Strategic Council

Chairman of the Strategic Council of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development and served as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN’s specialized agency for ICTs, from 2007 to 2014. Founding Executive Director of the SMART Africa Alliance. He is also the founder of the Connect Africa Initiative and serves on the Advisory Board of the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (IMPACT). A global leader in digital development, Dr. Touré has been instrumental in expanding digital access, bridging the digital divide, and fostering international cooperation on cybersecurity and technological innovation

President of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development, is a seasoned technocrat, political leader, and former Ambassador of Belarus to the United States (1997–2002). He founded and led the Belarus High-Tech Park (2005–2017), often referred to as “Belarus’s Silicon Valley,” transforming it into one of Europe’s leading IT hubs with over 70,000 engineers and more than 500 companies. An expert in digital transformation, he has advised multiple governments and the UN Secretary-General on IT infrastructure, information security, and e-governance.

Vice President of GAID, a Canadian-American film director, producer, and screenwriter whose work spans genres and continents. He is best known for directing global action thrillers such as Falcon Rising and Pound of Flesh starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, as well as Hardwired featuring Val Kilmer, alongside sci-fi cult classics like Cube Zero and cross-cultural narratives for television and streaming platforms including Christmas Inheritance. With a career rooted in storytelling that bridges diverse audiences, Ernie brings a creative lens to GAID’s mission of using digital media and technology to foster cross-cultural dialogue, inclusion, and global engagement.

Founder and President of the America Eurasia Center, promoting U.S.–Eurasian cooperation since 1988 through initiatives like the Eurasia Brief and the America Eurasia Business Coalition. Holding dual Ph.D.s and a Master’s in Security Policy, he has advised U.S. defense, Congress, and international bodies. A recognized expert in Eurasian geopolitics and economic integration, he is a frequent lecturer and advocate for transcontinental collaboration in business and policy.

Congolese human rights advocate and advisor to 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege. She coordinates Congo Notre Avenir, a grassroots NGO focused on post-conflict recovery and community empowerment in eastern Congo. Farini also serves as the Honorary Focal Point for the World March of Women in North Kivu, where she mobilizes regional action for gender justice and peace. With deep expertise in grassroots organizing and survivor advocacy, she brings a powerful voice to global efforts addressing conflict-related sexual violence and women’s rights in Africa.

Malaysian business leader and visionary entrepreneur at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s automotive and real estate sectors. He is the founder of a major automobile platform and one of the largest car dealership networks in Kuala Lumpur, known for combining scale with personalized service. Expanding his impact beyond the automotive industry, Wong is also an early investor in blockchain-powered real estate. Through a Singapore-based investment firm, he leverages blockchain technology to democratize property investment and attract global capital.

Co-Chairperson of the Strategic Council of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development and an internationally recognized advocate for democracy and human rights. She is a laureate of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the Charlemagne Prize, the Martin Luther Fearless Word Prize, and the John S. McCain Freedom Award, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Known for her leadership in the Belarusian civic movement, Veronica continues to champion human rights, digital equity, and global solidarity for oppressed communities.

Founder of GhoFi, a top telecommunications provider on Spain’s Costa Brava. With over 20 years in the telecom industry, he combines deep technical knowledge with entrepreneurial vision. GhoFi delivers high-speed symmetrical fiber internet, Wi‑Fi, and mobile services, known for their reliability and innovation. Podgoretskiy’s leadership is defined by a strong focus on technology and service tailored to the local community’s needs.

Co-Chairperson of the Strategic Council of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development and Deputy President of the National Unity Platform in Uganda. A distinguished legal scholar and advocate for justice, she also serves as Rapporteur of the Civil Society Forum of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and Director of the UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace, and Security. As a leading mentor on gender and social inclusion, Dr. Zedriga plays a transformative role in advancing peacebuilding, democratic governance, and women’s leadership across Africa.

