“Women’s Leadership in Digital State Transformation: The Ukrainian Experience in Public ICT Governance”
Women in Tech Ukraine was represented by Iva Kozlovska at the first in-person multi-stakeholder dialogue of the “Women’s Leadership in Digital State Transformation: The Ukrainian Experience in Public ICT Governance” project in Riga, Latvia.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, digital leaders, and experts from across Europe. Ukraine contributed not only ideas, but practical experience: the Diia ecosystem, now used by more than 22 million Ukrainians; the CDTO governance model; and digital public services that have remained operational throughout a full-scale war. This is more than digital innovation—it is institutional resilience proven under extraordinary circumstances.
The conversation extended well beyond technology. Participants explored AI governance, public trust, and the role of inclusive leadership in building resilient public institutions. One message resonated throughout the discussions: effective digital transformation depends not only on technological capability, but also on transparent governance, accountability, collaboration, and public trust.
Importantly, the dialogue was designed not only to exchange perspectives but to translate them into action. The next steps include developing an Action Plan and Cooperation Matrix to strengthen future collaboration on AI governance, institutional resilience, and women’s leadership in public ICT.
For us, one conclusion stands out: Ukraine is no longer only adapting European experience—it is actively helping shape the future of digital governance in Europe.
We are grateful to our Latvian and European partners, our Ukrainian colleagues, and everyone who made this dialogue possible. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and strengthening women’s leadership in building inclusive, resilient, and human-centred digital societies.
