Ukraine and Germany have announced the launch of the Global GovTech Board, a digital transformation experience exchange initiative, the countries' representatives said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos on Wednesday.

“It is essential for governments worldwide not only to adopt new technologies but also to cooperate in exchanging experiences and best practices. The Global GovTech Board provides a platform for global leaders in IT and digital transformation to work together on addressing global challenges, enhancing GovTech practices, developing joint strategies, and shaping effective, innovative governments for the future," said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

The Council will operate on a permanent basis; Ukraine and Germany, as co-founders, will coordinate its work through the GovTech centres in Kyiv and Berlin.

‘It's surprising that there hasn't been a platform that brings together digital leaders of governments at this level before. We are delighted to bring this to life, building on the foundation of the GGTC in Kyiv and Berlin with the support of the governments of Ukraine and Germany,’ said Manuel Kilian, CEO of the Global Government Technology Centre (GGTC) in Berlin.

The board will be attended by top IT executives (CIOs) or ministers responsible for digital, including annual meetings to exchange ideas, assess progress and set strategic priorities. Additional activities such as workshops, events and working groups will be organised throughout the year.

“The Global GovTech Board’s launch is not just a milestone in global digital governance but also a reflection of how sustained partnerships can yield transformative results. Over the past decade, the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, implemented by East Europe Foundation and supported by Switzerland, has laid the groundwork for Ukraine’s leadership in GovTech. This initiative builds on that foundation, demonstrating the impact of innovative collaboration and our shared commitment to advancing digital transformation for the benefit of citizens in Ukraine”, added Victor Liakh, President of East Europe Foundation.

The Global GovTech Board is a platform where digital transformation leaders from different countries will be able to develop new technological solutions for citizens, work to strengthen cybersecurity, and create joint international projects. 

The implementation of the Global Council began with the establishment of the Kyiv GovTech Centre (GGTC Kyiv) in December 2024. The centre became the second in the world after Berlin and the 21st node in the global network of the World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). This confirms Ukraine's leadership in digital transformation and creates opportunities for the dissemination of Ukrainian experience around the world.