Known for: Advancing global AI governance discussions

Philip Thigo is Kenya's Special Envoy on Technology, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's digital policies and international technological engagements. In this capacity, he advises on data innovation and open government, influencing Kenya's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital governance.

In October 2023, Thigo was appointed to the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, contributing to global AI governance discussions. As the Executive Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, he leads initiatives on the continent's participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Thigo's expertise spans digital governance, financial inclusion, and technological innovation, enabling him to shape AI policies across various sectors.

Known for: Promoting human rights within technology policy

Carly Kind promotes digital rights both in Australia and around the world. Kind served as the Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, an independent research organisation, focused on leading government policies in data and AI that would benefit society. In 2024, Kind became Australia’s Privacy Commissioner, further solidifying her role in shaping AI-related policy and governance at a national level.

With a background in human rights law, Kind’s work sits at the intersection of technology policy and human rights. Kind has collaborated with the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and various UN bodies on international AI governance discussions, leading discussions on digital rights, privacy, and data protection.

Known for: Leading conversations on AI governance

Ashley Casovan leads conversations on AI governance in Canada. Casovan heads the IAPP AI Governance Center to address the growing AI governance profession. In the past, Casovan served as the Executive Director of the Responsible AI Institute (RAII), a non-profit organisation dedicated to mitigating harm from AI systems through the development of an accredited responsible AI certification programme.

Casovan previously served as the Director of Data and Digital for the Government of Canada, where she led the development of the world's first national government policy for responsible AI. Through work in the public sector at municipal and federal levels, Casovan has been dedicated to creating sustainable AI policies.

Known for: Spearheading UN's policies on technology

Amandeep Singh Gill spearheads the UN's policy initiatives and technology efforts. Gill leads the creation of a global set of policies encouraging the ethical use and governance of emerging technologies like AI. Previously, Gill was the Executive Director of the UN’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation and India’s Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament. In 2017, Gill helped set up the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence for India’s Economic Transformation.

In addition, Gill is a member of the Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI and the Scientific Advisory Board. Gill advocates for inclusive AI development and research collaboration that addresses global challenges within international digital health, strategic technologies, and more, to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Known for: The safe use of data in the AI era

Haksoo Ko's expertise in data, law, economics, and artificial intelligence has positioned him as a key figure shaping South Korea's approach to AI governance, with potential influence on global standards. In his current role as Chairman of South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), he plays a crucial role in overseeing AI-related data protection policies in the country. A former law professor, Ko has served as the President of the Korean Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law and the Vice President of the Seoul National University AI Research Institute.

Under his leadership, the PIPC has taken proactive steps to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence while balancing innovation and privacy concerns. Ko has spearheaded efforts to develop a new regulatory framework for AI, as well as policy and adoption guidelines, focusing on the safe use of personal data in the AI era. He emphasises the need for a pragmatic approach that minimises risks to data privacy without stifling innovation.

Known for: Advancing AI safety governance in the UK

Oliver Ilott is the Director of the UK's AI Safety Institute, a government body dedicated to ensuring the safe advancement of artificial intelligence technologies. In this role, he leads efforts to test advanced AI systems and inform policymakers about their risks, fostering collaboration across sectors to mitigate potential threats.

Prior to this position, Ilott served as Deputy Principal Private Secretary to Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak. His extensive experience in government has been instrumental in shaping the UK's approach to AI safety, emphasising the importance of rigorous evaluation and responsible development. Under his leadership, the AI Safety Institute has become a pivotal entity in the global discourse on AI governance, working to establish standards and best practices that address emerging challenges in the field.

Known for: Pioneering AI governance as the world's first AI minister

Omar bin Sultan Al Olama is the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Appointed in October 2017, he leads national initiatives to integrate AI technologies across various sectors, aiming to position the UAE as a global leader in digital innovation.

Prior to his ministerial role, Al Olama contributed to the development of the UAE's Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the UAE Centennial 2071 strategy, which aspires to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by its centennial. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing the UAE's digital economy and promoting the ethical use of AI. In recognition of his impact, Al Olama was included in Time magazine's 2023 list of the 100 most influential people in AI.

Known for: Leading the UK's AI governance efforts

Sarah Munby is the Permanent Secretary at the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), leading the department since its inception in 2023. In this role, she focuses on advancing the UK's position as a global leader in science and technology, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.

Prior to DSIT, Munby served as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) from July 2020 to February 2023, overseeing a wide range of issues from employment law to investment in offshore wind. Under her leadership, DSIT has been instrumental in organising the AI Safety Summit and recruiting leading AI safety experts, reflecting her commitment to positioning the UK at the forefront of AI governance and innovation.

Known for: Leading Chile's AI policy and strategy

Aisén Etcheverry is a Chilean lawyer and politician with over a decade of experience in various government roles. Since 2023, she has served as Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation. In this position, Etcheverry has advanced significant initiatives focused on protecting personal data, ensuring open access to knowledge, and fostering the growth of high-tech ventures. Etcheverry is responsible for overseeing Chile’s AI policy and the AI Bill, which aims to encourage the creation, development, innovation, and implementation of human-centred artificial intelligence. The bill adopts a regulatory framework that balances self-regulation with a risk-based approach.

Known for: Regulating AI on a national scale

Zhuang Rongwen leads AI regulation on a national scale in China. Rongwen serves as the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the nation’s principal internet regulatory authority. Under his leadership, the CAC has implemented comprehensive regulations on generative AI technologies, making China the first country to implement regulations around generative AI.

Under Zhuang’s leadership, China has introduced numerous regulations impacting algorithms, generative AI, and censorship. Zhuang has raised concerns about issues such as data privacy, the opaque nature of large language models, and the potential risks associated with generative AI.

Known for: Algorithmic accountability

Ted Lieu represents California's 36th district in Congress and is a leading voice in AI policy. With a background in computer science, he advocates for responsible AI development and oversight. His focus includes ethical considerations, technological innovation, and addressing potential risks such as those associated with autonomous weapons and facial recognition technology.

In 2023, he introduced the Algorithmic Accountability Act, aiming to establish federal oversight for AI systems. Lieu has consistently highlighted the need for transparency, ensuring AI technologies are developed with public interest at their core.

His work has advanced discussions around balancing innovation with ethics in AI governance, particularly in protecting civil liberties and ensuring equitable AI deployment. Known for his pragmatic approach, Lieu’s legislative efforts focus on creating a policy framework that addresses AI’s societal implications while promoting the US as a leader in technological advancement.

Known for: Ethical AI frameworks and governance

Emily Campbell-Ratcliffe is the Head of AI Assurance at the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), focusing on ethical AI frameworks and governance. She oversees the development of assurance ecosystems to promote trustworthy AI deployment.

Previously, she led the AI monitoring function at the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI), focusing on transformative technologies. Campbell-Ratcliffe has also represented the UK at the OECD’s AI governance forums and contributed to expert groups on AI risk and accountability. Her work includes frameworks that guide responsible AI use in public services and governance. Known for her expertise in AI assurance, Campbell-Ratcliffe is a key advocate for deploying AI technologies that align with ethical principles and public interest.

Known for: Bettering public services with AI

Barbara Ubaldi leads the Digital Government and Data Unit at the OECD, driving the adoption of AI and digital strategies to enhance public services and governance across member countries. Her work focuses on promoting inclusive digital transformation and fostering trust in AI deployment.

Ubaldi has contributed to key OECD frameworks, including the 2014 Recommendation on Digital Government Strategies and the 2019 Digital Government Policy Framework. She also led the development of the Recommendation on Enhanced Access and Sharing of Data, addressing cultural challenges in digital transformation.

Her contributions to AI governance include developing frameworks for ethical AI use and helping governments leverage data for better decision-making. Ubaldi is known for advancing sustainable and inclusive digital innovation, ensuring public trust in technology.

Known for: Upholding an ethical and sustainable AI

Clare Stark is UNESCO’s Sous Sherpa for the G20, where she is leading UNESCO’s contribution to the High-Level Task Force on AI, data governance and innovation for sustainable development – a priority of the South African G20 Presidency in 2025. She is an expert in international relations with over 20 years of experience. In her previous role as the UN Coordination Officer in UNESCO's Priority Africa and External Relations Sector, she focused on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and neurotechnology, while fostering strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors.

She represented the organisation in global UN processes and task forces on AI and neurotechnology. Ms Stark co-chaired the High-Level Committee on Programmes Interagency Group on AI, uniting 40 UN entities to promote ethical AI development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Known for her leadership in fostering collaboration and ethical governance of emerging technologies, Ms Stark has driven multilateral cooperation to ensure AI adoption adheres to ethical standards and supports sustainable development.

