Agenda

 Gitanjali Sah is an experienced International Civil Servant and has worked with several United Nations Organizations like ITU, UNESCO and UNDP in the field of ICT on Development related policy and implementation issues at an international, regional and national level. At present she is working with the International Telecommunication Union and is focussed on the coordination of global digital UN Processes like World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and others to achieve the internationally agreed development goals.

She has an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge, UK and a Masters from the Jawarhar Lal Nehru University, India.

Ms. Zhang joined UNCTAD in October 2009, working on trade negotiations and commercial diplomacy until July 2020. She has since been heading the science, technology and innovation policy section, whose work includes servicing the UNCSTD and participating in the UNTFM.

Before joining UNCTAD, she worked in China’s Ministry of Commerce and spent 7 years in the Chinese Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

Since 2007, Ryszard works in the United Nations Specialized Agency - the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He is currently working as a Counsellor in the External Relations Division under the Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector.  The Division is responsible for managing WIPO’s interactions and partnerships with external stakeholders, including Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-governmental Organizations and Industry.

Previously, he was the focal point for cooperation with a number of Central European and Balkan countries, where he coordinated WIPO support for the implementation of national and regional projects, such as the development/implementation of national IP strategies, updating national IP legislation, IP training, as well as building national and international private/public and public/public partnerships. 
 
Before joining WIPO he gained experience in law companies and public institutions. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Law in Poland, specializing in IP and new technologies. He also studied international management and economics in Germany.

Dr. Morten is an expert in the digital transformation of the public sector and society, focusing on innovative technology applications to enhance public service efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity. With experience in over 40 countries, his work spans innovation, government transformation, and technology, including policy development, ICT project evaluation, and digital engagement. He is an author, presenter on digital transformation, and holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration, Innovation and Technology.

Dr. Siope Vakataki 'Ofa is an expert with over two decades of experience in sustainable development, specializing in public policy analysis and advisory on digital transformation, with a focus on digital infrastructure, technologies, and data. His extensive national and international career includes roles with the UN, WTO, and multilateral development banks. He has notably led research and UN development projects, fostering regional collaboration to enhance digital infrastructure connectivity and drive digital transformation for reduced digital divides.