Skopje, 20 November 2024 (MIA) - As part of the seventh Tallinn Digital Summit, Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski addressed a session on Digital Technology and Governance in the Western Balkans, within a panel discussion on Cyber Resilience and Partnerships with Western Balkans. 

The panel focused on exchanging views on the application of new technologies in the public and private sectors, the risks of cyber-attacks, as well as the possibilities of applying best practices to improve governance processes and providing services to citizens, the Ministry of Digital Transformation said in a press release. 

In his address, Andonovski pointed out that citizens must be at the heart of the digital transformation process.

"Digitization is the main driver for innovation, competitiveness and growth in all sectors. It opens up new opportunities, helping citizens and companies to get the best of the interconnected world," said Andonovski.

Minister Andonovski stressed the importance of partnership with the EU, as well as with other international partners in strengthening cybersecurity and the application of innovative technologies which, in turn, will create more efficient and transparent institutions.

"The Western Balkans are at a critical point where our digital future intersects with European integration. We are at a pivotal moment in history, where technological advances are not just isolated changes in individual countries, but all of these processes are catalysts for a paradigm shift in how we imagine and interact with the world around us," Andonovski said. 

The Tallinn Digital Summit is considered as one of the most significant events on digitalization in Europe. It is an annual event that brings together more than 600 guests from over 60 countries, including representatives from the European Parliament, ENISA, the World Bank, NATO, the UN, and leaders from the digitally advanced world. The Summit covers key topics related to digitization, innovation and cybersecurity. This year, the event features 40 panel discussions and sessions to exchange ideas and experiences that will shape the digital development of the future.

While in Tallinn, Minister Andonovski met with the Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Valeriya Ionan, as well as with top officials from Estonia's e-Governance Academy. 

Photo: Ministry of Digital Transformation