Biographies

Radia Funna is a globally recognized futurist with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of technology, human behavior, policy, and organizational strategy. As the founder and principal of Build n Blaze, LLC., she leads efforts to shape ethical governance frameworks for emerging technologies while empowering governments, international organizations, and corporations to unlock their full potential in an increasingly digital world.

Radia is the creator of the xHuman Theory and the Theory of Disruptive Organizational Strategy, frameworks that have redefined how organizations adapt to disruptive change. Her journey as a theorist began in 2011, inspired by her leadership of Heidrick & Struggles’ partnership with the World Economic Forum. This experience laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work on organizational strategy in an era of rapid technological evolution.

Her expertise has positioned her as a key contributor to global efforts to standardize and govern emerging technologies. She recently served as Co-Chair of Working Group 1 and Vice Chair of Working Group 6 in the ITU Focus Group on metaverse and is deeply involved in shaping international standards for AI, virtual worlds, immersive technologies, and quantum cybersecurity at ITU, IEEE, and the European Union.

Radia’s work extends beyond theory into actionable impact. In collaboration with ITU and UNESCWA, she recently concluded what may be the world’s first study on leveraging immersive technologies to achieve national development targets. Her ability to align technological innovation with human-centric design and sustainable development has made her a trusted advisor to governments and organizations worldwide.

As a Special Advisor to the United Nations and an SDG Advocate, Radia is committed to ensuring that digital transformation drives inclusive growth. Her vision is clear: To build a future where technology serves humanity’s greatest aspirations while blazing trails for innovation that is inclusive, ethical, and transformative.