Agenda

Liisa-Ly Pakosta holds the ministerial position since July 2024. Prior to this role, she was the Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). She is a member of the political party Estonia 200. 

Ms. Pakosta is an experienced leader with extensive international experience and a strong background in both public and private sectors. She has held various leadership positions, including the head of the Tallinn Heritage Board, the State Heritage Board, and Deputy Mayor of Tallinn. Ms. Pakosta was a member of Parliament from 2009 to 2015. She also served as Editor-in-Chief at AS Ühinenud Ajakirjad and was Estonia’s Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner from 2015 to 2022.  

In her ministerial role, Ms. Pakosta is committed to combining the digital and judicial spheres, recognising that technology can enhance access to justice and strengthen societal resilience. She prioritises international cooperation, emphasising security ties, entrepreneurial partnerships, and leveraging digital solutions to strengthen global collaboration.

Minister Pakosta holds Master’s degrees in Law and History, and is pursuing a PhD in Law at the University of Tartu.  

She is fluent in Estonian, English and Swedish, proficient in Russian, and has good command of French and German. 

Meutya Viada Hafid, a graduate of the University of New South Wales (2001) with a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering and the University of Indonesia (2018) with a master’s degree in political science. She has served as Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives since 2019. During her tenure as Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives in 2019-2024, she has produced 13 laws. Since 2010, she has served as a Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party with the electoral district of North Sumatra. Previously, she worked as a journalist at Metro TV and was a host on several television shows. She was held hostage for seven days in 2005 by a group of armed men while on duty in Iraq. On September 28, 2007, Meutya launched a book she wrote herself, namely 168 Hours in Hostage: Memoirs of a Journalist Held Hostage in Iraq. On October 11, 2007, Meutya Hafid was selected as the winner of the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award, from Australia. Once named one of the five Inspirational Press Figures of Indonesia by Mizan and the youngest woman to receive the award. Born on May 3, 1978, this daughter of Soppeng, South Sulawesi has been active in the Golkar Party since 2016 and the MKGR mass organization since 2020.

Since October 21, 2024, Meutya Viada Hafid has been serving as the Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, appointed by President Prabowo Subianto. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing national policies related to digital transformation, telecommunications, information governance, and the development of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem. 

Mr. Kyeongman KIM serves as Deputy Minister at the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy in the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea. In this role, he is responsible for shaping and implementing Korea’s national artificial intelligence policies and advancing strategies to strengthen the country’s digital and AI ecosystem.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Kim was the Director General of the Artificial Intelligence Policy Bureau and earlier, the Director General of the Telecommunications Policy Bureau at MSIT, overseeing the development of key telecommunications and digital policy initiatives. Throughout his career in public service, he has held several senior positions within the Korean government including Director of the AI Infrastructure Policy Division, Director of the Postal Business Information Center, and Director of the Telecommunications Competition Policy Division.

He also served as a seconded official to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD and as Secretary at the Korea Communications Commission, contributing to international and national digital policy development.Mr. Kim joined the Korean civil service after passing the national civil service examination in 1997 and has since built extensive experience in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence policy.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver and completed doctoral coursework in Technology Policy a.t Yonsei University. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Korea University

H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al-Derderi Ghandour is a visionary leader driving Sudan’s digital transformation at a moment of national rebuilding. As Minister of Digital Transformation and Communication, he leads a bold agenda to restore critical infrastructure, embed cybersecurity resilience, and position Sudan as a regional digital hub linking Africa and the world. With deep experience in strategy and execution, he previously served as General Manager of Digital Transformation at MTN Group, where he led large-scale innovation and infrastructure programs across African markets. He holds an MBA in Finance and global certifications including CCIE-SP, CEH, PMP, and PRINCE2 Practitioner. Honored with multiple awards for excellence, innovation, and leadership, he is recognized internationally for pioneering resilient infrastructure and advancing open-source 5G native cloud private networks, aligning Sudan’s digital future with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Raquel Brízida Castro is the Vice-Chairwoman of ANACOM, the National Communications Authority of Portugal. 

She holds a PhD in Law and is a Constitutionalist and Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, where she conducts scientific research on Constitutional and Technological Law.