Known for: AI and law expertise

Dr Latifa Al-Abdulkarim is a member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council and a global leader in AI governance. She serves on the UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI, leading efforts on international interoperability in AI governance, and plays a pivotal role in drafting and reviewing regulations on data and emerging technologies.

With over 17 years of expertise in applied research, specialising in AI and law, Al-Abdulkarim has advised the Saudi government on AI strategy and governance, contributed to G20 AI policy, and collaborated with international organisations including the OECD, ITU, and UNESCO on ethics and governance frameworks for AI. She is also a former Assistant Professor of Computer Science at King Saud University and visiting researcher at the University of Liverpool. Recognised globally for her work, Al-Abdulkarim champions ethical, human-centred AI adoption and global collaboration.

Known for: Building robust, ethical AI frameworks

Elizabeth Kelly is the Director of the US AI Safety Institute (AISI) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where she leads efforts to advance the science of AI safety and mitigate the risks posed by advanced AI systems. Her team, composed of experts from diverse fields, develops testing, evaluations, and guidelines to ensure safe AI innovation in the US and globally.

Previously, Kelly served as Special Assistant to the President on the National Economic Council, focusing on AI governance, privacy, and financial stability. She spearheaded domestic AI policy initiatives under the AI Executive Order and helped lead international collaboration on AI governance.

With experience as VP of Growth at Capital One Investing and Senior Policy Advisor on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, Kelly brings expertise in technology, policy, and finance. She holds an MSc from Oxford and a JD from Yale and is recognised for shaping robust, ethical AI safety frameworks.

Known for: Shaping EU-wide AI regulations

Roberto Viola, Director-General of the European Commission's DG CNECT since 2015, has played a crucial role in shaping the EU's AI governance and regulation. He has advocated for international cooperation on AI, particularly with the US, UK, Japan, Korea, and Canada, and has implemented G-7 principles on AI regulation.

Viola oversaw the establishment of the EU's AI Office and has been key in developing comprehensive regulations, including the AI Act, Digital Services Act, and Data Act. His focus is on enforcing existing rules rather than creating new ones, while also promoting investment in computing infrastructure and collaboration among startups, researchers, and industries in AI development, significantly influencing AI policy across the EU.

Known for: Giving European innovators a voice in regulatory frameworks

Marloes Pomp is Vice President of the European AI Forum, responsible for international partnerships within the Netherlands AI Coalition, and a Web3 advisor at the Dutch Blockchain Coalition. The European AI Forum, launched in June 2020, initially planned as a conference aligned with each Council Presidency, has evolved into a network working to ensure that startups and innovators in Member States have a voice in building AI regulatory frameworks.

Within the Netherlands AI Coalition, Pomp has been instrumental in building a European Network of ELSA (Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects) labs. In these labs, researchers from knowledge institutions and public and private organisations contribute to knowledge about the development and application of reliable and ethical AI.

Known for: Influencing the direction of European AI regulation

Brando Benifei is an Italian MEP currently serving his second term. In 2020, he joined the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age, where his involvement led to his appointment as a rapporteur for the AI Act. Benifei also serves on several other European Parliament committees, including the Intergroup on the Digital Agenda and the Intergroup on Anti-Corruption.

Recognised as a leading advocate for AI regulation, he has been particularly vocal about restricting the use of real-time facial recognition technology by law enforcement. His work is deeply focused on shaping European AI policy, tackling challenges such as the private sector's adoption of AI and its potential effects on the workforce.

Known for: Leading global efforts in AI safety and multilateral governance

Matt Clifford currently serves as Chair of the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, an £800m organisation with a mandate to drive breakthrough research.

In 2023, Clifford led preparations for the inaugural AI Safety Summit, hosted at Bletchley Park (UK), as the Prime Minister’s special representative. Clifford’s leadership in convening the summit fostered early global cooperation on AI governance. He also designed the framework for the UK Frontier AI Taskforce, now the UK AI Safety Institute, and continues to shape its work as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board.

In 2024, he spearheaded the creation of the UK’s AI Action Plan, which outlines plans to enhance growth and productivity. Clifford is also the co-founder and Chair of Entrepreneur First, the world’s leading talent investor, which has helped create startups now valued at over $11 billion. He was recognised with a CBE for services to AI in 2024.

Known for: Shaping AI governance for security and defence in Europe

Nathalie Loiseau is a French politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019, where she serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence. Loiseau has contributed to AI governance work in the European Parliament, with a focus on the security and defence implications of AI. She is a member of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age.

Loiseau’s career includes 26 years in France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a tenure as Director of the École nationale d'administration (ENA) from 2012 to 2017. In 2022, she published The Coming War We Don’t See Coming, which explores how disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks pose a threat to European peace and stability. Her leadership is shaping Europe’s response to evolving global security challenges, including the emergence of powerful new technologies.

Known for: Establishing global standards for trustworthy AI governance

Dr Nozha Boujemaa is a leading expert in artificial intelligence governance, currently serving as Global Vice President of AI Innovation and Trust at the French retail company Decathlon. Previously, Boujemaa was Vice-Chair of the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence, where she co-authored the landmark Ethical Guidelines for Trustworthy AI policy. She also played a pivotal role at the OECD as Co-Chair of the AI Expert Group, translating principles for trustworthy AI into actionable frameworks.

Her interdisciplinary expertise stems from founding DATAIA, France’s first interdisciplinary AI institute, and serving as Director of the Inria Saclay Research Centre, where she supervised over 25 PhDs. Boujemaa continues to share her expertise on AI risk and accountability for public policy development. She advises the French Prime Minister's AI committee and the World Economic Forum on digital trust.

Known for: Economic strategy for AI and other technology

Jos de Groot has held various roles across the Dutch civil service, including serving as Director for Energy Production at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Currently, he focuses on critical topics such as digital sovereignty and infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in shaping discussions in the Netherlands and across Europe. De Groot is also a member of the Strategy Team at the Dutch AI Coalition, a public-private partnership established in October 2019. This initiative brings together government, industry, and educational and research institutions to accelerate AI developments in the Netherlands. Through this role, de Groot has significant influence over the country’s AI landscape.

Known for: Devising policies and guidance for responsible AI use

As Chief Information Officer and Administrator at the US Office of Management and Budget, Clare Martorana has overseen the creation of key policies and guidance about the responsible use of AI under the Biden Administration. Previously, Martorana's work focused on improving and simplifying people's digital experiences when interacting with businesses and government. For example, when working for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Martorana helped significantly modernise their digital services for veterans.

In her current role as CIO, Martorana has been involved in creating pivotal guidance on responsible AI use, including AI acquisition guidance for federal agencies and a government-wide policy to strengthen AI safety and security while promoting innovation.

Known for: Using AI to enhance the impact evaluation of development work

Samuel Fraiberger is the AI Program Lead at the World Bank. A data scientist by training, his work focuses on using machine learning to scale development impact. He also serves as a visiting researcher at the NYU Center for Data Science, a fellow at MIT Connection Science, and a senior research affiliate at Data-Pop Alliance.

Fraiberger leads the Development Impact Group at the World Bank, a multidisciplinary team of AI researchers, machine learning engineers, UX designers, software developers, development policy experts, and growth specialists. The group aims to revolutionise impact evaluation by offering policymakers and the development community cutting-edge AI tools designed in an ethical, responsible manner.

Known for: Helping public servants make the most of generative AI

Amanda Crawford spearheads conversations about how public servants can tap into generative AI. She is the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and serves as the Chief Information Officer for the State of Texas. Crawford is also a member of the Texas AI Advisory Council, exploring the potential use of AI in state government and advocating for equipping public servants with the tools to harness generative AI effectively.

Crawford helps state governments lead research on automated decision systems and address gaps in AI use in government. She works with government agencies across cities, counties, police departments, higher education, and the private sector to understand and advance AI adoption.

Known for: 'Albert', an AI tool to help answer French citizens' frequently asked questions

In early 2024, France's former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the launch of a homegrown AI programme to streamline administrative procedures. ‘Albert’ is an AI tool created to help France's public servants answer citizens' frequently asked questions, aiming to save agencies time and improve efficiency. For example, 'Albert' assists tax agents in handling queries, with responses validated or modified by human agents as needed.

The AI tool is also used to automate the transcription of legal hearings, filing of complaints, and drafting of medical reports. Attal has significantly advanced AI integration in government by focusing on modernising public services and enhancing national security.

