Dr. Ott Velsberg
Former Government Chief Data Officer, Client Engagement and Delivery Lead on Data
Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs (Estonia); Tony Blair Institute
Dr. Ott Velsberg helps governments build the data, AI and institutional foundations for the next generation of digital states. He previously served as Estonia’s Government Chief Data Officer for nearly 8 years, leading national data and AI policy and implementation. At the Tony Blair Institute, he supports governments internationally on data governance, digital public infrastructure, interoperability and the operating models needed to scale technology beyond pilots.
SESSIONS
Day 1
8.50
International virtual keynote: Lessons from Estonia’s national AI and digital transformation agenda
As the architect of Estonia’s national data and AI agenda, Ott Velsberg has helped transform one of the world’s most digitally advanced governments. In this keynote, he will share lessons, learnings, and best practices from Estonia’s journey that New Zealand can adapt and scale within its own ecosystem, from policy frameworks and ethical AI governance to cross-agency collaboration. Ott will explore the evolution of Estonia’s national AI strategy, its groundbreaking Bürokratt virtual assistant network, and how governance, consent, and accountability are shaping the next generation of trusted, citizen-centric digital infrastructure.
Dr. Ott Velsberg, Former Government Chief Data Officer, Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs (Estonia) Client Engagement and Delivery Lead on Data, Tony Blair Institute.