Practicing physical therapist and a founding member of Women Defending Democracy, where she also serves as treasurer. She is a co-founder of several grassroots initiatives dedicated to amplifying the voices of women across the Great Lakes Region, East and Horn of Africa, and within the global Diaspora. Combining her healthcare background with a deep commitment to civic engagement, Teddy plays a vital role in advancing gender equality, community resilience, and democratic participation across diverse and underserved communities.

Cambridge-educated technology entrepreneur and founder of Zeevou, an award-winning hospitality platform featured by The New York Times and CNBC. He also serves as an advisor at Coremaker, supporting tech startups, and leads Paymán Investments, which acquires and revitalizes historic and underperforming hotels to deliver both financial and social impact. Multilingual and globally experienced, he brings a forward-thinking perspective to hospitality and digital innovation

Acting Managing Director of Chen Davar Youth and Women Empowerment Organization in Tanzania. She leads programs focused on advancing the rights, education, and economic opportunities of women and young people in underserved communities. With a strong commitment to grassroots development, Mary plays a central role in fostering inclusive growth and social change across the region.

CEO and Founder Chen Davar Youth and Women Empowerment Organization, Tanzania Personal assistant of Emma Nyerere as a pan Africanist and African youth and women activist, Corporate trainer and marketing assistant (United Kingdom - NCC Cambridge diploma courses at Emerson Education Upanga, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania), Administrator and human resources manager - Universal College of Africa (UCA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, A bank teller, customer service officer, bank sales consultant - NBC Bank (T) Ltd and credit officer - lead generator at Barclays Bank International (the current ABSA), Head of marketing Commercial printing department and quality assurance personnel (TSN - Tanzania Standard Newspaper) The Daily News - head offices Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

CEO of Sustainable Agro Food Economics (SAFE) in Cameroon. She leads efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic empowerment for rural communities, with a focus on women and youth. Through innovative agri-business solutions and environmental stewardship, she is helping transform local food systems and foster long-term resilience across Cameroon.

Chief Executive Officer of Hands of Development International in Cameroon. He leads initiatives focused on community development, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. Through his work, he supports grassroots solutions that address poverty, education, and social inclusion, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities across the region.

Prominent Tanzanian leader and advocate for women’s empowerment across Africa. She serves as President of the Women Mobilization Commission of the IPC-PAFM under the African Union’s Pan African Women Organization (PAWO), where she champions gender equality and continental cooperation. In addition, she is the CEO of Kabod Investments Company and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Dreams Defender Organisation Tanzania. Combining public leadership with entrepreneurial drive, Emma plays a pivotal role in advancing economic inclusion and social justice throughout the region.

Co‑Founder and CEO of Voatz, Inc., a company using mobile security and blockchain to make voting secure and accessible. Under his leadership, Voatz has supported over 125 elections, including pilots for military and overseas voters. Driven by early experiences of voter coercion, Nimit is dedicated to strengthening democratic integrity through technology. His work focuses on expanding secure voting options for underserved populations while ensuring trust, privacy, and transparency.

National President of the National Union of Women, DRC; Coordinator of Women Partners for Peace in Africa; National Expert for United Nations Population Fund, Member of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Director General of the National Agency Against Violence to Women and Girls, President of Unión de Asociaciones Familiares (UNAF). Professor of French, Institute Technique Industrial de Ndjili. Mediator and Membet of the Regional Women Forum of the Internatinoal Conference of the Great Lakes Region

Executive Director of the Uzalendo Afrika Initiative, which promotes the inclusion of youth and women in governance. She serves as Regional Organizer for the Africans Rising movement, Chair of the East African Youth Peace Network, and a directorate member of the African Network of Youth Policy Experts. Osamba is also an active member of the Mombasa Youth Assembly in Kenya.

South African business leader and Senior Manager at Microsoft, where she oversees partner development across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a strong background in technology and strategic growth, she plays a key role in driving innovation and building resilient partnerships across diverse markets. Her cross-regional leadership reflects a commitment to empowering businesses and accelerating digital transformation throughout EMEA.