Since January 2026, he/she has been Vice-Chair of the Working Party on Artificial Intelligence Governance (AIGO) of the OECD Digital Policy Committee and a Member of the GPAI Steering Group – Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, of the OECD.“On the other hand, she was elected President of the Latin American Forum of Telecommunications Regulatory Authorities (Regulatel) for the year 2027, and will serve as Vice‑President during 2026.

Se is also member of the Forum on Information and Democracy – FID Consultative Committee.

In recent years, she has published extensively on the constitutional impacts of the EU’s new Technological and Digital Regulation, particularly the AI Act, Digital Services Act, GDPR, and Media Freedom Act. Her scholarly work on these topics is both extensive and influential, and she is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and seminars.

She is an Effective Integrated Researcher at the Lisbon Public Law Centre, University of Lisbon, and an Associate Researcher at ICPOL, the Research Centre of the Higher Institute of Police Sciences and Internal Security. She leads national and international scientific research projects.

Profile

Senior international executive with over two decades of experience spanning education, UK government, multilateral diplomacy, and the technology sector. Currently leads Microsoft’s global engagement with the United Nations and international organisations, championing public–private partnerships to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Former UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OECD and International Energy Agency in Paris, where he also served as Dean of Ambassadors. Deep expertise in international economic policy, sovereign debt management, data science strategy, and digital transformation. A trusted bridge between government, multilateral institutions, and the private sector.

 
Current Positions

Vice President, UN Affairs and International Organizations   |   May 2022 – Present

Microsoft – Paris, France / New York, USA

•      Leads Microsoft’s strategic engagement with the United Nations system and international organisations, based in Paris and New York.

•      Built and leads the UN and International Organizations team, demonstrating the value of multistakeholderism in addressing global challenges.

•      Advances partnerships to harness technology for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, working with UN agencies, member states, civil society, and the private sector.

•      Represents Microsoft at high-level forums including the UN General Assembly, Paris Peace Forum, World Meteorological Organization, and ITU AI for Good.

•      Promotes responsible AI, digital inclusion, and data-driven approaches to sustainable development on the world stage.

Member of General Assembly, Paris Peace Forum   |   May 2023 – Present  (permanent part-time)

Paris Peace Forum – Paris, France

•      Serves as a Member of the General Assembly of the Paris Peace Forum, the leading annual international governance forum held in Paris each November.

•      Contributes to the Forum’s mission of building and strengthening multilateral governance, alongside heads of state, international organisations, and civil society leaders.

•      Role held concurrently with Microsoft VP position on a permanent part-time basis.

Board Member, United States Council for International Business (USCIB)   |   Jun 2022 – Present

USCIB – New York, USA

•      Member of the Board of Directors of the USCIB, which promotes open international trade, investment, and responsible business conduct.

 
Career History

Senior Director, UN Affairs   |   Sep 2021 – May 2022

Microsoft – Paris, France

•      Initial role upon joining Microsoft from the UK Civil Service; rapidly promoted to Vice President within eight months.

•      Subject to HM Treasury Business Appointment Rules: required not to lobby HM Treasury or FCDO for six months and to inform HM Treasury of new appointments for two years post-departure.

Deputy Director, Economics and Data Science   |   Jun 2021 – Sep 2021

HM Treasury, UK Government – London, UK

•      Brief bridging role at HM Treasury immediately before joining Microsoft.

•      Worked on economic analysis and data science strategy within one of the UK’s most influential central government departments.

UK Permanent Representative (Ambassador) to the OECD and IEA   |   Jan 2016 – Jun 2021

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) & International Energy Agency (IEA) – Paris, France

•      Represented the United Kingdom at the OECD and International Energy Agency for over five years, holding the rank of Ambassador.

•      Served as Dean of the Ambassadors at the OECD – a prestigious rotating role representing the collective interests of all member-country ambassadors.

•      Led UK engagement across the OECD’s broad policy agenda including trade, tax, finance, digital, innovation, environment, and development.

•      Championed UK priorities in multilateral economic and energy policy discussions during a period of significant global and domestic change (including Brexit negotiations).

•      Contributed a foreword to the OECD/ITF Strategic Infrastructure report in his capacity as UK Ambassador.

Language Training   |   Nov 2015 – Dec 2015

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), UK Government

Deputy Director, Debt and Reserves Management   |   Dec 2013 – Nov 2015

HM Treasury, UK Government – London, UK

•      Oversaw policy on the UK Government’s sovereign debt programme and management of the UK’s foreign currency reserves.