Known for: Reducing barriers to AI use

Dr Lynne Parker works to reduce barriers to AI and equip a future workforce with AI skills. Currently, she is Associate Vice Chancellor Emerita at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Previously, Parker served as Director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office, Deputy United States Chief Technology Officer, and Assistant Director of Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). She also held the role of Division Director of Information and Intelligent Systems at the National Science Foundation.

During the Trump administration, Parker promoted government investment in AI research and development, removal of barriers to AI innovation, and workforce development in AI skills. Her strategy focused on upholding civil liberties, limiting regulatory overreach, and promoting trustworthy AI.

Known for: Revolutionising government with AI

Taka Ariga is the Chief Data Officer at the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), overseeing AI integration and data modernisation to transform federal workforce management. His work focuses on advancing data science and ethical AI use in public service.

Previously, Ariga served as the first Chief Data Scientist at the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he developed the AI Accountability Framework and implemented emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. His contributions include creating tools to improve compliance monitoring and dashboards to support decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ariga ensures the ethical and responsible use of AI in government, supporting data-driven decision-making and transparency. Known for modernising public service operations, he continues to innovate federal data systems while fostering accountability and trust in AI deployment.

Known for: Building trust in public sector technology

Chris Fechner is the Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) and Head of the Digital Profession. In his role, he drives digital transformation across government to improve services, enhance accessibility, and build trust in public sector technology.

Previously, Fechner led large-scale digital and ICT reforms as Queensland’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer and Chief Digital and Product Officer at Service NSW, where he modernised service delivery and governance frameworks.

In the AI in government space, Fechner spearheaded Australia’s largest trial of generative AI tools, demonstrating measurable efficiency gains while prioritising security and usability. He champions responsible AI adoption, balancing its transformative potential with ethical governance and transparency. Fechner is known for equipping public servants with the skills to harness emerging technologies and ensuring that AI innovation enhances public trust and accountability.

Known for: Making AI the mainstream in public service

David Knott is the UK Government Chief Technology Officer, responsible for shaping the UK’s digital and technology strategy across government. His current work includes developing the Generative AI Framework, which guides the responsible use of AI in public services.

With over 30 years of experience, Knott has led digital transformation at organisations such as Google, HSBC, and Boston Consulting Group, focusing on modernising operations and integrating emerging technologies. His private sector expertise informs his approach to innovation and efficiency in government.

As chair of the Chief Technology Officer Council, Knott leads efforts to enhance AI skills, build capacity across the civil service, and drive collaboration on cross-government AI projects. He is recognised for his strategic vision in leveraging AI to improve public service delivery while ensuring ethical and responsible governance.

Known for: Promoting increased adoption of AI in government

Dr Preet Deep Singh is Vice President of Artificial Intelligence Adoption at Invest India, a body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the Government of India. Singh focuses on increasing AI adoption in government to drive efficiencies and attract investment. He has been actively involved in promoting the use of AI in public policy. Singh has trained over 8,000 central government officers in using generative AI and has worked with policymakers to highlight the potential impact of AI. His efforts aim to bridge the gap between AI innovation and practical application in public sector decision-making and governance.

Known for: Building digital capability throughout the UN

Sameer Chauhan brings over 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors, complemented by a strong academic foundation in computer engineering and computer science. As the Director of the International Computing Centre, Chauhan oversees strategy and operations, delivering digital solutions to nearly 90 client organisations.

Chauhan spearheads large-scale digital transformation across the UN system, enhancing capabilities in cybersecurity, data, AI, and automation, as well as critical business domains like treasury, finance, and HR. A frequent contributor to discussions on digital cooperation and the ethical dimensions of the information society, Chauhan plays a pivotal role in shaping the global dialogue on AI.

Known for: Promoting safe and transparent AI ecosystems

Nik Marda is a leading voice in AI policy and governance. He previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as Chief of Staff for the Tech Division and Policy Advisor in the National AI Initiative Office. During his tenure, he chaired the US government's AI strategy committee, facilitated public consultations on AI priorities, and played a key role in groundbreaking federal efforts, including the creation of the AI Bill of Rights.

Currently, Marda is the Technical Lead for AI Governance at Mozilla, where he focuses on advancing responsible AI practices. His work centres on ensuring that technology serves everyone equitably. At Mozilla, he has recently published research exploring how to build a robust ecosystem of initiatives that prioritise public goods, public orientation, and public use across all stages of AI development and deployment. Marda holds degrees in computer science and political science from Stanford University.

Known for: Creating human-centred approaches to AI

Andreas Hartl steers Germany's policies towards a human-centred approach to AI. Prior to his current role, Hartl served as the Head of Division AI 1 (Artificial Intelligence, Data Economy, Blockchain) in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. In this role, Hartl led the development and implementation of Germany's national AI and blockchain strategy. Hartl represents Germany in international AI and blockchain forums, including the OECD Blockchain Expert Policy Advisory Board and the European Blockchain Partnership. Hartl served as the chair of the OECD Working Party on Artificial Intelligence Governance (AIGO).

Hartl's work focuses on facilitating a data-driven economy in Germany, emphasising the importance of considering economic and digital policy aspects of artificial intelligence. Hartl plays a crucial role in shaping Germany's approach to AI governance and implementation in both the public and private sectors.

Known for: Advocating for governmental transparency within AI

Audrey Tang is a leading technology voice advocating for governmental transparency within AI. Tang served as the first Minister of Digital Affairs of Taiwan from 2022 to 2024, enhancing transparency, civic participation, and digital democracy. As a key figure in Taiwan's government, Tang implemented AI and open data initiatives to foster collaboration between citizens and the government. Most recently, Tang published the book Plurality: The Future of Collaborative Technology and Democracy.

Tang’s work emphasises the need for technology to be collaborative and diverse. For Tang, stronger AI regulations need to be created across governments that focus on public good and democratic governance.

Known for: Advocating for responsible AI development

Carme Artigas advocates for responsible AI development. At the UN, Artigas focuses on addressing the social and economic implications of AI on an international scale. Artigas co-founded Synergic Partners, a pioneering big data company, and has been recognised as one of the most influential women in data business. Artigas was also appointed Secretary of State for Digitisation and Artificial Intelligence by the Spanish government.

Artigas emphasises universal access to data, computing power, and digital skills to promote equitable AI advancement and address global challenges while tackling ethical concerns associated with AI technologies.

Known for: Advocating for cross-sector collaboration on AI

Cédric Villani’s work calls for collaboration between the public and private sectors in AI innovation and regulation. As a distinguished mathematician and former member of Parliament, Villani influenced France's AI strategy by leading a mission commissioned by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe in 2018. Villani authored the "Villani Report," titled For a Meaningful Artificial Intelligence: Towards a French and European Strategy, which laid the groundwork for the country's national AI policy.

Villani's recommendations directly shaped President Emmanuel Macron's "AI for Humanity" vision, advocating for collaboration between public and private sectors to foster innovation ecosystems. Villani emphasises the importance of enhancing AI education and training, establishing an open data policy, and developing an ethical framework to ensure transparency and fairness in AI applications.

Known for: Expanding access to the benefits of AI

Christine Zhenwei Qiang is the Global Director of the Digital Transformation Unit at the World Bank. She leads a team supporting digital transformation in developing countries, helping design investments and programmes to improve digital connectivity and skills in these regions. Prior to her role as Director, Qiang held several positions within the World Bank Group including Practice Manager of multiple teams in the Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Department (FCI) and Lead Economist at the Policy Division of the Global ICT Department.

Qiang has written extensively on AI, particularly the benefits it can bring to the developing world. She's also been a key voice in conversations around making AI accessible to all, discussing how AI can reshape the global economy and its impacts on labour markets.

Known for: Promoting the safe expansion of AI technologies

Eva Maydell is focused on promoting a safe expansion of AI technologies in the EU. Maydell is a Bulgarian politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the European People’s Party (EPP). Since her election in 2014, she has been a leading advocate for technological innovation and digital transformation within the European Union. Maydell's significant contributions to AI are evident in her active involvement in shaping EU AI policies and regulations.

As the rapporteur for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on the EU AI Act, Maydell played a pivotal role in drafting and negotiating the landmark legislation. The AI Act aimed to establish a comprehensive legal framework for AI development and deployment across Europe, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and safety standards. Maydell emphasised a risk-based approach, ensuring that AI applications are assessed and regulated according to their potential impact on society.

Known for: Shaping European AI policy

Dragoș Tudorache is a key figure in shaping the EU's AI policies. Tudorache is a Romanian politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) with Renew Europe. Elected in 2019, he has co-chaired the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age (AIDA), which analysed AI's impact on the EU economy and society.

