N'Goran Franck Konan
I graduated from the African University of Information and Communication technologies (ESATIC) in Ivory Coast, for my bachelor's and master's degrees in Networking & Telecommunications, respectively in 2017 and 2019. After my first master's degree, I decided to pursue my educational journey in Nairobi, Kenya under the African Union Scholarship, scholarship granted to be the best students across Africa as part of African Union's 2063 agenda initiatives. Under this scholarship, I pursued my second master's in electrical engineering, with major in Telecommunications at the Pan African University, hosted in Jomo Kenyatta University. I graduated in 2023, with published research in Scopus-indexed Journal and thesis focusing on Machine learning and 5G. My research title was Enhancement of Signal to Noise Ratio (SINR) prediction in 5G networks. I started my professional career as a Network administrator in local companies in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. There I worked on diverse projects, managing, supervising and providing secure access to the local and wide area network to the staff. Prior joining ITU, I worked as a remote access associate at the World Bank, in Nairobi, Kenya. There, I was involved in network security initiatives, through VPN deployment, part of the Zero Trust Strategy approach. Also, I was creating decisional insights (Data analytics) for my team lead and management with Power BI.
My Work at ITU as a YPP: In ITU, I am working as Junior AI/Data Scientist, where I continue to grow in the field of data. I manage open-source datasets/knowledge based such as GitHub repositories, and supporting machine learning and 5G challenges, through analytics and administrative supports. I conduct research on AI-related topics and building the challenges new website. My role expands across diverse initiatives, where I support, “Innovate for impact initiative” and “the sponsorship of Africa's sponsors to AI for Good summit.”. Innovate for impact is an initiative that brings, innovators, to showcase real-world projects with AI. At AI for Good, I engage with African partners, in sponsoring the summit.
Rebecca Mzungu Saeluzika
I am a telecommunications and digital infrastructure professional with a background in communications systems, data analysis, and digital platforms. I hold a Master of Engineering in Communications and Information Systems from Liaoning University of Technology and a BSc (Hons) in Business Information Technology from the University of Greenwich. My professional experience spans digital infrastructure, public health data systems, ICT capacity building, and technology-enabled service delivery across Africa and international organizations. I have worked with institutions including the Zambia National Public Health Institute and Viamo, focusing on data-driven decision-making, digital platforms, and stakeholder coordination to support innovation, connectivity, and development outcomes.
My work in ITU as a YPP: I serve as a Young Professional on Submarine Cable Resilience. My work focuses on strengthening the resilience of global submarine cable infrastructure, which carries over 99% of international internet traffic. I support coordination among governments, industry, and international organizations to develop best practices and policy recommendations on cable protection, deployment, and repair. I contribute to research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and high-level initiatives such as the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit, helping advance international cooperation to ensure reliable and resilient global connectivity.
Prateek Dubey
I hold a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology and began my career as a software engineer, gathering over five years of experience across fintech and clinical trials. These were sectors that demanded careful, structured thinking, and a serious engagement with data. That time in industry taught me not just how to build systems, but how to think about them clearly. It was a deliberate choice to move toward international public service, drawn by a longstanding interest in how technology can serve broader human ends. That transition from private industry to the UN remains the most formative step of my professional life so far.
My Work at ITU as a YPP: I work within the WSIS and SDG portfolio, contributing across both technical and coordination functions. I have built tools including a global WSIS events calendar and am currently developing data visualization and semantic search capabilities, including RAG-based systems, to make WSIS stocktaking more accessible and insightful. I also create social media content and contribute to the broader WSIS process and the WSIS Forum. I am also involved in the WSIS Youth Track, working to bring younger voices into the digital governance conversation. My background is technical, but I find myself increasingly drawn to the policy dimensions of this work, learning steadily to speak both languages with confidence.
Flora Lomoteley Okine
I am a telecommunications policy and regulatory professional with over eight years of experience spanning Ghana and the international level. My work focuses on spectrum management, satellite regulation, ICT policy development, and international coordination. I am passionate about advancing digital inclusion and I have supported initiatives such as Girls in ICT and WomenTechConnect in Ghana, promoting greater participation of young women in the ICT sector. I hold a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and an MSc in International Business Management from the University of East London.
My work in ITU as a YPP: I work within the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), contributing to both the Informatics, Administration & Publications Department's Business Operations & Planning Division and the Space Services Department's Coordinated Space Systems Division. My role includes supporting business intelligence activities that inform strategic and operational decision-making across the Departments and providing Strategic Communications and Drafting Support within the BR. I am also involved in the processing and analysis of satellite network data and regulatory processes related to satellite services. Additionally, I support the Network of Women for WRC-27, an initiative which aims to provide an active forum for exchanging knowledge, networking and mentoring for women in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector.
Harisa Shahid
I am a cybersecurity professional at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). I hold a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore. Although I studied Electrical Engineering, my growing curiosity about digital security and resilience guided me toward cybersecurity. I have a strong interest in information security governance and standards implementation, particularly in strengthening secure and trustworthy digital systems. I am also passionate about digital inclusion and advancing women's participation in ICT leadership and policy spaces.
My work in ITU as a YPP: I work as a Cybersecurity Analyst, contributing to the organization's internal security and resilience. My role includes collaboration with Security Operations Centre (SOC), incident response, vulnerability management, and implementation of security policies and controls. I also support cybersecurity awareness initiatives to strengthen preparedness and protect staff, delegates, and critical digital infrastructure. Working within a collaborative security environment, I contribute to maintaining a robust organizational security posture that reinforces operational continuity, institutional credibility, and trust in ITU's global mandate.
Tadala Beatrice Sambakunsi
I am a digital development professional from Malawi. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and I am currently pursuing an MSc in Digital Transformation at the University of Hull. Prior to joining ITU, I worked at UNDP as a Digital Innovations Analyst, where I supported Malawi's Digital Readiness Assessment in collaboration with the national e-government programme. I also coordinated digital literacy initiatives with public universities, supporting programmes aimed at strengthening digital skills among young people. My interests include digital policy, data-driven decision-making, and expanding inclusive participation in the digital economy.
My work in ITU as a YPP: I work in the Regulatory and Market Environment (RME) Division of the Telecommunication Development Bureau. My work focuses on regulatory benchmarking and the analysis of ICT market data. I contribute to global regulatory surveys and research on ICT pricing and affordability, helping generate evidence that supports policymaking by Member States. Through this work, I contribute to analytical outputs and tools that support governments in strengthening regulatory environments and expanding access to digital services.
