Nele Leosk | – Ambassador for Digital Affairs for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia

Over the past twenty years, Nele Leosk has been at the forefront of digital transformation globally. As the Ambassador for Digital Affairs, Nele is responsible for establishing and managing Estonia’s digital diplomacy, ensuring its seamless implementation across various sectors, including the digital economy, innovation, democracy, development cooperation, and security. She operates at the critical intersection of public policy and technology, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of global multi-stakeholder relationships. Her work encompasses vital areas such as data, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and internet governance, partnering with governments, the European Commission, United Nations, and the private sector.

Nele has an extensive background in leading public sector reforms and digitalization initiatives across more than forty countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Her advisory roles to political and government leaders on digital economy and governance have led to successful strategies and roadmaps in digital governance, e-services, e-participation, digital education, digital skills, and data governance.

Her expertise has been recognized through her advisory roles with the United Nations, OECD, and the European Commission. Nele is a member of the Global Future Council of the World Economic Forum and has chaired the Digital Cooperation and Diplomacy network. Additionally, she has contributed to the Global Standards Symposium and is an active member of the e-Estonia high-level council.

Nele holds a Ph.D. in political and social sciences and continues to lecture on legal aspects of information society and technology policy. Inspired by female leaders and committed to mentoring the next generation of digital leaders, she is active in global networks focused on digital and cyber issues. She is also a co-initiator of GovStack Women in GovTech Challenge, advocating for greater female participation and leadership in the digital domain.