Ukraine continues to actively implement the most advanced digital technologies in all spheres of life. It is also gradually becoming a global leader in the digital transformation of governments and states.

During the Diia in Zurich Summit, Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Alois Zwinggi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, and Victor Liakh, President of the East Europe Foundation, signed a memorandum on the opening of the Global Government Technology Centre Kyiv (GGTC Kyiv).

"In 2019, we started building a digital state literally from scratch, and today Ukraine will become the second country in the world to open a Global Government Technology Centre. This is definitely not a coincidence, we have created one of the best technological solutions for governments - the Diia. It's great that international partners consider Diia to be a full-fledged case study, and the experience of Ukraine's digital transformation to be an example for other countries," said Mykhailo Fedorov.

The Centre will focus on the digital transformation of the Government, the development of e-governance and digital skills. It will become part of the World Economic Forum's network of Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR).

"The Centre in Ukraine will contribute to our global efforts to unlock the significant potential of digital technologies to improve public services and create new opportunities. The Centre will be a catalyst for public-private collaboration that will promote the development of digital technologies and innovations at such a critical time for Ukraine and Europe," said Mirek Dušek.

The Centre in Kyiv will bring together representatives from various fields, including government, business, civil society, and academia, to discuss and cooperate on digital reforms.

For its part, Ukraine will share its best govtech practices and digital experience.

"We will focus on the best practices of digital transformation and innovation in Ukraine. We will also jointly develop projects and disseminate knowledge in the field of education for the digital transformation of the civil service, as we strive to contribute to strengthening the community of digital ministers and leaders around the world," added Valeria Ionan.

The East Europe Foundation will administer the Centre and ensure its effective operation. The first Global Government Technology Centre is already operating in Berlin, Germany.

"The opening of the Global Government Technology Centre Kyiv, which will be supported by the East Europe Foundation, confirms Ukraine's status as a global leader in innovative digital solutions, ready to share its best govtech practices and experience with the world," said Viktor Liakh.

The new Centre will also participate in the activities of the World Economic Forum and join the Forum's 4IR platforms and community. This will enable Ukrainian startups and innovators to share their experience with foreign partners and accelerate digital reforms in Ukraine.

Background Information

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January this year, the parties preliminarily agreed to open the centre in Kyiv. Hence, the signing of the memorandum is the next step in the project's implementation.