•      Served as a member of the Board of National Savings and Investments (NS&I).

•      Led the UK’s landmark sovereign Sukuk issuance (2014) – the first Islamic bond issued by a Western sovereign government, raising £200 million.

•      Led the UK’s sovereign Renminbi (RMB) bond issuance (2014) – the first RMB-denominated sovereign bond issued outside of China, raising RMB 3 billion.

Chief Economist   |   Sep 2012 – Dec 2013

Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UK Government – London, UK

•      Served as the department’s chief economic adviser, providing senior economic analysis and advice to ministers and officials.

•      Led economic appraisal and evaluation across DCMS policy areas including broadcasting, sport, the arts, and the digital economy.

Senior Adviser, Budget Strategy   |   Nov 2011 – Sep 2012

HM Treasury, UK Government – London, UK

•      Provided senior advice on UK Budget strategy and fiscal policy, supporting Treasury ministers and officials during the fiscal consolidation period.

Earlier Policy Roles   |   Sep 2003 – Nov 2011

HM Treasury, UK Government – London, UK

•      Joined HM Treasury in September 2003 and worked across a wide range of policy areas including public spending, EU policy, and international finance.

•      Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Gordon Brown): Sep 2004 – Apr 2006. Provided direct personal support to Chancellor Gordon Brown on the full range of Treasury business.

•      Developed broad expertise in domestic fiscal policy, European Union economics, and international financial policy across multiple roles within HM Treasury.

Teacher of English   |   Sep 1998 – Sep 2003

Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School – Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, UK

•      Taught English at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School for five years prior to joining HM Treasury and the UK Civil Service.

 
Education

2010 – 2011 MSc in Economics, Birkbeck College, University of London
1993 – 1996 BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature, University of Manchester
 
Key Achievements

•      Pioneered the UK’s first sovereign Sukuk (Islamic bond) issuance (2014) – a landmark in UK–Gulf relations and global Islamic finance.

•      Led the UK’s first sovereign Renminbi bond issuance (2014) – the first RMB sovereign bond issued outside China, strengthening UK–China financial ties.

•      Served as Dean of Ambassadors at the OECD, representing all member-country ambassadors collectively.

•      Built and leads Microsoft’s UN and International Organizations team from its founding, establishing a new model of tech-sector multilateral engagement.

•      Served as Private Secretary to Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown (2004–2006), one of the most senior personal support roles in UK Government.

•      Regular speaker at high-profile global forums: UN General Assembly, ITU AI for Good, Paris Peace Forum, Concordia Summit, WMO, and ITAPA.

 
Skills & Languages

Core Expertise

•      International economic policy & diplomacy

•      Sovereign debt & reserves management

•      Multilateral institution engagement (UN, OECD, IEA)

•      Public–private partnerships & multistakeholderism

•      Data science & digital transformation

•      UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

•      Strategic communications & public speaking

Languages

•      English – Native proficiency

•      French – Full professional proficiency

Sector Knowledge

•      UK Civil Service (HM Treasury, DCMS, FCO/FCDO)

•      International organisations (OECD, UN, IEA, WMO, ITU)

•      Technology sector (Microsoft, AI, cloud, digital)

•      Islamic & international capital markets

Mr. A. H. M. Bazlur Rahman is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). He also serves as Ambassador for Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Bangladesh. Over more than three decades, he has worked at the intersection of media development, digital transformation, digital democracy, information integrity, and inclusive public policy, with a particular focus on empowering rural, marginalized, and underserved communities.

Since its establishment in 2000, BNNRC has played a consistent and strategic role in advancing inclusive digital development in Bangladesh. Under Mr. Rahman’s leadership, the organization has promoted a people-centered, rights-based, and community-driven approach to communication and technology. Its work connects community media, access to information, digital inclusion, digital transformation, internet governance, responsible artificial intelligence, and democratic participation into a coherent development agenda. 

BNNRC’s contribution is particularly significant because it has translated the global principles and commitments of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) into practical, locally relevant initiatives in Bangladesh. Rather than treating global digital cooperation as a distant diplomatic process, BNNRC has helped demonstrate how international commitments can be grounded in national priorities and community realities. Its work shows how digital policy can become meaningful when it is connected to people’s rights, public service delivery, local knowledge, community resilience, and democratic participation.

