By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Estonia’s former Ambassador
for Digital Affairs, Dr Nele Leosk, has been elected Director of the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development
Bureau at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar.
The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Estonia has welcomed her election, describing it as a major
recognition of the country's digital development experience and values-based
approach to digital transformation.
In a statement following the
election, the ministry said Leosk’s appointment demonstrated that Estonia’s
practical experience in digital development was highly regarded
internationally.
“Nele Leosk’s election shows
that Estonia’s practical experience in digital development and values-based
approach are highly regarded internationally,” the ministry said.
Leosk has worked with more
than 140 countries, helping advance digital transformation, e-governance and
digital capacity building.
The Estonian government said
her leadership of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau would provide an
opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that digital opportunities reach
everyone, regardless of where they live.
“Under her leadership, the
ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau can continue its work to ensure that
digital opportunities reach everyone, regardless of where they live,” the
ministry said.
The ministry also emphasised
Estonia’s commitment to ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive,
secure and creates real opportunities for people.
It said Leosk’s election
would help further promote these principles at the international level.
“Great recognition for
Estonia and our digital nation experience!” the ministry said, congratulating
Leosk and wishing her success in the new position.
Her election places
Estonia's experience in digital government and transformation at the centre of
the ITU's global development agenda, particularly its efforts to expand digital
inclusion and strengthen the digital capabilities of countries worldwide.
