Agenda

Mirko Montuori is an international civil servant with over 15 years of professional experience in the United Nations, civil society organizations and the private sector in Italy, France, Belgium and the United States. He is very keen on promoting emerging technologies and their concrete application to solve people’s and organizational problems. In this context, he spearheaded efforts to promote the first-ever FAO Online Commenting System, the UNJSPF digital identity solution, and the UN Digital ID project.

Mr. Montuori has been serving as Public Information Officer for United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund in New York since February 2023. From 2012-2023, he worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, where he held various communication roles, including Deputy Team Leader and Communication Officer in the Director's Office of FAO's largest technical division. Prior to joining FAO, he held several communication positions in Belgium, France, Italy and the United States (2008-2012).

Mr. Montuori holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the Catholic University of Milan, a Master's Degree in Public Management from the University of Salerno, and a postgraduate Master in Diplomacy from the International Political Studies Institute (ISPI) of Milan. He was also an exchange student at University of Geneva and the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris – Sciences Po. He is the author of hundreds of publications, news and other communication products for the United Nations and beyond.

With over two decades’ experience spanning the public, private and academic spheres, Hlekiwe is a preeminent leader in digital transformation. Her commitment lies in harnessing the transformative power of technology to confront pressing global challenges.
Hlekiwe's expertise encompasses the spectrum of the mobile, digital, and emerging technology ecosystems with contributions ranging from shaping policy and driving standardisation to pioneering research, innovative design and impactful implementation.
A significant focus of Hlekiwe's work is at the critical intersection of technology and child rights, with a particular emphasis on empowering marginalised communities. She has a proven track record of deploying cutting-edge technologies to enhance crisis response, expedite disaster recovery and foster sustainable long-term development initiatives.
Driven by a dedication to social empowerment, Hlekiwe is particularly devoted to utilising technology to empower underserved communities, equipping them with the essential tools and knowledge to unlock their full potential and act as their own agents of change.