Yesterday, 18 May, Estonia’s candidate for the post of Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – former Estonian Ambassador-at-
Large for Digital Affairs Nele Leosk – was introduced to ambassadors accredited to Estonia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Leosk currently heads the European Commission’s Knowledge Hub Digital and has contributed to the digital development of more than 110 countries.
In her remarks, Leosk, whose candidacy was nominated by a decision of the Estonian government, stressed that while ensuring universal connectivity – including internet access for the 2.2 billion people who still lack it today – must remain a priority, equal attention should be paid to ensuring that connectivity and digital technologies have a real impact and benefit society as a whole.
“I have helped countries move from developing to developed status through the use of digital technologies. I am convinced that this is achievable for every country. The question is not whether it is possible, but how to do it,” Nele Leosk said. “In addition to building connections, countries must be helped to develop the capacity to lead and implement their own digital development. Only in this way can the sustainability of digital transformation be ensured. This requires strong foundations – reliable digital data, interoperable systems and functioning digital ecosystems that also enable the adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. As the oldest organisation within the UN system, the ITU has an important role in global digital cooperation, but the ITU itself must also keep pace with the times, strengthen cooperation and partnerships, and become more efficient, transparent and professional. If elected, I will work towards a stronger ITU together with all partners.”
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described Leosk as a trusted and experienced expert in digital development whose candidacy has the full support of the Estonian state. “Nele Leosk has more than 25 years of experience in digital development and digital cooperation,” Tsahkna said. “She has worked with partners around the world to help build e-governance systems, strengthen global digital connectivity and improve the resilience of systems.”
“At a time when malicious interference and sabotage pose an increasing threat to digital security, it is vital to invest in strengthening and increasing the transparency of international digital mechanisms. Estonia and our experts, with their extensive digital experience, are leading the way in this field.”
Tsahkna added that the ITU’s role in shaping global digital norms, developing communications networks and frameworks, and creating a responsible digital environment is invaluable. “Nele’s international experience enables her to contribute to the ITU Development Sector with both expert knowledge and practical solutions that help ensure that agreed principles also function effectively in practice.”
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations’ leading information and communication technology agency and a global forum for cooperation between governments and the private sector in the development of communications networks and services. The ITU headquarters are located in Geneva. Elections for the Director of the Development Bureau will take place in November in Doha.
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