Through community media, ICT-enabled public engagement, local capacity-building, and multi-stakeholder cooperation, BNNRC has helped shape an effective model for digital inclusion in Bangladesh. This model goes beyond providing access to technology. It strengthens access to reliable information, supports civic participation, amplifies community voices, and contributes to a safer and more accountable digital environment. It also recognizes that digital development cannot be measured only by infrastructure or connectivity. It must also be judged whether people can use information and communication technology to improve their lives, exercise their rights, and participate meaningfully in public decision-making. 

As the world moves toward WSIS 2035, Mr. Rahman’s work carries relevance. The next phase of digital development will not be defined solely by new technologies but by questions of trust, inclusion, accountability, equity, and public interest. In Bangladesh, ensuring digital development for all requires placing local voices, community leadership, and inclusive policy at the center of national and global discussions. Mr. Rahman has consistently argued, through his work and advocacy, that digital transformation must serve people first, especially those who are often left outside mainstream policy and technology debates.

Mr. Rahman has participated in and delivered interventions at the WSIS Forum as a high level representative since the Forum’s inception. He has led and supported Bangladesh’s engagement with the International Telecommunication Union and the WSIS process since 2002. Since 2006, he has also been actively engaged in internet public policy and internet governance issues, including participation in major international conferences, preparatory processes, and multi-stakeholder dialogues.

His work spans national, regional, and international levels. He has contributed to projects and policy initiatives related to media development, community broadcasting, digital rights, digital transformation, responsible use of emerging technologies, information integrity, and democratic governance. He is widely recognized for his policy advocacy and people-centered diplomacy, particularly his ability to connect global policy frameworks with the lived realities of communities.

In Bangladesh, Mr. Rahman has supported the national promotion and facilitation of key United Nations and global digital cooperation frameworks. These include the WSIS Action Lines C1 to C11, the Report of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation, the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda of 2021. Through these efforts, he has encouraged a broader understanding of how digital cooperation, public-interest technology, and inclusive governance can contribute to sustainable development.

He led Bangladesh’s multi-stakeholder preparatory process for the United Nations Summit of the Future and the Global Digital Compact, helping bring together voices from government, civil society, the private sector, the technical community, academia, and development partners. His engagement contributed to national dialogue on the future of digital cooperation, responsible technology governance, and inclusive development. He is now actively engaged in implementing the Pact for the Future, with a continued focus on ensuring that global commitments are translated into practical, people-centered outcomes in Bangladesh.

Since 2002, Mr. Rahman has played an active role as a policy advocate and constructive participant in multi-stakeholder processes on WSIS, internet governance, and the Global Digital Compact. His engagement has promoted dialogue among governments, civil society, the private sector, the technical community, academia, and development partners. He has worked to build mutual understanding across these groups while keeping the concerns of communities and citizens at the center of digital policy discussions. He was the co-founder of the Bangladesh Working Group on WSIS. The WSIS National Coordination Committee was established by the Government of Bangladesh through a gazette notification in 2002.  

Mr. Rahman is a recipient of the United Nations WSIS Prize, awarded in 2016. He has also been recognized as a WSIS Champion in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025, particularly for his efforts in WSIS Action Line localization. These recognitions reflect his long-standing commitment to making global digital development frameworks practical, inclusive, and locally meaningful. He has used this international recognition to deepen multi-stakeholder engagement and to advance research, innovation and equity-focused responses to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

His academic and professional background combines political science, law, development studies, and public policy. He completed a Master of Social Science in Government and Politics from the Asian University of Bangladesh and a Bachelor of Laws under the National University of Bangladesh. He also completed Management Development Studies at Participatory Research in Asia in New Delhi, India. In addition, he participated in the Legislative Development Fellowship, a component of the U.S. Department of State’s Professional Development Fellowship Program.

As founder and Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC, Mr. Rahman has helped position the organization at the forefront of community media, media development, advancing digital democracy, digital development, and information integrity in Bangladesh. BNNRC’s work is closely aligned with the UN WSIS Action Lines and supports inclusive access, community empowerment, digital literacy, responsible technology use, and democratic participation. The organization continues to work for a people-centered information society where technology serves development, strengthens public trust, and expands opportunities for all.

Mr. Rahman is currently a member of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum Working Group for WSIS+20. His continuing work reflects a long-term commitment to building an inclusive, rights-based, and development-oriented digital future for Bangladesh and the wider global community.