As rapporteur for the AI Act in the Committee on Civil Liberties (LIBE), he played a central role in drafting this landmark legislation, which balances innovation with ethical and safety standards through a risk-based approach. His leadership continues to shape AI policy in Europe, ensuring it aligns with European values and societal well-being.

Known for: Facilitating public-private cooperation to shape South Korea's national AI strategy

For nearly two decades, Jaeho Yeom has served as a trusted adviser to the Korean government, holding various roles including as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology. Yeom, who is the President of Taejae University, co-chairs the High-Level Consultative Council on Artificial Intelligence Strategy with the Minister of Science and ICT. In this role, he plays a crucial part in shaping national AI policy and strategy.

One of the Council's aims is to promote public-private cooperation in AI innovation, and Yeom has emphasised the need to develop AI infrastructure and secure key technologies through research and development. The AI Strategy Council is tasked with providing policy recommendations for the safe and ethical use of AI, underscoring Yeom's significant contributions to the intersection of AI and government initiatives.

Known for: AI, peace and security

Jimena Sofía Viveros Álvarez is an expert on AI, peace and security. A lawyer by training, she has worked extensively at the International Criminal Court and as Head Legal Advisor and Chief of Staff to Justice Ortiz at Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice. She serves on several international and governmental bodies focused on AI. She is a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is tasked with advancing recommendations for the global governance of AI and institutional responses.

Viveros also serves on the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (GC-REAIM) and as an AI Expert for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). She is currently completing her PhD at Cologne University on AI and autonomous weapons systems.

Known for: Achieving AI equitable futures for developing nations

Keyzom Ngodup Massally is the Head of Digital and AI Programmes at the United Nations' lead digital development agency, the UN Development Programme, where she focuses on shaping digital public infrastructure and AI policy for developing nations. Massally advocates for building strong frameworks around trust and safety in AI, arguing that they are "foundational to developing healthy digital economies and achieving equitable AI futures."

Massally advocates for the use of open-source technologies to build digital public infrastructure, emphasising digital sovereignty and the importance of countries owning their source code to avoid vendor lock-in. Massally leads in global discussions on the impact of AI as well as digital transformation, with a particular focus on Africa.

Known for: Data and AI leadership in Ghana

Patricia Adusei-Poku is the Executive Director of the Ghana Data Protection Commission. In this role, Adusei-Poku oversees the use of personal data, advocating that all government institutions employ cutting-edge technology to protect individuals' data and privacy. Adusei-Poku has held a variety of roles in and outside of government, notably serving as the Head of Data Protection for the London 2012 Olympics.

Additionally, Adusei-Poku is one of the key leaders behind Ghana's National AI Strategy, which she has described as focusing on harnessing AI for national development. The vision behind the AI strategy is to make Ghana a leader in AI on the African continent.

Known for: Strategic vision for AI

Abdullah Alkhodairi is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Saudi Data and AI Authority, providing strategic leadership for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to implement AI into services. Alkhodairi started this role after eight years in strategy at Accenture.

The Saudi Data and AI Authority was established in 2019 with the intention of driving the national agenda for data and AI. They guide the execution and implementation of the AI strategy and supervise the implementation of related initiatives. As data and AI become more and more a part of daily life, Alkhodairi believes the percentage of objectives and programmes that AI contributes to needs to keep increasing.

Known for: AI for economic growth

Dr Tina Klüwer is the Director-General at Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), focusing on technological sovereignty and innovation. She leads strategies to ensure Germany’s technological independence and foster digital growth. Previously, she founded parlamind GmbH, an AI-driven customer service company, and led K.I.E.Z., Germany’s AI Entrepreneurship Center. She has also advanced AI adoption through leadership roles at the German AI Association and advisory positions in digital economic policy.

Her contributions to AI policy include chairing the Technological Sovereignty Advisory Council and serving on Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Future Council. Klüwer has played a critical role in crafting strategies that promote responsible AI development and support digital economic growth. Recognised as a leader in AI and innovation, Klüwer’s work ensures Germany remains at the forefront of AI development while addressing the societal and ethical challenges of emerging technologies.

Known for: Balancing innovation with societal responsibility

Dr Yutaka Matsuo is the chairperson of Japan’s AI Strategy Council, where he leads policy discussions on AI development, regulation, and its societal impacts. His work focuses on addressing challenges like misinformation and ethical dilemmas while promoting innovation. In 2023, he chaired the council’s inaugural meeting and contributed to the G7 Hiroshima AI Process, a global initiative advocating for safe and trustworthy AI governance. Matsuo’s leadership has advanced Japan’s efforts to balance technological innovation with societal responsibility.

He is a key figure in integrating AI into government policy, working to ensure that frameworks support both safety and growth. His efforts have influenced Japan’s position as a global leader in ethical AI use. Known for his role in shaping AI governance, Matsuo champions policies that foster trust, safety, and innovation in artificial intelligence.

Known for: Frameworks on emerging technology

Arati Prabhakar serves as the Director of the OSTP and Chief Advisor for Science and Technology to the US President. Her work focuses on shaping AI governance with a human-centred approach, balancing innovation with ethical oversight. Previously, she was the first female Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and led DARPA, overseeing transformative technologies for national security and innovation. Her leadership has been instrumental in crafting President Biden’s landmark Executive Order on AI.

Prabhakar’s contributions to AI in government include advancing responsible practices and developing frameworks to address societal challenges through emerging technologies. Recognised for her leadership in ethical AI governance, she continues to drive innovation that prioritises global safety and equity.

Known for: Strategic leadership on AI

Dr Ott Velsberg is the Chief Data Officer of Estonia, driving the nation’s leadership in data governance, artificial intelligence and citizen-centric digital transformation. He leads initiatives to improve government services through intelligent data, analytics and AI while upholding principles like data privacy, the once-only principle and open data innovation.

Since 2019, Velsberg has spearheaded Estonia’s groundbreaking digital advancements, including Bürokratt, an AI-driven virtual assistant revolutionising bureaucratic processes. His strategic leadership has positioned Estonia as a global trendsetter in e-governance and digital government.

Velsberg also serves on various advisory boards, such as Statistics Estonia and the IT Academy AI and Machine Learning Board, contributing to the broader digital ecosystem. Recognised as a pioneer of human-centric governance, he advocates for using AI to enhance decision-making and deliver efficient, secure and responsive public services.

Known for: Inclusive AI advocacy

Dr Seydina M. Ndiaye is a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and an AI expert for the African Union, where he is contributing to the development of the Pan-African AI Strategy. He also serves on the Multistakeholder Expert Group and the Responsible AI Working Group, shaping global and regional frameworks for ethical AI governance.

As Program Director of FORCE-N at Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University, Ndiaye leads efforts to transform Senegal’s higher education sector through digital innovation. Holding a PhD in Computer Science from Paul Sabatier University and an MBA from Paris Sorbonne University, he has extensive expertise in AI research and its application across diverse sectors.

Ndiaye is a prominent voice against “digital colonisation,” advocating for inclusive AI systems that empower African nations while protecting their data sovereignty. He is recognised for advancing AI strategies that address Africa’s unique challenges.

Known for: Promoting innovation and talent development for emerging technologies

From 2022 to 2024, H.E. Dr Lee Jong-ho was the Minister of Science and ICT for the Republic of Korea, where he championed innovation in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology to strengthen Korea’s position as a global tech leader.

He is a highly celebrated academic and industry leader who has published over 500 papers and registered 86 patents. He was instrumental in the development of FinFET technology, which sparked a breakthrough in semiconductor manufacturing that revolutionised high-speed, energy-efficient chip design.

As Minister, Jong-ho oversaw Korea’s national innovation strategy, which emphasised R&D and talent programmes to boost the AI sector. He also pioneered emerging technologies through initiatives like the Korea Space Agency and advancements in 6G technologies.

Known for: Leading global AI policy on competition

Margrethe Vestager is a prominent Danish politician and former Executive Vice President of the European Commission, where she led the "Europe Fit for the Digital Age" initiative from 2019 to 2024. She also served as European Commissioner for Competition (2014–2024), spearheading antitrust investigations and regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. Vestager’s decisions have shaped global discourse on competition, notably through high-profile cases involving multinational tech companies.

Vestager’s leadership extended to co-chairing the US-EU Trade and Technology Council, fostering transatlantic collaboration on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Previously, Vestager held several key positions in Denmark, including Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior and Minister for Education. She holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Copenhagen and was recently appointed a Blavatnik World Leaders Fellow, where she continues to shape global policy dialogues on technology and governance.

