Join us for a panel discussion and networking event focused on GovTech in international cooperation.
The event will feature experts from different fields, including academics, professionals who implement digital government services, and representatives from a GovTech company. The goal is to have an informative conversation and expand our understanding of how GovTech can contribute to international development cooperation by helping governments transform digitally.
Key note and panel discussion (6 pm - 7:15 pm)
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid (Hertie School) will open the event with a welcome note, followed by a key note delivered by Yolanda Martínez (International Telecommunications Union). This will lead into a panel discussion with speakers Andrea Donath (GIZ), Benny Bennet Jürgens (Nect), Yolanda Martínez (International Telecommunications Union), Christian Meyer (University of Oxford) and David Steinacker (GovTech Campus Deutschland), moderated by Puja Raghavan (Hertie School MPP student and GIZ). Chepkemoi Magdaline (EldoHub) will share her thoughts on GovTech Global South responses in a short video message.
Networking session (7:15 pm - 8 pm)
There will be a networking session with 3-4 information stations placed around the room. This setup allows GovTech companies and students to explore these stations for more details on important topics. One of the stations will focus on the GovStack Compliance process, specifically tailored for students and GovTech companies.
Here, attendees will learn about the advantages of offering GovStack compliant products and receive guidance on navigating the compliance process. For students, this station offers a valuable opportunity to see how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world scenarios, particularly in the context of software companies building their market presence.
Join us for an inspiring evening of knowledge sharing, networking, and exploration at the forefront of GovTech innovation in international development cooperation. Light refreshments will be served.
This event is hosted by the Centre for Digital Governance in cooperation with GovStack, Possible and Tabiya (University of Oxford).
Registration is mandatory.
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Speakers
Welcome
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid is Professor of Public and Financial Management at the Hertie School and was Founding Director of the Hertie School's Centre for Digital Governance from 2019-2023. His research focuses on public management reform, comparative public administration, public sector performance management and how digitalisation is affecting government. He also serves as Academic Head at the Institut für den öffentlichen Sektor e.V. (www.publicgovernance.de) and is a coordinator and partner of various EU-funded research projects (COCOPS, LIPSE, EUPACK, TROPICO) on public sector innovation and digital government transformation.
Speakers
Andrea Donath is Head of Programme GovStack-Initiative at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Berlin. As an experienced manager in International Cooperation, she has more than 20 years of experience in international policy consulting and project management in the fields of private sector engagement, digital transformation and communications. In her previous position she was advising the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in private sector engagement by leading the product development and innovation team.
© Matthias Friel Benny Bennet Jürgens began his career in 2006 as a computer scientist in the insurance industry. In his last position before founding Nect, he led app development after initiating it. His experience in successfully introducing innovations under high regulatory requirements in complex system landscapes laid the foundation for the founding of Nect. As the inventor of three patents, he is passionate about finding solutions that move the world forward.
Yolanda Martínez is a Digital Development Expert who serves as Program Lead for the GovStack Initiative at the International Telecommunications Union, collaborating with governments in expediting the digital transformation of their services. Within the public domain, Yolanda spearheaded Mexico's National Digital Strategy, oversaw the Digital Government Unit at the Federal Level, and directed the Zapopan Digital City Program at the municipal level. In the private sector, while at Deloitte Consulting, she championed numerous digital transformation projects.
Chepkemoi Magdaline is the Founder and Executive Director of EldoHub, a trailblazing technology and innovation hubs, she's empowering a new generation with the skills to tackle Africa's challenges, supporting digital transformation of SMEs and the public sector. More than a decade of experience has honed Chepkemoi's expertise in harnessing technology, entrepreneurship, and research. Her passion lies in bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas. Chepkemoi co-designed the impactful Sasakazi initiative. This program has onboarded over 6,000 young tech professionals with a remarkable 90% success rate in finding jobs on completion. Her leadership as the Chairperson of the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs further cemented her role in igniting innovation and entrepreneurship across Kenya.
Dr. Christian Johannes Meyer is the Director of the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Development at the University of Oxford, a research group working on labor markets and livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries. In addition to his academic work, Christian is the CEO and Co-Founder of Tabiya, a non-profit organisation that creates digital public infrastructure for global youth employment. Prior to joining Oxford, Christian worked with the World Bank, the Center for Global Development, and the United Nations.
David Steinacker is Head of Ecosystems & Partnerships at the GovTech Campus Deutschland, where he is responsible for the development and expansion of the memberbase as well as the organisation of national and international collaborations. Prior to his current position, he was the European Sales Director at a scale-up in London and has more than 10 years of experience in various positions at Google. He has also gained valuable experience with the GIZ and worked as a Product Manager in the financial sector in Kenya. David holds a Master's degree from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Moderator
Puja Raghavan is an Indian lawyer with a political science background who is currently working as a Young Professional on the GovStack project with the Digital Transformation team at GIZ. She has previously worked with a Berlin based GovTech startup that works in the intersection of Government and Technology. Prior to that, she practiced law on the policy and government relations team of a leading law practice in New Delhi, India before joining the Master of Public Policy cohort at the Hertie School.
