Basic Science, Research, Innovation and Engineering at UNESCO

17:00 – 17:45 | Panel Discussion: Tech Diplomacy for Gender Equality
This panel will examine how diplomatic initiatives can address the growing gender digital divide globally. Experts will explore policy frameworks, international cooperation mechanisms, and strategic interventions needed to ensure women’s equal participation in the digital economy and tech governance. The discussion will highlight successful initiatives, barriers to progress, and actionable solutions for creating a more inclusive digital future through emerging technologies and diplomatic channels.

Panelists:

• Begona Lasagabaster, Director of the Gender Equality Division, UNESCO
• H.E. Delphine O, Ambassador-at-Large and Secretary General Generation Equality Forum
• Chiara Corazza, France Representative G20 EMPOWER
• Dr Rachel Adams, CEO and Founder, Global Center on AI Governance 

Moderator: Dr Anino Emuwa, Managing Director of Avandis Consulting, Founder 100 Women @ Davos

17:45 – 18:00 | Closing

Martin Rauchbauer, Senior Austrian Diplomat and a Tech Governance Expert