Known for: Establishing the first national AI strategy in the US

Will Hurd has been a leading advocate for technology and AI policy in the United States, leveraging his computer science and national security expertise to address AI's growing influence on the economy and national defence. A former OpenAI board member, Hurd supports strategic partnerships between the government and private sector to foster innovation and ensure responsible AI governance. During his time as a US representative from 2015–21, Hurd led the first hearing on AI in Congress, wrote the first national AI strategy and collaborated on bipartisan recommendations emphasising the need for the federal government to invest in AI research and workforce development. These recommendations also addressed the importance of ethical AI practices and safeguarding national security against adversarial AI threats.

Known for: Leveraging AI for national resilience

Oleksandr Bornyakov is Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. He oversees initiatives in artificial intelligence, e-residency, crypto-assets, and the development of Ukraine’s startup ecosystem. He was a key architect of Diia.City, a transformative tax&legal special regime for tech companies, and he has been instrumental in positioning Ukraine as a global digital innovation hub. Before his time in government, Bornyakov co-founded and managed several successful companies, including Adtelligent and Intersog. Amid Ukraine’s ongoing war, Oleksandr coordinates the activity of the state defense-tech cluster Brave1, a multi-agency initiative fostering technological innovation for defence. Bornyakov has an MBA from the University of New Brunswick and an MPA from Columbia University, giving him a broad perspective on business, technology, and government. His leadership has fostered greater public-private collaboration in Ukraine, to harness AI and digital technology for national resilience and growth.

Known for: Regional collaboration on AI

Golestan (Sally) Radwan is a computer scientist by training, and is currently the Chief Digital Officer for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Before joining UNEP, Radwan served as an advisor tot he Egyptian Minister for ICT, a role in which she led the development of Egypt’s national AI strategy. This strategy stood out for its commitment to achieving development outcomes for Egypt.

In addition to her role in creating Egypt’s AI strategy, Radwan led two AI-related working groups in the African Union and League of Arab States intended to increase regional collaboration on responsible AI. She is also a member of the OECD AI Community, and speaks about the potential role of AI solving the “triple planetary crisis.”

Known for: Argentina’s AI/economic strategy

With a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, Demian is at the forefront of shaping Argentina’s economic strategy, particularly as it relates to AI. As a key advisor to President Milei, Reidel has been instrumental in positioning Argentina as a potential hub for AI in South America. He is an advocate for Argentina becoming a strategic destination for technology investment.

Before joining the President of Argentina’s Council of Advisors, Reidel served as a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and as Deputy Director of the Central Bank of Argentina, where he represented the institution at the G20. He is also co-founder of QFR Capital Management, a global macro hedge fund.

Known for: Leadership in digital transformation and digital skills

As Chief Technology Officer of GovTech Singapore, Chang spearheads initiatives in emerging technologies and establishes technology standards to shape the nation’s digital future. He also serves on the Board of Directors for SkillsFuture SG, a statutory board under the Ministry of Education dedicated to advancing Singapore’s national SkillsFuture movement and promoting lifelong learning. Chang’s career spans pivotal roles in both the public and private sectors, including positions at Temasek, PayPal, HP, and Yahoo. A recognised leader in the AI field, he frequently speaks on topics such as coding with AI, its transformative impact on industries like taxation, and ensuring AI is harnessed for the public good. In his current role, Chang drives the development of digital products that enhance government operations and public services, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and outcomes across departments.

Known for: Championing responsible use of AI

Anne Bouverot leads the conversation in France on the impacts of artificial intelligence. She is Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS-PSL) and the French President’s special envoy for the February 2025 summit on AI. With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Bouverot co-founded Fondation Abeona to help build a sustainable digital transition. In addition to founding the foundation, she consults public and private entities on digital transformation. In collaboration with economist Philippe Aghion, Bouverot co-chaired the commission that published the report AI: Our Ambition for France. She is dedicated to championing the responsible use of AI within private companies and governmental institutions.

Known for: Shaping global AI policy

Bernardo Mariano plays a key role in shaping international policies for responsible AI use. He leads the UN's digital transformation efforts, integrating digital technologies and AI to enhance organisational efficiency and support Sustainable Development Goals. Before joining the UN, he was Chief Information Officer and Director for Digital Health and Innovation at the World Health Organization (WHO). Mariano is responsible for the security of UN data and digital assets. His work positions him at the forefront of applying AI and emerging technologies within governmental and international frameworks.

Known for: Accelerating AI adoption

Since 2024, Clara Chappaz has served as France's first Secretary of State for AI and Digital Technologies, helping to establish the country as a leader in the industry. She previously led the government’s start-up initiative, La French Tech, which supports innovative tech start-ups in line with government priorities. Chappaz champions an ethical and inclusive vision for AI, grounded in international cooperation. She has helped accelerate AI adoption across key sectors like healthcare, education, and business productivity. She has also participated in international talks and roundtables on AI openness and safety, AI and the environment, and women in AI.

Known for: Expanding AI’s reach in government

Michael Kratsios is dedicated to promoting AI training and investment across sectors. He is Managing Director of Scale AI. As the fourth Chief Technology Officer of the United States and an Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering, Kratsios played a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s leadership in emerging technologies, especially AI. During his tenure in the Trump administration, he was instrumental in developing and implementing the American AI Initiative, a national strategy aimed at maintaining U.S. leadership in AI research and development. Under his leadership, the U.S. launched AI centres of excellence across federal agencies to harness AI for public sector transformation.

Known for: International guidelines for safe AI

Emran Mian's role places him at the forefront of shaping the UK's AI and digital technology strategies. As Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), he oversees AI and digital policy, including digital infrastructure, data policy, cyber security, and online safety. Mian played a leading role in preparing the first AI Safety Summit, hosted by the UK at Bletchley Park in November 2023. He supports the development of international guidelines for safe AI and manages relationships with key regulators and agencies in the UK.

Known for: Aligning AI development with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Based in Mexico, Enrique Zapata heads digital transformation at the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF). His work includes promoting artificial intelligence that is inclusive, ethical, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. “Artificial intelligence requires a long-term vision that transcends the political and focuses on its impact for humanity,” says Zapata. Formerly the General Director of Open Data in the Presidency of the Republic of Mexico, Zapata has championed the use of data and AI to drive initiatives in anti-corruption, procurement, economic development, natural disasters, and health.

Known for: Local adoption and international collaboration around AI

As Sweden's Minister for Public Administration, Erik Slottner oversees the country's AI policy. He played a key role in launching Sweden's AI Commission – alongside Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson – demonstrating the government’s commitment to AI development. Slottner is tasked with shaping policies that foster competitive, secure, and ethical AI development in both public and private sectors. He emphasises the role of AI in enhancing Sweden's innovation capacity, welfare, and efficiency of services for citizens. He also fosters collaboration with neighbouring states through the Nordic Council of Ministers for Digitalisation (MR-DIGITAL) to remain internationally competitive.

Known for: Rolling out generative AI to improve Tokyo’s administrative efficiency

Gen Ozeki led the introduction and integration of ChatGPT to improve administrative efficiency in Tokyo’s Digital Services Bureau. As Senior Director for Planning and Coordination, Ozeki implemented a secure, private version of ChatGPT to assist with text creation, idea generation, and clerical tasks, focusing on data privacy and responsible use. The team partnered with Microsoft for enhanced security, established detailed usage guidelines, and trained staff comprehensively. Ozeki emphasises transparency, continuous feedback, and mitigating AI risks, aiming to expand ChatGPT’s use across government tasks while maintaining stringent security standards.

Known for: Leading on Poland's investment in AI models and adoption into government services

Krzysztof Gawkowski serves as Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs. His vision positions Poland as a leader in digitalisation in Europe, focusing on education, public administration efficiency, and ethical AI use, while prioritising cybersecurity as a vital aspect of this transformation. In November 2024, Gawkowski announced Poland's creation of an Artificial Intelligence Fund, which will co-finance the construction of an AI Factory to develop generative AI models, including a Polish large language model known as PLLuM. He is also leading the establishment of an advisory council to oversee and coordinate these investments.

Known for: Integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies

Ollie Whitehouse serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), maintaining its role as the National Technical Authority for cyber security. In this capacity, he oversees the NCSC's technical strategy, addressing emerging challenges such as AI-related threats and opportunities. With over 27 years in applied cyber-attack and defence, Whitehouse has held senior roles in the private sector, including Group CTO at NCC Group, and research positions at BlackBerry and Symantec. At the NCSC, he bridges government and industry perspectives on AI and cyber security, influencing national policy and technical developments in this critical domain.

