Tunu Kalanje: “Digital Transformation Is Not Limited by National Borders”

Forum participants will exchange practical experience in digital transformation and discuss how to make the process more accessible and sustainable, including through the development of digital skills, data protection, and cybersecurity.

Ahead of the forum, Tunu Kalanje, creator and host of The Hidden Gems podcast (Tanzania), spoke with IT Russia about why international cooperation has become a key condition for technological development.

– As a young person navigating between climate change, marine protection and Digital Transformation while dealing with advocacy and Podcast I am very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Global Digital Forum for the very first time. At a time when the digital transformation is reshaping economies, public services and societies, to bring together governments, institutions, businesses and experts is increasingly important for sharing experience and turning ideas into practical cooperation.

As we are heading to GDF 2026 I expect the Forum to provide an opportunity for an open and constructive exchange on how we can accelerate digital transformation while ensuring that its benefits are inclusive and sustainable. For many countries, digitalization is not simply about adopting new technologies it is about improving the way people access public services, learn, work, communicate and participate in the economy. It is therefore important to focus not only on technology itself, but also on the policies, skills, infrastructure and partnerships needed to make digital transformation effective.

I am particularly interested in learning from the experiences and approaches of other countries and institutions. There is considerable value in sharing practical lessons what has worked, what challenges have emerged, and how different stakeholders have addressed them. Such exchanges can help us identify solutions that are relevant to our own national and institutional contexts.

I also see the Forum as an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation. Digital transformation crosses borders, and issues such as digital skills, cybersecurity, data governance, innovation and emerging technologies require dialogue and collaboration. Partnerships can help create opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, investment and the development of solutions that respond to real needs.

For me the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will be an important step in this direction. I hope it will provide a framework for translating our shared interests into concrete activities and long-term cooperation. The real value of any agreement lies in what we are able to accomplish together afterwards.

Above all, I look forward to returning from the Global Digital Forum with new perspectives, stronger partnerships and practical ideas that can contribute to meaningful digital transformation. I believe that by working together, sharing knowledge and building trust, we can ensure that digital progress creates tangible opportunities for people and institutions alike.