Known for: Promoting responsible digitalisation in Poland

Pamela Krzypkowska is the Director of the Research and Innovation Department at Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, where she leads the country’s responsible digitalisation strategy in the era of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Her leadership includes initiatives to integrate AI across sectors, aiming to enhance public services and promote technological innovation. Prior to this, Krzypkowska served as an AI Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft and contributed to national AI policies as a member of the Ethics and Cybersecurity division of the AI Working Group at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

Known for: Innovating public sector AI tools in Brazil

Rainério Rodrigues Leite leads digital transformation at Brazil's Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). Under his leadership, TCU became the first Brazilian public institution to develop a personalised AI tool, ChatTCU, based on ChatGPT. This tool leverages TCU's extensive knowledge base to enhance the quality of responses while minimising errors. Leite oversees the working group dedicated to this project and is preparing to launch the fifth version of ChatTCU, reflecting his commitment to continuous innovation in public administration.

Known for: Driving AI-powered public service transformation

Jaanika Merilo leads Estonia’s eHealth strategy as Head of Digital Health and Care at the Ministry of Social Affairs, focusing on AI-driven innovation in public services and personalised healthcare solutions. Since 2019, she has also advised Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Digital Transformation, contributing to the country’s e-government initiatives. Her leadership has extended to roles as Deputy Mayor of Dnipro and advisor to Lviv’s Mayor, overseeing transformative digital projects. Merilo’s AI work includes aligning Estonian legislation with EU standards and advancing AI applications in healthcare and public services. Recognised for her leadership in digital transformation, she bridges technology and governance, positioning Estonia and Ukraine as leaders in AI-driven innovation.

Known for: Advancing digital inclusion and AI-powered innovation

Cina Lawson is Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, driving national digital innovation and inclusion efforts. Her initiatives focus on expanding internet access, integrating ICT into education, and leveraging AI to enhance public services and financial inclusion.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawson spearheaded NOVISI, an AI-powered digital cash transfer system that supported over 920,000 vulnerable individuals. She has also led efforts to use AI in regulatory reforms, streamlining governance and public service delivery.

Previously, Lawson worked at the World Bank, Alcatel-Lucent, and Orange Group, specialising in regulatory reform and business strategy. Her leadership has positioned Togo as a regional leader in AI-driven innovation and governance.

Known for: Digitising public services through AI

Mirlinda Karçanaj is the Director General of Albania’s National Agency for Information Society (NAIS), where she oversees digital transformation and e-government innovation. Under her leadership, 95% of public services are now accessible online through the e-Albania portal, a milestone recognised in the UN’s e-Government Development Index. Karçanaj is advancing AI adoption to improve public services and accelerate Albania’s EU integration. Projects under her leadership include the e-Albania Virtual Assistant, which has handled over 800,000 queries, and tools for aligning national laws with EU legislation.

Known for: Embedding AI in defence operations

Commodore Rachel Singleton MBE leads the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre (DAIC) at the UK’s Ministry of Defence, driving the adoption of AI in defence operations. Her work includes establishing tools, platforms, and frameworks to support responsible AI use while sponsoring innovation projects to address critical challenges. Since joining the Royal Navy in 2002, Singleton has served in diverse roles, including deployments on HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious, and leading AI initiatives in Washington, D.C. She also oversaw the Naval Strike Network programme, contributing to AI’s integration into defence systems.

Known for: Leading Singapore’s national AI strategy

Dr He Ruimin is Singapore’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Deputy Chief Digital Technology Officer, guiding the implementation of the country’s national AI strategy and fostering an AI-ready culture across public service and society. He is also a member of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on AI. With a background in economics and engineering from MIT, Ruimin has held roles in the public, private, and academic sectors, including Chief Advisor at Grab and CEO of Entend.ai. His work balances innovation with security, advancing human-centred AI to ensure its benefits are widely distributed.

Known for: Establishing India’s AI Centre of Excellence

Dr Neeta Verma has been a pioneer in digital governance in India, advocating for emerging technologies to enhance public services and improve data-driven decision-making. From 2022–24, she served as Director General of IT at the Election Commission of India, implementing AI and digital tools to ensure transparent, efficient, and secure electoral systems. In 2019, as Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Verma established a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence to explore applications in the public sector. Under her leadership, NIC developed AI-driven solutions for predictive analytics in agriculture, disaster management, and healthcare.

Known for: Leveraging AI for national security

Mondli Gungubele is South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. In May 2024, he launched the Defence Artificial Intelligence Research Unit (DAIRU) at the Military Academy in Saldanha, Western Cape. This military-focused AI hub, created in partnership with the Department of Defence, aims to deploy AI in South Africa’s defence sector as well as in national development and security. At the South African National AI Summit, Gungubele highlighted the potential of AI to resolve economic and social challenges, positioning AI as a cornerstone of the country’s technological transformation.

Known for: Pioneering AI to improve citizen services

Vicenzo di Nicola heds the new Artificial Intelligrence Fund in Italy: a collaboration between Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and Open AI. There, he has a mission to develop the Italian AI ecosystem with a public interest and at a global scale.

Before that, Nicola led the digital transformation of INPS, the Italian Institute for Pensions and Social Welfare, and one of the largest service providers in the country. At INPS, he introduced Artificial Intellgence as an engine for public service provision and operational excellence within the institution.

Nicila is a lifetime technologist: he co-founded fintech startups GoPage and Conio, before returning to Italy to pursue public service. He has been recognized with international awards and Knighthood of the Italian Republic.

Known for: Championing AI training and ethical implementation

Minister Meutya Hafid has emerged as a trailblazer in driving Indonesia's artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, blending visionary leadership with actionable policies. Under her guidance, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs forged a groundbreaking partnership with Microsoft through the ElevAIte Indonesia program, aiming to train one million citizens in AI skills by 2025 with a historic Rp27.6 trillion investment. She has also championed ethical AI implementation by aligning national policies with UNESCO standards, ensuring technological progress is responsible and inclusive. Her commitment to empowering Indonesia's workforce and fostering global collaboration positions her as a leader who is not only advancing AI innovation but also shaping a sustainable, human-centric digital future. Minister Hafid’s efforts are laying the groundwork for Indonesia to become a regional powerhouse in AI and digital transformation.

Known for: Ensuring AI policies are underpinned by strong digital infrastructure

Leontina Sandu leads the EU's efforts on interoperability regulation, a cornerstone for enabling the replication of AI services across member states. Currently serving as Head of Interoperability for the European Commission, she previously held influential roles, including Head of Unit for the Directorate-General for Competition at the European Commission. With a background in information technology and financial economics, Sandu began her career as a software engineer at IXIA, a private software company. Her leadership in interoperability aims to advance technology adoption, with a vision to “make interoperability part of every digital matter at the European Commission.” She envisions an interoperable Europe where data flows seamlessly, providing citizens and businesses with user-centric digital services at their fingertips.

Known for: Shaping Europe’s AI regulatory and innovation landscape

Lucilla Sioli leads the European Commission's efforts in AI and digital industry as Director within the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content, and Technology (DG CONNECT). She is responsible for implementing strategic policies, including the AI Act and the Chips Act, which are shaping the European Union’s approach to AI and semiconductor innovation. With nearly 25 years of service at the European Commission, Sioli has played a pivotal role in advancing Europe’s digital strategy and development. Her work has covered research, development, and innovation in microelectronics, photonics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. In June 2024, she was appointed to head the EU AI Office, overseeing the regulation of AI systems across the Union and ensuring compliance with the landmark AI Act.

Known for: Championing AI-driven digital transformation in government

Eliud Owalo is the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of performance and delivery management in the Executive Office of the President of Kenya. From 2022 to 2024, he served as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, where he played a key role in Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan (2022–2032). Owalo has been a highly influential leader in Kenya’s digital transformation, including the development of the AI sector, which is now worth $240 million to the national economy. During his tenure as ICT minister, he oversaw the digitalisation of over 17,000 government services. Before his time in government, Owalo was a management consultant and director of the National School of Government. He is an advocate for AI adoption in the public sector, particularly in health service delivery and education.

Known for: Building the Government of Canada’s first public-facing generative AI chatbot

Steve Rennie plays a key role at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, advancing the responsible and ethical adoption of advanced technologies, such as AI and robotic process automation. Recently, he also oversaw a wide range of data and digital functions, including cybersecurity, technology procurement, IT project management, and information management.

A recognised voice in Canada’s public sector technology space, Rennie frequently engages in discussions on how AI can be implemented to enhance citizen services. His work explores how AI and emerging technologies could reshape government operations and unlock new opportunities, including the potential of large language models.

In 2023, Rennie and his team achieved a milestone by winning the Public Service Data Challenge for developing a generative AI chatbot. Designed to provide conversational information on government programmes in agriculture, this initiative marks Canada’s first public-facing generative AI chatbot, setting a new standard for AI-driven citizen engagement.

Known for: Leveraging AI to reimagine democracy

Beth Simone Noveck is focused on using AI to enhance participatory democracy. Noveck is a professor at Northeastern University, where she directs the Burnes Centre for Social Change and its partner project, The GovLab. In 2024, Noveck was appointed as Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey. Previously, Noveck served as the first United States Deputy Chief Technology Officer under President Obama, founding the White House Open Government Initiative.

Noveck's work focuses on leveraging AI and civic technology to reimagine democratic processes, improve government services, and strengthen governance. Noveck has also advised the UK and German governments on technology and innovation. Given her global experience in working on digital innovation, Noveck brings a key perspective on how democracies can unleash the power of AI.

Known for: Driving ground-breaking research on deep learning and AI

Dr Fei-Fei Li’s work within AI sits at the crux of academia and policymaking. Dr Fei-Fei Li is the inaugural Sequoia Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stanford University and Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute. Dr Li is dedicated to making strides within policymaking and has served as a special advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, a member of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Task Force (NAIRR) for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2021–2022, and more.

Dr Li’s current research focuses on cognitively inspired AI, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotic learning, and AI+healthcare, especially ambient intelligent systems for healthcare delivery. In addition to inventing ImageNet and the ImageNet Challenge, a critical large-scale dataset and benchmarking effort that has contributed to the latest developments in deep learning and AI, Dr Li advocates for diversity in STEM and AI.

Known for: Leadership on emerging technologies

Ilona Lundström is one of Finland’s top minds leading the country's AI strategy. Lundström is currently an Executive in Residence at InstituteQ, Finland’s quantum institute at Aalto University. Up until 2024, Lundström served as the Director-General at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland, where she served as the key architect of Finland's national strategy for AI. Lundström oversaw the creation of AI test trials in Finland and worked to expand AI as part of a larger project to digitise the country.

As Director-General, Lundström oversaw AI innovation policy, industrial policy, and enterprise financing. Lundström's current research centres on exploring the benefits and risks of quantum technologies in relation to national security and the private sector. Lundström is dedicated to strengthening essential connections within the quantum ecosystem in Finland and beyond.

Known for: Leading research efforts on AI

Dr Bo Zhang leads research efforts around AI on a national scale. Zhang is a professor at Tsinghua University, researching AI, machine learning, pattern recognition and robotics. Within his academic research, Zhang has made significant strides in machine learning and AI.

In addition to his academic work, Zhang co-leads the government-sponsored National Engineering Laboratory of Deep Learning. His work as part of the national laboratory is striving to lead deep learning and AI expansion across China.

Known for: Democratising AI technology

Ashwini Vaishnaw is focused on democratising AI technology in India. Vaishnaw serves as the Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, leading India’s efforts in growing AI technologies. Vaishnaw has championed AI-driven solutions for efficient governance, fostering collaboration between tech companies and government agencies to build a robust AI ecosystem. Under his leadership, India launched its 5G services, laying the groundwork for AI innovation across industries.

Vaishnaw’s vision includes establishing India as a global AI powerhouse, with strategic investments in AI research and domestic semiconductor manufacturing to support future technologies. His commitment to AI and tech-driven governance is reshaping India’s digital landscape, positioning the country for global leadership in innovation.

Known for: Promoting AI's applications at municipal level

Vinnova is Sweden’s state innovation agency, and Fredrik Weisner is the Strategic Lead for Digital Transformation. In this role, he oversees initiatives to promote AI adoption, including a joint initiative focused on "AI in Municipalities and Civil Society," launched in August 2024. Weisner advocates for increased AI engagement by Sweden's municipalities, emphasising the importance of information sharing and collaborative learning to address common challenges. He provides expert insights on Sweden's AI development, participating in discussions about national AI strategy. Vinnova has said they are looking to focus on AI's role in meeting the climate challenge, AI solutions for the Swedish language, and the use of AI for increased gender equality.

Known for: Driving Rwanda's tech transformation

Paula Ingabire is Rwanda's Minister of ICT and Innovation, leading the country's digital transformation and technological advancement. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to position Rwanda as a regional tech hub, including the development of policies for innovation and sustainability, such as e-waste management. Prior to her ministerial appointment in October 2018, Ingabire served as Head of the ICT Business Development Department at the Rwanda Development Board and coordinated the Kigali Innovation City Project, contributing to the implementation of national ICT programs. An alumna of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's System Design and Management program, she fosters partnerships to advance Rwanda's development as a knowledge-based economy.

Known for: Enabling the exchange of AI knowledge

Karine Perset leads the AI Unit at the OECD Division for Digital Economy Policy, where she oversees the OECD.AI Policy Observatory and the OECD.AI Network of Experts. Her work focuses on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for governments, policies to implement the OECD AI Principles, and emerging trends in AI.

The OECD.AI Policy Observatory serves as a vital resource for governments, enabling the sharing of information on AI policy and strategy worldwide. It also features case studies on AI applications, making it an essential tool for policymakers navigating AI's complexities. Previously, Perset served as an advisor to ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee and as Counsellor to the OECD’s Science, Technology and Industry Directorate.

Known for: Bridging skills gaps in technology

Dr Bosun Tijani is the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for Nigeria, dedicated to bridging the country’s technology skills gap and achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027 through initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

A pioneer in Africa’s start-up ecosystem, Dr Tijani co-founded Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) in 2010, fostering innovation and driving the growth of tech start-ups across the continent. Under his leadership, CcHUB expanded its presence to Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Namibia, catalysing the transformation of Nigeria’s Yaba into a hub of technological excellence.

In the AI space, Dr Tijani co-launched the AI Collective in 2024, a community focused on knowledge generation, training, funding start-ups, and documenting AI practices in Africa. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Digital Innovation Board and sits on the Board of Trustees for UNITAR.

Dr Tijani is recognised for championing innovation-driven development and scaling technology for societal impact.

Known for: AI in frontline services

Dr Laura Gilbert OBE is the Director of Data Science and the Incubator for AI at 10 Downing Street, as well as Chief Analyst at the Cabinet Office. She leads transformative initiatives to embed expert data and AI solutions in public services, support policymaking, and drive a radical agenda for evidence-based, technology-enabled government.

Previously, Gilbert was the Chief Technology Officer at Rescon Technologies, where she led health and wellbeing innovations from start-up to acquisition. Her diverse career includes academic research in particle physics at Oxford, developing AI and analytics tools in the Ministry of Defence, and quantitative analysis in financial institutions.

A passionate advocate for AI in the public sector, Gilbert promotes its use to enhance frontline service delivery, improve interdepartmental collaboration, and make government interactions more responsive and human. She is recognised for her pioneering work in leveraging data and AI to reshape government for the better.

Known for: Promoting ethical and democratic AI governance

Marietje Schaake is an International Policy Director at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Centre and a Fellow at the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.

Schaake is a prominent advocate for ethical AI governance and a leading voice on the intersection of technology, democracy, and geopolitics. Her recent book, The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley, published in September 2024, explores the influence of big tech and offers solutions for rebalancing democratic governance in the digital age.

In addition to her policy directorship, Schaake also serves on the UN's High-Level Advisory Body on AI and contributes as a columnist for the Financial Times. From 2009 to 2019, she was a Member of the European Parliament, where she championed policies on trade, technology, and foreign affairs. Schaake’s research and writing on AI governance at Stanford has focused on governing AI in the public interest and encouraging greater corporate transparency.

Known for: Collaborative AI innovation and policy leadership

Nathanaël Ackerman is a leader in artificial intelligence and innovation policy. He currently serves as the Chief Evangelist Officer of AI4Belgium, a coalition dedicated to positioning Belgium as a leader in responsible AI development and adoption. He also has an AI advisory role at the Belgian Federal Public Service Policy and Support.

Ackerman’s leadership of AI4Belgium has been highly influential. The grassroots initiative fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and government. There are now over 500 members, and their policy advice helped shape Belgium's National Convergence Plan for AI. He has also served as Belgium’s delegate to international organisations such as UNESCO and OECD, contributing to global discussions on AI ethics and policy.

His experience includes roles such as Director for Innovation at the Brussels Enterprise Agency and advisor for innovation and AI for the French government in 2016, where he led the development of France’s first strategic plan for AI.

Known for: Advising the European Commission on potential applications of AI

Elvira Fortunato is a professor at FCT NOVA and a pioneering researcher in transparent and sustainable electronics. As a former Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education in Portugal and Vice-Rector at NOVA University, Fortunato has been instrumental in advancing science policy and academic leadership.

She is renowned for her groundbreaking work in thin-film transistors based on oxide semiconductors and the invention of paper electronics, which revolutionised the field of eco-friendly electronic materials and their potential applications in AI-driven devices and systems. Fortunato serves on the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors and coordinates the SPEAR project to promote gender equality in academia.

Known for: Developing Brazil's public sector AI laboratory

Patrícia Baldez Américo Minervino is the General Coordinator of Government Transformation Services at Brazil's National School of Public Administration (ENAP), where she leads the development of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, aiming to design and accelerate AI solutions for complex public sector challenges.

In this role, she oversees initiatives to integrate AI technologies across various government sectors, enhancing public services and promoting digital innovation. Before joining ENAP, Minervino served as a Superintendent in Acre and as Coordinator of Institutional Development and Strategy at the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN), where she practised constructing prospective scenarios to support high-level decision-making. Her combined expertise in intelligence and public administration positions her as a key figure in advancing AI-driven transformation within the Brazilian government.

Known for: Cross-sector collaboration for AI innovation

As Head of the National Programme for AI Infrastructure, Katzir oversees the comprehensive management of AI infrastructure in Israel. Before joining the Israeli government, he held multiple technological management positions at Verint Systems, a CX automation company, culminating in his role as Chief Technology Officer of the Cyber Intelligence Division.

Katzir holds a PhD in Information Systems Engineering from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and serves as a member of the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures. In his current role, he facilitates cross-sector collaboration in the AI space, bringing together experts, economists, CEOs, and government representatives to strategise and plan for the future of AI in Israel.

Known for: Facilitating cross-government conversations on AI use

The Digital Agency’s research unit drives digital transformation across Japan, guided by its “government-as-a-startup” vision since 2021. Drawing inspiration from global peers, it seeks to catalyse change and innovation within government operations. As Head of Intelligence Research at the Digital Agency, Masuda plays a pivotal role in these efforts, leading the exploration of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance the capabilities of various government agencies. A passionate advocate for cross-border learning, Masuda dedicates significant effort to studying how governments worldwide approach digital transformation and innovation. She is equally committed to sharing Japan's insights and best practices, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange to optimise solutions globally.

Known for: Being the first AI candidate to run for elected office

Steve Endacott is the first AI MP candidate to run a campaign in Brighton. Endacott’s platform focused on creating better policies for the Brighton community by gathering input through AI-STEVE’s feedback form. The “real” Steve Endacott would attend Parliamentary hearings to represent and enforce the policies submitted by his constituents.

Known for: Using AI to enhance agriculture productivity

Arie van Ravenswaay is passionate about advancing agriculture through technology, data and smart solutions. In his current role as Assistant Director for Innovation, Technology Design and Transfer for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Ravenswaay is responsible for the development and maintenance of platforms that make critical agriculture data accessible.

In 2024, Ravenswaay was recognised as a Public Service Trailblazer by the Centre for Public Service Innovation of South Africa for his work monitoring sclerotina disease in plants. By using AI and machine learning, Ravenswaay optimised the data collection system to deliver real-time insights and enhance decision-making processes for farmers and agricultural experts. Ravenswaay has consistently demonstrated an intuitive grasp of AI’s potential, and worked to harness it to the benefit of the public sector, resulting in practical innovations that leave a lasting impact on his department and the wider agricultural sector.

Known for: Helping colleagues prepare for the age of AI

Sebastian Moore is an early-career public servant committed to enhancing the digital capabilities and readiness of the civil service. In his current role as a Business Relationship Manager at HM Treasury, Moore connects IT capabilities with organisational needs, driving growth, increasing effectiveness and improving business performance, all with the intention of delivering transformative technology change.

Moore's commitment to upskilling public servants in generative AI and automation has been cited by the colleague who nominated him as “instrumental in ensuring that the [HM Treasury workforce] is well-equiped to navigate and leverage the rapidly evolving digital landscape.” He has taken ownership of enhancing the capacities and capabilities within the UK government, organising sessions for his peers on using Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Power Automate.

Known for: Facilitating the early-stage adoption of AI by the Polish government

Orłowska is leading digital transformation and innovation efforts in Europe and in the United States. Prior to starting her role as a manager in the Department of Technology and Innovation for the City of Boston, Orłowska led the GovTech Poland programme, which was a cross-departmental task force focussed on driving innovation in education, e-services, digital transformation, and public policy. She is also responsible for bringing hackathons and challenges into how public service problems are solved in Poland, facilitating the introduction of AI to public services. Orłowska coordinated the development of Poland’s first national Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which contributed to the regulation of how AI would be implemented in key areas of government.

Known for: Prototyping AI tools at the city level

Hinterding is the current Product Lead at CityLAB Berlin, the city’s public innovation lab. Prior to joining CityLAB, Ingo worked in the private sector developing digital products. In his current role, Hinterding shapes and develops AI projects intended to make LLMs more available to Berlin’s public administration. One such example is the City’s Parla app, which is intended to support the City’s information retrieval processes to answer key questions like: What sustainability goals is the Berlin Senate pursuing to reduce CO2 emissions? The ultimate goal is to accelerate the speed by which information flows within the City, and to citizens as well.

Known for: Advocating for youth participation in tech policy decisions

Luísa Franco Machado is a digital rights activist and data justice researcher involved in AI and government initiatives. Until August, Machado was an AI Policy and Data Governance Advisor at GiZ, the German Corporation for International Cooperation. In this role, Machado advised global and regional partners on using data and AI for sustainable development, including the OECD and UN DESA. Machado was also named as part of the 2022 Cohort of Young Leaders for the SDGs. They have advocated extensively for youth participation in tech policy decisions, and they also co-led key youth negotiations on data ethics at the European Dialogue on Internet Governance. Machado left government to found EquiLabs, an organisation dedicated to transforming how data and AI impact lives while empowering and protecting communities.

Known for: Working at the intersection of AI, health and data

André Brito is the Java Interoperability Tech Manager at the Ministry of Health in Portugal. In this role, he leads software integration projects in the healthcare sector. Brito has over 13 years of software development experience in healthcare, finance and government, including six years focused on electronic health records and system interoperability in healthcare. He is also a member of the OECD.AI Group, contributing to discussions on the best policies for safe and effective application of AI worldwide. His expertise in interoperability for the healthcare sector means he contributes to discussions on the potential applications of AI to improve healthcare services across Europe.

Known for: Working at the intersection of AI, climate and data

Joe Hillier serves as the Head of the Analytics Directorate at Natural England, where he drives innovative approaches to environmental challenges. In 2021, he supported a proposal for the Civil Service Data Challenge that used AI to map damage to English peatlands. This initiative produces detailed maps to guide and prioritise restoration efforts, which Hillier has described in public interviews as critically important work. Recognised by his colleagues for fostering an AI-focused culture at Natural England, Hillier is helping the organisation explore and navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, enabling more effective environmental conservation efforts.

Known for: Driving forward the trustworthy AI framework

Since joining the Ontario civil service, Oldfield has taken on a wide range of policy roles across the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Before her public service career, Oldfield worked as a financial services manager at BMO Financial Group. In her current role, she oversees the implementation of Ontario’s Trustworthy AI Framework, setting standards for the responsible and accountable use of AI in government operations.

Aaron Maniam is Fellow of Practice and Director, Digital Transformation Education at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. He works on how large, complex organisations like governments can better use, regulate and enable digital technology in a range of domains, and plan more effectively for the long-term.

Previously a Singaporean civil servant, he held several policy leadership roles, including starting both the Centre for Strategic Futures, which examines long-range trends, and the Civil Service College Applied Simulation Training (CAST) Laboratory, which creates serious games to help policymakers grapple with wicked problems. He co-chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Technology Policy (2022-2024). He is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Future Generations, and a member of the OECD’s Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Futures. His PhD, also from Oxford’s Blavatnik School, compared the digitalisation of tax and social policy agencies in Estonia, Zealand and Singapore.

He is also a Fellow of Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Futures, Civil Service College, Centre for Liveable Cities, and Culture Academy.

Dr. Keegan McBride is a Lecturer in AI, Government, and Policy at the Oxford Internet Institute and an Adjunct Senior Fellow in National Security and Technology at the Center for a New American Security. At Oxford, he conducts research on how new and emerging disruptive technologies are transforming our understanding of the state, government, and power.

Leonardo Quattrucci is a Senior Advisor to Apolitical and an Adjunct Professor of Innovation Management at Sciences Po. He has over a decade of building experience across technology and public policy: from the European Commission's Presidential advisory service to the AWS Quantum Technologies team. His work has been recognised by the World Economic Forum, Forbes Magazine, and Schmidt Futures, among others. He has a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford.