8^th Border Management and Identity Conference

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Dion has worked at the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) since 2003 in senior leadership roles spanning travel documents, citizenship, digital identity, biometrics, and civil registration. He is currently Manager – International and Product Strategy within the Regulatory and Identity Services Branch, and also serves as Chief Advisor Traveller Identification for DIA.

Dion is the Chair of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Implementation and Capacity Building Working Group (ICBWG) and represents New Zealand on the ICAO Facilitation Panel (FAL) and the ICAO Technical Advisory Group on Traveller Identification (TAG‑TRIP). He is also co‑chair of the policy sub‑group for the development of ICAO Digital Travel Credentials.

He has been an editor or contributor to key ICAO guidance across all five elements of the ICAO TRIP Strategy and brings extensive experience in governance roles both within and outside government. Dion currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Biometrics Institute and oversees New Zealand’s participation in ISO SC17 (Cards and Security Devices for Personal Identification) and ISO SC37 (Biometrics) technical standards working groups.

Dion has also led assistance and capacity‑building missions across the South Pacific, focusing on the implementation of new passport and civil registration systems, and supporting legislative, policy, and operational change in traveller identification and facilitation.

Iori Kato assumed the position of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, in October 2024, spearheading the promotion of safe, orderly, and regular migration within, from, and to this dynamic region of Asia-Pacific, focusing on protecting the lives and dignity of people on the move, delivering solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular migration pathways.

Originally from Japan, Mr. Kato brings with him close to three decades of professional experience - more than 20 years within the UN System, including two years as IOM Director-General’s Senior Regional Advisor for the Asia and Pacific region (2020-2022). Throughout his UN career, he has demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, programme development, policy advocacy, partnership building, financial management and oversight, having led and implemented complex development and humanitarian programmes.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Kato worked for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as the Director for the Pacific and Representative in Fiji (2022-2024). He has held several other high-level positions within the UN System, including UNFPA Acting Representative in Bangladesh where he managed humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee crisis, UNFPA Representative in the Philippines, UN Coordination Specialist for Asia-Pacific, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Representative in Lao PDR, and Special Assistant to UNDP Regional Director for Asia-Pacific. He has served as the UN Resident Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in these countries, as well. Before starting working for the UN System in 2002, Iori worked as a journalist and editor in his home country of Japan.

Mr. Kato holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in New York, and a Bachelor’s degree from International Christian University in Tokyo.

Ms Scorretti is the Senior Regional Specialist for Immigration and Border Governance of the IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. She supports the Immigration and Border Governance portfolios of IOM Offices in the entire region, by providing guidance to IOM offices and Governments on the formulation and implementation of migration and border policies and initiatives in line with international standards and best practices.

Before joining the IOM Regional Office in Bangkok, Ms Scorretti served at IOM China and IOM Ukraine as Head of Immigration and Border Management unit, as well as at the IOM Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa. With experience in the European Union, Eastern Europe and Caucasus, the Middle East and Nord Africa, as well as East Asia, Ms Scorretti has developed in her career initiatives in Integrated Border Management, return and readmission, ITC and biometric solutions for identity management, human resources and training development for border authorities, anti-corruption, support to policy dialogue and infrastructure development for border posts and training facilities for law enforcement authorities. Prior to joining the UN, Ms Scorretti worked for the Development Cooperation Office of the Italian Embassy in Morocco on migration and development issues, as well as in the private sector on labour mobility, migrant remittances and regional development. Ms Scorretti holds a MA cum laude in Development Economics from the university “La Sapienza” of Rome, and a MA in European Economics from the College of Europe, Belgium, after which she served at the European Commission, EuropeAid office, in Brussels.

Greg Pote is Chairman of APSCA, the business association for secure digital identity and payments, which he co-founded in 1997. Greg is also Chief Information Officer and co-founder of ID4Africa, a multi-stakeholder movement that promotes the transparent and responsible adoption of digital identity in the service of development in Africa. Greg has chaired and spoken at more than 200 industry conferences, forums and seminars covering identity and payments, across 22 countries in Asia, Africa, the Gulf and Europe, leading discussions with experts from governments, banks, transport operators, mobile operators and technology companies. APSCA has built one of the largest senior networks in the identity and payments industry - more than 8,000 executives from end-user and supplier organisations spanning three domains: digital identity and travel; finance and consumer payments; and transport and mobility payments.

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Mr. Donato Colucci is the “Senior Border and Identity Solutions (BIS) Specialist” based at the IOM Headquarters in Geneva.

He provides to IOM offices and Governmental counterparts expertise, planning and guidance in the development, coordination, and implementation of capacity building initiatives, in particular on border and identity solutions, border and migration management policies and strategies, including integrated Border Management and data collection and analysis.

He assists IOM Regional Offices and Governmental counterparts in developing, implementing and monitoring IOM's capacity building strategies as well as training initiatives at national as well at regional level, undertaking, when requested, technical field assessments.

With the IOM IT-Expert, he provides technical support for assessing, budgeting, installing and training on Border Management Information System (BMIS) and trains on various IBM topics including passport examination procedures.
Prior he was “Migration Management Specialist” at the African Capacity Building Centre (ACBC), in Moshi (Tanzania), IOM’s centre of excellence for capacity building, before being appointed as “Senior Immigration and Border Management regional Specialist” for North Africa and Middle East first and Asia and the Pacific after.

With the United Nation he was Police Commander of the international airport of Pristina, seconded from the Italian Police Department (Polizia di Stato) to the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). In Italy, he is a Police Officer from the Central Directorate of Immigration and Border Police of the Italian Ministry of Interior, currently on special leave for serving IOM as an expert on migration management issues.

Mr. Colucci completed cum laude a Master of Art Degree in “Strategic Studies and Diplomatic Science” (Italy - Rome) and a Bachelor degree in “Political Science and International Relations” (Italy - Rome).

Mr. Colucci can provide support in English, French, Spanish and Italian (mother tongue).

Since 2010 Ross Greenwood has worked as an independent consultant primarily undertaking border, passport, visa and civil registration related assessments for IOM and ICAO.  Ross was contracted by ICAO as the lead author of the ICAO TRIP Guide on Border Control Management, which was published in 2018.

Ross was previously a senior executive in the Australian Passport Office and was Australia’s delegate to the ICAO Machine Readable Travel Document TAG from 2007 to 2010 and the inaugural Chairperson of ICAO’s Public Key Directory Board.

Ross worked for the Australian Department of Immigration from 1977 to 2007, including in border control and identity management roles.

Isabelle has been working with the Biometrics Institute since May 2002 and, after almost 10 years in Australia, she is now based in London.

She has played a key role in the establishment of the Biometrics Institute, the independent and international impartial membership organisation which is promoting the responsible and ethical use of biometrics worldwide.

She has created a global network of diverse stakeholders bringing together technical, research, privacy and public policy people all joining forces to make the world a better place through the responsible use of biometrics.

Isabelle has successfully managed many government-funded projects in this field, including the Biometrics Vulnerability Assessment Project, the Biometrics Institute Privacy Guidelines, the Three Laws for Biometrics, Ethical Principles for Biometrics, the Good Practice Framework and the UN Counter Terrorism Compendium on Good and Recommended Practices for the Use of Biometrics in Counter-Terrorism, where the Institute was the penholder.

She received the SIA Women in Biometrics Award in 2017 for her contribution to the biometrics community in promoting the responsible and ethical use of biometrics. The award is dedicated to recognising innovative women creating a more secure world by guiding the biometrics technology market.

She has spoken at many of the Biometrics Institute events but also at important meetings of the United Nations, Interpol, OSCE, ICAO and Frontex to name a few.

Isabelle holds a Master of Arts in English Literature, Business and the Arts from the Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University in Frankfurt Main, Germany.

The Biometrics Institute is the independent and impartial international membership organisation for biometric users and other interested parties. It was established in 2001 to promote the responsible use of biometrics and has offices in London and Sydney.

With close on a thousand members from over 200 membership organisations and 20 Observer members spread across 43 countries, it represents a global and diverse multi-stakeholder community. This includes banks, airlines, government agencies, biometric experts, privacy experts, suppliers and academics.

The Biometrics Institute connects the global biometrics community. It shares knowledge with its members and key stakeholders and most importantly, develops good practices and thought leadership for the responsible and ethical use of biometrics.

Gemma is Senior Advisor, International and Product Strategy at the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. In her role she supports the Department across identity management areas including civil registration, citizenship and travel documents. Gemma has supported assistance missions and capacity building missions in the South Pacific, focusing on the processes for secure issuance of travel documents to support legislative and operational change.

Gemma is Secretary of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Implementation and Capacity Building Working Group (ICBWG), which supports states to implement ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for traveller identification through guidance material, targeted workshops, training and communications activities developed by the expert working group.

Gemma is currently completing a Master of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington.

Louise Cairney is Head of Customer Experience & Facilitation at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where she leads global industry initiatives to create a more seamless, secure and accessible passenger journey. Her portfolio spans passenger facilitation, digital identity, biometrics, accessibility, passenger data standards and ICAO Annex 9 matters, and she serves as IATA's Head of Delegation for facilitation-related engagement with ICAO.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience across aviation and government, Louise has played a pivotal role in advancing global standards for digital identity, border facilitation and traveler data exchange. She led the development of the IATA One ID standards and has represented the industry in major international forums, helping shape the future of trusted, interoperable and customer-centric travel.

Mr. R Rajeshkumar is the convener of ISO/IEC JTC1 SC17/WG3, the ISO body that creates the specifications for Traveller Identification. Within that group, he is also the leader of Task Force 5, which deals with the electronic part of the eMRTD. He is the editor of Doc 9303-9, Doc 9303-12, the specifications for Digital Travel Credentials (DTC), VDS-NC, 39794-5 Application Profile and ICAO Datastructure for Barcodes (IDB).

He is an active participant in ICAO’s New Technologies Working Group (NTWG) and Implementation and Capacity Building Working Group (ICBWG), and a member of the ICBWG sub-group examining non-compliant travel documents, with focus on issues related to eMRTDs and/or the digital PKI certificates associated with eMRTDs. Mr. Rajeshkumar helped develop an ICAO TRIP strategy course for ICAO Global Aviation Training, and is a Master Trainer for the same course.

In 2023, Rajeshkumar was the recipient of ICAO TRIP Award of Excellence, which is bestowed in recognition of the outstanding contribution of individuals to the development, promotion and implementation of the Traveller Identification Programme as a pillar of enhanced civil aviation security and facilitation worldwide.

Rajeshkumar is the Chief Executive of Auctorizium Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based company specialising in solutions for ePassport PKI and the validation of ePassports.

Mrs. Christiane DerMarkar has been with ICAO for 26 years and currently holds the position of Senior Technical Officer in the Facilitation Section of the Air Transport Bureau. In this capacity, she leads and coordinates the development and implementation of the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the facilitation of global air transport. Mrs. DerMarkar is responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives, collaborating with States and International Organzations, and driving the adoption of international standards and policies that support ICAO’s TRIP objectives.

Before her involvement with the TRIP Programme, Mrs. DerMarkar held various roles of increasing responsibility within ICAO. Notably, she led the implementation and operation of the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) for 12 years, managing the PKD and serving as Secretary of the PKD Board.

Mrs. DerMarkar is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and speaks four languages, bringing a wealth of expertise in both technical and operational domains to her work at ICAO.

Giuseppe Di Giovanni is Major of the Italian State Police and an immigration expert currently serving at the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka. Previously, he headed the Immigration Office at the Police Headquarters in Gorizia and later served as Head of Sector at the Italian Ministry of the Interior’s Central Directorate for Immigration and Border Police. In Bangladesh, he works closely with Bangladeshi authorities to combat irregular migration, strengthen international cooperation and repatriation of irregular migrants.

Jorge Rodrigues is the Deputy Head of the Applications Processing Unit at the European Border and Coast Guard Agency's (Frontex) ETIAS Central Unit. Since its inception, he has played a key role in establishing the unit's structure, high-level architecture, and procedures.

Jorge’s extensive background at Frontex includes a previous occupation as a Research Officer specializing in traveller facilitation, digital identities, and operational research. His earlier career includes serving as a Project Manager for the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service and working as an ICT expert within the Portuguese Armed Forces.

Jorge holds a degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in e-commerce and the Internet from the Universidade Aberta in Lisbon. He brings a unique combination of technical, operational, and managerial expertise to his role, with a strong background in border management, technology, and innovation.

Mrs Sargsyan is a jurist and politician, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia since 2024. Graduated from Yerevan State University in 2015, where she also obtained a master's degree in law in 2017 and where she is a PhD researcher in criminal law since 2017.

She started her professional career in 2015 as an expert in criminal law at the Ministry of Justice.

In 2016, she was assistant to the deputy minister of justice and that year, until 2019, she was a technical expert in the ministry's anti-corruption and prison policy department, where she became a leading specialist.

Between 2017 and 2022, Mrs Sargsyan was part of the working group responsible for reforming the Criminal Code

Between January 2022 and January 2023, she was Deputy Minister of Justice, and between January 2023 and November 2024, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.

On 20 November 2024, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan nominated Mrs Sargsyan who became the first female Minister of Internal Affairs in the country's history.

On 24th April 2025, Minister Sargsyan signed a long term Public Private Partnership Agreement aiming at renovating the complete Identity Management infrastructure of the country and transforming the approach towards modern public service delivery.

On 5 November, Minister Sargsyan received the Action Plan for visa liberalisation between the EU and Armenia from Johannes Luchner, deputy director-general of the European Commission at an event described as a "historic step" towards implementing visa liberalisation with the European Union.

Lieutenant Colonel Adel Al Mtereen is an experienced border management professional with over seven years of service in Jordan. As Deputy Director of Aqaba Borders, he oversees border security operations, migration control and risk management. His expertise includes counter-smuggling, human trafficking prevention, intelligence sharing and international cooperation. He has extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with national and international security agencies, and strengthening operational effectiveness at border crossings. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language and has completed specialized training in border security, migration control and risk analysis.

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In 1999, Mr. Fakih B. Nyakunga joined A Tanzania Immigration department serving as Assistant Immigration Officer Grade I, whereby his distinguished career spanning more than two decades of service, coupled with extensive experience in border operations, investigations, and intelligence, until June 2026 when he was appointed by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, as the Commissioner of Immigration leading Border Management and Control Division.

Mr. Nyakunga has been equipped with exceptional skills and experiences in investigations, intelligence, and the management of immigration operations, and these responsibilities have included serving in Entry points, regional level as Regional Immigration Officer in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions in Tanzania, the Head of Intelligence Unit in the Immigration Department and later as Acting Head of the Border Control and Management Unit at the Tanzania Immigration Department Headquarter. These roles have equipped him with extensive expertise in safeguarding border security and controlling irregular migration.

Throughout his career, CI - Nyakunga has held various operational and leadership positions and earning a recognition for his leadership, professionalism, discipline, administrative expertise, and ability to coordinate and lead immigration officers and operations across different regions in Tanzania, as well as his commitment to strengthening border security and regular migration. In recognition of his exemplary contribution to TISD, he was awarded the Medal of Long Service and Good Conduct, and The Union Medal in 2024.

Judson W. Murdock II is the Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As part of his role, he leads more than 34,000 employees and manages an annual budget of $7.5 billion for operations at 328 U.S. ports of entry and numerous programs to support OFO’s national and economic security missions.

Mr. Murdock brings more than 30 years of federal service and extensive leadership experience to this role. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of Field Operations for the Houston Field Office, overseeing 13 ports of entry across Texas and Oklahoma, including major airports, seaports, and the Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Minerals Center of Excellence and Expertise.

Mr. Murdock has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, OFO from July 2024-2025. His other leadership roles include Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Intelligence; Acting Executive Director, Operations Directorate, OFO; Area Port Director, Port of Dallas/Fort Worth; and Assistant Port Director, Detroit. Throughout his career, Mr. Murdock’s accomplishments include leading business resumption efforts during Hurricane Harvey, overseeing major operational improvements at ports of entry, supporting national response operations, and serving as National Incident Commander for various CBP operations.

He began his federal career in 1996 as a Customs Inspector in El Paso, Texas and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

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Tamaki Maeda serves as Deputy Director of the Border Management Division at Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, with primary responsibility for developing and overseeing policies related to immigration examinations at Japan’s ports of entry.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in a wide range of immigration-related matters, including the enforcement measures against foreign nationals who violate immigration laws, as well as the development and review of policies on the admission of foreign workers. His professional experience also includes assignments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japanese diplomatic missions overseas, as well as research into immigration and foreign worker admission policies in other countries.

Mr. Akuila Ratu is the Head of the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) Secretariat based in Apia, Samoa. Akuila is a Fijian national and is the longest serving staff of PIDC having worked with PIDC and its membership for the last 16 years. Akuila was a former civil servant of the Fijian government prior to joining PIDC.

Akuila has worked closely with Heads of Immigration agencies, Directors, Managers and Officers from immigration agencies across the Pacific over the last 16 years supporting PIDC Members in the areas of capacity building, legislation and policy reform, information sharing and coordination, institutional strengthening and regional agenda setting for its membership. Mr. Ratu has also been heavily involved with Pacific Island Countries on regional issues impacting immigration agencies and law enforcement across the Pacific, serving on peak regional bodies like the Pacific Island Forum’s regional technical working groups in addition to undertaking advocacy for PIDC members in regional and international forums. Akuila is a strong supporter of partnership approaches and has been an advocate of the Pacific Regional Law Enforcement Partnership arrangement between immigration, customs and Police through their respective regional Secretariats at the Pacific Immigration Development Community, Oceania Customs Organization, the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and the Forum Fisheries Agency.

Akuila is a graduate of the University of the South Pacific with a Degree in History, Politics and Geography in addition to being a graduate and Alumni of the University of York in the United Kingdom with a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration. Akuila has worked in varying roles with PIDC including as the Deputy Head of Secretariat prior to taking up his new role as the Head of Secretariat in March 2023.

Jaqueline Rego holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Brasília (UnB) and a specialization in Data Science and Analytics from the University of São Paulo (USP). She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Computing at the University of Brasília, with academic interests at the intersection of data science, technology, migration, and public policy.

Since 2019, she has worked as an Intelligence Officer, specializing in the analysis of migration flows and migration-related issues. Her professional experience includes providing analytical support on migration matters, with particular focus on addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as understanding the dynamics and patterns associated with irregular migration.

Her research interests include the application of machine learning and data-driven approaches to public policy, particularly their potential to support evidence-based decision-making and improve the analysis of complex migration phenomena. Her work combines expertise in intelligence analysis, migration studies, and emerging technologies, with a focus on developing analytical approaches that can contribute to more effective public policies and institutional responses.

Ben Reeves is Co-Manager (Australia) of the Regional Support Office of the Bali Process (RSO), where he leads the office alongside Indonesian Co-Manager Pak Fuad Adriansyah to support Bali Process Members in advancing regional cooperation on migration management—including as relates to people smuggling, trafficking in persons, and related transnational crime.  Ben is a career Australian public servant with more than two decades of experience spanning immigration, border management, national security and regional cooperation.

Graduated EDHEC master’s in business administration in 1996.

Joined French Navy in 1997 (first as compulsory military service), where he specialized in Coastguards functions, namely Oil Spill response Maritime Assistance and later Search and Rescue coordination.

Alternated different contracts between French Navy and private sectors (mining operators, port authorities) as an expert of Oil Spill response and SAR coordinator between 2000 and 2007 in the South Pacific.

Between 2008 and 2012, was appointed Search and Rescue (SAR) Area Coordinator for the French Search and Rescue Region of the Channel and North Sea and designed the coastguard’s emergency response organisation (ORSEC maritime) for all maritime safety incidents for the Channel and North Sea. Developed Nation-wide Incident Command System for all French maritime regions.

Between 2012 and 2015, joined again TOTAL EP at the offshore exploitation in Nigeria with main responsibility for emergency response services covering the Gulf of Guinea deepwater offshore fields.

Between 2015-2016 fulfilled as reserve officer of the Navy the role of Chairman of the Maritime Security Workgroup for the North Atlantic Coastguards Forum (NACGF) while also providing consultancy services to Coast Guards and oil& Gas companies across the world.

Between 2016 and 2019 joined the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Western Indian Ocean as French Liaison officer (Ministry of Defence), later (2019) promoted deputy director of the Regional Centre.

In November 2019 joined the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), first, as Head of the Surveillance activities (Aerial Surveillance and vessel tracking), then promoted (2020) Head of the Situation Centre ad interim.

Since February 2024 acts as Head of Operational Preparedness and Deployment Unit and Director of Operational Support Division.

The division covers all support activities to the Frontex field activities, namely the deployment of the 3000 Standing Corps uniformed officers, the management of the operational grants and deployment costs (EUR 500 million), the development of specific expertise, including the best practices to improve and standardize document and identity control frontline checks (FIELDS being the most prominent platforms developed by the Agency, in cooperation with INTERPOL).

Distinctions: awarded with French National order of maritime merit in November 2019 (knighthood).

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APRIL 2019 – TO DATE: Appointed as Chief Director of Immigration.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

1. Established a Gender Based Violence Call Centre in 2022. The call centre serves to protect vulnerable migrants and improve access to migration services in the country.
2. In 2023, she launched the National Migration Policy (NMP) for Improved Migration Governance in line with Vision 2030. The NMP is an over-arching policy which embraces the existence of the Labor Migration Policy, Diaspora Policy and the Tourism Policy. It aims to provide a basis for the effective harnessing of migration for sustainable development.
3. Since 2024 – Started rolling-out the Online Border Management System (OBMS). OBMS entails the digitization of Immigration processes through provision of an electronic platform for the facilitation of visas, permits as well as management of entry and exit of persons. Through her efforts, the nation has lived to experience cutting-edge border technology such as self-service through the e-gates which have an average clearance time of 22 seconds.
4. In 2026, she launched the National Migration Data Strategy (NMDS). NMDS is a key turning point in the development of evidence-based policies and a great leap towards achievement of Vision 2030.
5. Has championed infrastructural refurbishment and upgrade for borders such as Kanyemba (border with Zambia and Mozambique), Mphoengs (border with Botswana), Kasambabezi (border with Zambia). Several others are in the pipeline, the likes of Maitengwe, Mkumbura and many more.
6. Over the years, Ms. Gono has also received several accolades in recognition of her achievements. Among them is the Best E-Government Initiative which was awarded by Ministry of ICT in 2025 as well as recognition by Public Service Commission as one of the emerging female leaders in Public Service. She is a trail blazer whom so many look up to for inspiration. The Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking (ZIST) also recognized Ms. Gono as a strategic partner and distinguished stakeholder towards the attainment of Vision 2030. She indeed is a trail blazer whom so many look up to for inspiration.
7. Received a prestigious award from the MEGAFEST BUSINESS AWARDS 2026, being recognized among the Top 20 Women in Business and Leadership of the Year.

Ms. Tharushi Gunathilake is an IT professional with over 18 years of public service experience, specializing in immigration technology and border management systems. As Assistant Director (IT) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, she plays a key role in advancing the Department’s digital transformation agenda, with a focus on modernizing immigration services and strengthening border management capabilities. She brings hands on experience in the implementation and operational management of Automated Border Control (ABC) systems in Sri Lanka, including technology driven approaches to enhancing border control processes and service delivery.

Her areas of expertise include biometric technologies, business process optimization, mission critical immigration systems, systems integration, IT infrastructure management and cybersecurity. She has worked closely with government institutions, development partners, international organizations and technology service providers to support the deployment and modernization of digital solutions for immigration and border management.

Ms. Gunathilake holds a Master of Information Technology (M.IT) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Management. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Cyber Security, further strengthening her expertise at the intersection of technology, public sector management and digital security.

Tharindu Jayawardhane is a security sector development practitioner with over a decade of professional experience, specialising in immigration and border governance, and emerging security challenges across the Indian Ocean Region. He currently serves as National Programme Officer at the IOM Sri Lanka, where he leads the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) portfolio, supporting national efforts to strengthen integrated border management, maritime security, legal identity systems, and institutional capacities to address transnational organized crime.

He has co-edited two publications: A View from the International Maritime Boundary Line: India–Sri Lanka, examining maritime security dynamics in the region, and An Enduring Friendship: Sri Lanka and Pakistan, exploring the historical and contemporary dimensions of Sri Lanka's foreign policy. Drawing on an interdisciplinary academic background in psychology, international relations, and security studies, his professional and research interests explore the evolving nature of border security governance, particularly the intersection of human behaviour, environmental factors, emerging technologies, and geopolitical developments in shaping contemporary security challenges.

Gilbert B. Kitiyo, MBS, is a distinguished public administrator with more than three decades of service in Kenya’s National Government Administration. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kitiyo has risen through the ranks of government service, earning a recognition for his leadership, administrative expertise, and ability to coordinate across diverse sectors. Before his appointment as Secretary of the National Registration Bureau, he served as the Regional Commissioner for Nairobi, where he oversaw critical government operations in the capital. His career also includes notable service as County Commissioner in Kericho, Vihiga, Nakuru, Makueni, Mombasa, Marsabit, and Lamu, as well as earlier roles as Deputy County Commissioner and District Commissioner in various sub-counties across the country.

Mr. Kitiyo’s extensive experience has equipped him with exceptional skills in governance, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation. His ability to foster collaboration among government agencies, development partners, and communities has been central to his success in public service. In recognition of his exemplary contribution to national administration, he was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), one of Kenya’s highest state honors.

Today, as Secretary of the National Registration Bureau, Mr. Kitiyo continues to bring strategic vision, institutional knowledge, and a results-driven approach to strengthening national registration systems and enhancing service delivery to citizens.

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In 2020, she graduated from the National University of Mongolia with bachelor’s degrees in Law from the School of Law and Public Administration from the School of International Relations and Public Administration. In 2023, she joined the Immigration Agency of Mongolia as an Information and Advisory Officer in the Information and Advisory Division. Since 2025, she has been serving as a Visa and Residence Permit Officer, handling matters related to visa and residence permits, which are among the Agency’s core functions.

Zainadine João Danane is the Director-General of the National Migration Service (SENAMI) of Mozambique, since March 2025. He is a seasoned migration management and border governance professional with over two decades of experience in public administration and migration affairs.

Born on 29 July 1980 in Pebane District, Zambézia Province, Mr. Danane holds a Bachelor's Degree in Geography Education from the Pedagogical University of Mozambique, a Master's Degree in Development Management from the Catholic University of Mozambique, and a PhD in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development from the Technical University of Mozambique. He also completed postgraduate studies in Development Management and Migration Procedures through the Academy of Police Sciences (ACIPOL).

Mr. Danane began his career in migration services in 2003 and has since served in several technical and leadership positions within Mozambique’s migration system. His assignments have included Chief of the Nacala Sea Border Crossing Post, Head of the Provincial Department of Nationals and Foreigners in Nampula, and Deputy Director-General of SENAMI from 2015 to 2022.

From 2023 to 2024, he served as Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Mozambique to the United Nations in New York, supporting Mozambique’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

In addition to his public service career, Mr. Danane is an academic and author specializing in migration, border management, and development issues. In 2025 he published the book International Migration and Social Transformations in Mozambique and has authored several scientific studies on migration, integrated border management, and socio-economic development.

Recognized for his commitment to strengthening migration governance and promoting international cooperation, Mr. Danane continues to play a key role in advancing secure, orderly, and regular migration, border security, and regional integration in Mozambique.

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Over 23 years of experience in civil service with extensive professional background on immigration and border management. Holds Master’s degree in Public Affairs and trained in identity document examination, comes with over a decade long strategic leadership experience and actively involved in major institutional transformations and organizational restructuring of the Department of Immigration.

Played instrumental role in drafting and formulation of the first Immigration Rules and Regulations in 2012 and its subsequent revisions in 2015 and 2023, ensuring alignment with evolving national priorities and operational realities.

In a major landmark initiative to leverage ICT based immigration services and strengthen its system, spearheaded as the project manager in the Department of Immigration in planning and introducing the first-ever biometric system (fingerprint and facial image) for foreigners and its integration into the Immigration System in 2013. This system immensely enhanced individual verification parameters and curbed the multiple identity usage by foreign workers, thereby ensuring robust identity integrity and fraud detection.

Further, successfully implemented the roll out of Border Management System in September 2022 with the reopening of the international border after covid pandemic followed by launching of Automated Immigration Clearance System (AICS), installation of e-Gates in Phuentsholing on 21 February 2025. These systems not only ensured well-regulated cross border movement but also marked new chapter in Bhutan’s immigration towards transition to smart and integrated border management in keeping with the digital transformation initiatives of the Department of Immigration, aimed at significant operational efficiency and advancing citizen-centric service.

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Rocco Messina is a highly accomplished programme manager in counter-terrorism and border security. His extensive experience and expertise have enabled him to successfully design and implement comprehensive national border strategies in various countries. As the head of the Border Security and Management Unit at the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) within the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), he has been instrumental in supporting the integration of counter-terrorism elements into UN Member States' border security strategies through technical assistance and capacity-building activities. During his tenure as Head of the Border Management Section at the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), he developed a comprehensive Haitian national border policy. He successfully created the Haitian Technical Border Commission, the Customs Police, and a specialised branch of the Haitian National Police in charge of securing the land borders. Moreover, his efforts in Afghanistan as Training Programme Manager with NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Mission were remarkable as he developed training curricula for the Afghan Border Police. Throughout his 25-year career with the Italian Guardia di Finanza, Mr. Messina was deployed to several field missions in national and international locations, focusing mainly on counter-terrorism and border security. He has been decorated with national and international honorifics for his outstanding leadership and the successful discharge of his duties. Mr. Messina holds a master's degree in literature and a bachelor's degree in international law, and he is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and French.

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Gabriel Garcia is a Senior Product Manager specializing in seamless verification using contactless biometrics. He leads Veridos’ next-generation Automated Border Control portfolio and drives development of a multi biometric system within the EU HORIZON EINSTEIN project, focusing on future border control and fraud prevention. With over five years of experience in document verification and biometric identification, Gabriel develops solutions that streamline border control processes, improving efficiency for travelers, officers, and port operators while maintaining the highest security standards.

Gregory Magnasco is Marketing Director for the Government division of Linxens, a global leader in secure identity and connectivity solutions. He leads marketing strategies for government identity programs, biometric authentication, and digital identity initiatives across international markets. His work supports national ID systems, ePassports, and trusted citizen services, helping governments modernize public administration while maintaining high standards of security, privacy, and trust. Gregory is passionate about innovation in identity documents and collaborates with industry partners to advance secure, scalable, and citizen-centric digital identity ecosystems worldwide.

Alfredo Danilo Rivera is the Director General of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, appointed by the President of the Republic, Dr. Bernardo Arévalo de León, in April 2024. His administration has focused on strengthening the Institute’s institutional capacity, modernizing migration services, decentralizing public services, and promoting a migration policy grounded in human rights, protection, integration, and the reintegration of migrants

As Director General, he has contributed to the implementation of the Plan Retorno al Hogar, a national strategy aimed at strengthening the reception, assistance, guidance, integration, and reintegration of returned Guatemalan migrants through coordination among public institutions, international cooperation partners, academia, and civil society.

Danilo Rivera is a Certified Public Accountant and Auditor, graduated from Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala. He has specialized training in migration governance from the Center for Research and Teaching in Economics in Mexico; migrant children and Central American integration through the Central American Integration System -SICA-; and digital journalism from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also holds diplomas in demography, econometrics, and public policy, which support his technical and comprehensive understanding of human mobility, asylum, refugee protection, and public migration management.

He has more than twenty years of experience in institutional management, applied research, data analysis, and strategic advocacy on issues related to migration, human rights, children, youth, trafficking in persons, asylum, and refugee protection. He has served as a consultant and collaborator for international organizations, public institutions, academic centers, and civil society organizations, including the International Organization for Migration -IOM-, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees -UNHCR-, the United States Agency for International Development -USAID-, the German Agency for International Cooperation -GIZ-, the National Council for the Assistance of Guatemalan Migrants -CONAMIGUA-, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central American Institute for Social Studies and Development -INCEDES-, the Association for the Advancement of Social Sciences in Guatemala -AVANCSO-, and the Association for Research and Social Studies -ASIES-.

He also played an active role in the development of Guatemala’s Migration Code and served as Technical Secretary of the Regional Parliamentary Council on Migration -COPAREM-, a regional platform that promoted legislative dialogue and coordinated efforts on migration matters across Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic.

His career combines technical expertise, academic perspective, regional coordination experience, and institutional commitment. At the helm of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, he promotes an administration focused on strengthening migration governance, expanding access to services, fostering inter-institutional coordination, and ensuring safe, orderly, humane, and dignified migration management.

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As Vice President of Business Development at Regula, Yury Koryukin drives strategic growth and partnerships across forensic hardware, document authentication, and fraud prevention. Prior to joining Regula, he served as Vice President, Sales for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, and Managing Director of ABBYY Australia.

Throughout his career, Yury has worked on numerous projects with government organizations and enterprises across the globe. With extensive market knowledge and experience in international business development, he is a frequent speaker on document authentication, fraud prevention, forensic technologies, and emerging threats in identity verification. Yury is a graduate of Harvard Business School.

Ms. Bradley is the Chief of the Countering Terrorist Travel Section within the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). Within this role, Ms. Bradley leads coordination of UNOCT’s flagship global initiative, the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Programme, as well as managing programming of the UNOCT Addressing Counter Terrorism within Aviation Security (ACTAS) portfolio. Ms. Bradley also serves as Head of UNOCT’s Programme Office in Budapest, Hungary.

Prior to her appointment as Chief of Section within UNOCT, Ms. Bradley managed a global programme on Border Security and Management (BSM) within the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). Ms. Bradley has also worked with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for Eastern Africa, serving as Head of Office and Programme Coordinator for the country programme in Ethiopia. Her work in this regard included leading national projects relating to criminal justice reform, better migration management and countering transnational organized crime and terrorism.

Ms. Bradley’s professional career includes more than twenty years with the Government of Canada working within the fields of border security, migration management, and national security intelligence. This includes more than ten years within diplomatic missions managing border security and migration integrity programming in Southern and Eastern Africa and Eastern Europe.

Ms. Bradley holds a postgraduate diploma/M.Litt in Terrorism Studies from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St. Andrews, and a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Calgary, Canada.

Sergiu Lisnic is the Head of the Passenger Information Directorate within the General Inspectorate of Border Police of the Republic of Moldova. With over a decade of specialized experience in cybercrime investigations, electronic evidence, and financial fraud, he leads initiatives aimed at integrating advanced data analytics and risk management into national border security. His expertise covers open-source intelligence (OSINT), virtual asset tracking, and digital forensics. He actively contributes to strengthening regional inter-agency cooperation and modernizing threat-targeting methodologies.

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Paul Cross is a Director in SITA’s Customer Value Office and has more than 25 years of experience developing and managing border protection systems. He specialises in identity management, biometrics and border management. Before joining SITA, Paul held senior government roles, which included leading the development and delivery of major national and international border management capabilities. He has served as an elected Director on the Board of the Biometrics Institute for over 10 years and has led several of its specialist groups.

Tom is a Senior Officer working for the Operations Support Systems Unit at Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. There, he is primarily involved in the coordination of outreach activities with the document and identity control community, both at EU and international level. Tom also contributes to projects and activities that focus on electronic and digital document security and the performance of document inspection systems at borders. He is the current Lead of the ICBWG’s Borders and Law Enforcement Sub-Group, which is currently revising the ICAO TRIP Guide on Border Control Management.

Haddon Wright brings over 35 years expertise via his previous Australian Immigration and overseas advisory roles, and subsequent consultancy activity. He has delivered strategic and change-management advice, border management assessments, legislative and policy review and reform, training and capacity development program design and implementation in the Pacific, Asia, and the Middle-East, working with the private sector, bilaterally or with regional and UN agencies including at present, IOM.

He has an abiding interest in the nexus between human capability and technology in the management of borders and migration, and related developments in managing the identity and intent of travelers.

Ariel Azoulay is an entrepreneur and founder of Ground Controls, a Lisbon-based company steadily reshaping how governments secure their borders—shifting from reactive responses to intelligence-driven strategy. With over a decade of experience leading complex cyber intelligence projects alongside government agencies worldwide, he brings deep expertise at the intersection of technology and national security. His work addresses one of today’s most demanding security challenges with clarity and innovation.

Col Jones joined CARICOM IMPACS in March 2009 as Deputy Director of the Joint Regional Communications Centre, promoted to Director in 2010, and ultimately became the Executive Director in January 2018.He is a Barbadian who holds a baccalaureate degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Master of Science Degree in Project Management & Evaluation, both from Cave Hill Campus, UWI and a Master of Research, Business Administration from the University of Liverpool.

Under his tenure, he has guided the Agency’s strategic growth, spearheaded the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and revamped the organization to launch the CARICOM Crime Gun & Gang Intelligence Unit and Environmental Crimes Desk to address the priority areas identified by CARICOM Heads.

Col. Jones was awarded the William J. Perry Award for 2025, while CARICOM IMPACS was awarded the William J. Perry Institutional Award. These awards are bestowed on individuals and institutions for Excellence in Security and Defense Education, and specifically recognizes contributions to security and defence education, fostering cooperation and strengthening institutional capacity in the Americas. Likewise, he and the Agency have been recognized in March 2026, by The Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) for his transformative contributions to hemispheric security.

Under his leadership, the Agency champions the motto “Mutual Security through Partnerships”

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Nelsco Aleo Wolo currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner General for Administration at the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), where he provides strategic leadership for institutional governance, administrative coordination, and operational oversight. In this capacity, he supports the formulation and execution of administrative policies, strengthens organizational systems, and ensures effective service delivery across the Service. He works closely with senior management, government partners, and international stakeholders to advance LIS modernization, personnel management, and national security priorities.

Mr. Wolo is an experienced law enforcement and intelligence professional with nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Republic of Liberia through the National Security Agency (NSA). His expertise spans intelligence operations, counterterrorism, operational leadership, and interagency coordination. Over the course of his career, he has served in several key leadership roles, including Training Officer, Chief of the Military Intelligence Branch, Chief of the Field Operations Department (Leeward), and Assistant Director for Operations. His professional development includes advanced intelligence and security training in India, Egypt, Liberia, and specialized programs facilitated by the American Embassy near Monrovia.

Academically, Mr. Wolo holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations (with Distinction) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Liberia. He is widely recognized for his professionalism, discipline, and commitment to strengthening national and international security cooperation.

Nigel Manns is an immigration and border management specialist with more than twenty-five years of experience across border operations, regulatory policy, systems modernisation, intelligence and risk analysis, and institutional capability development. He is Executive Vice President for Global Government Engagement at Somapa Information Technology, where he operates at the intersection of government priorities, border policy, and implementation.

Nigel brings extensive practitioner experience to the design and delivery of border modernisation solutions. His work focuses on helping governments adopt practical, policy-aligned reform approaches by implementing multi-layered border management with SomapaIT’s Smart Border Solution. His policy and operational knowledge help give governments confidence in a delivery model that provides access to modern border capability without upfront government investment, ensuring that solutions are not only financially accessible but also operationally realistic, tailored to national requirements, and aligned with long-term public-sector objectives.

Dr Anna Boucher is Senior Counsel, Fragomen Global LLP working on public sector and digital identity issues across multiple governments. She has advised governments and ministers in expert appointment roles on immigration law and policy, labour market and immigration data issues from a comparative perspective.

Aim-on Larpisal is a Partner at Fragomen (Thailand), part of Fragomen, a global immigration and mobility firm with more than 60 offices worldwide. With a Master’s degree in Law and 30 years of experience leading immigration and employment services at a leading Thai law firm, Aim-on advises corporations, non-profit organizations, and private clients on immigration and workforce mobility strategies. Aim-on also serves as a volunteer advisor to organizations supporting stateless and displaced individuals in obtaining legal rights in Thailand.

Antonello Mincone has 20 years of experience with biometric software technologies and with the identity industry. He is currently serving as Business Development Director for Neurotechnology and has supervised the deployment of the company's technology for several large-scale projects worldwide, including the ABIS for the AADHAAR system in India. Today he also covers the role of product manager for the company's biometric solutions for smart cards, mobile and web. In the past Antonello developed the company's fingerprint matching algorithms for AFIS large-scale systems and for smart microcontrollers, and he has academic experience with iris recognition algorithms as well.

Stephan D. Hofstetter is Chairman and Managing Partner of SECOIA Executive Consultants AG, a Swiss advisory firm specialising in identity management, border security, biometrics and secure documents. He has over 30 years of experience across the identity chain, from civil registration and foundational documents through issuance to border control.

His career began on the industry side, in several landmark national identity document projects. Since founding SECOIA in 2012, he has worked on the buyer’s side, advising governments in over 40 countries through IOM, UNDP, ICAO and Frontex frameworks. His IOM assignments include identity management, biometrics and border management support. He has also conducted national ICAO TRIP compliance reviews and developed and evaluated national eID and ePassport tenders for UN agencies and national bodies.

This experience shapes his view of procurement: how a tender is specified, evaluated and priced often decides whether a system performs in the field. He advocates purpose-driven requirements designed backwards from users’ real situations, and holds that price should never be the reason a system fails.

Stephan is an ICAO ICBWG expert, an ISO/IEC SC17 WG3 delegate and editor of CEN TS 17489-5. He holds an MSc in Security Studies and engineering degrees from ETH Zurich and ESIG Lausanne, and moderates the LinkedIn group “ICAO ePassports and eID Cards” (9,000+ members).

Senior Colonel LASSOUED ABDELLATIF is a Tunisian Armed Forces officer who began his military career in 1993 after graduating from the Tunisian Military Academy. Throughout his career, he has pursued advanced military education and professional training in Tunisia, the United States, and France, developing extensive experience in military leadership, operational planning, and command.

His career includes several key command and staff appointments, notably Deputy Chief of G5 with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Chief of the Operations Section at Army Headquarters, Group Instructor at the Tunisian War College, Commander of an Intervention Battalion, and Commander of a Tank Regiment. In 2026, he was appointed Chief of the Intelligence Bureau at Army Headquarters, assuming a senior role within the Tunisian Army’s intelligence structure.

In recognition of his service, Senior Colonel LASSOUED ABDELLATIF has received several decorations, including the National Military Medal and the United Nations Medal. His international experience and professional background reflect a career dedicated to military service, leadership, and cooperation.

Benoit represents Luxembourg at European and international levels such as: the Technical Advisory Group on the Passenger Identification Programme (TAG/TRIP) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Control Authorities Working Group (CAWG); the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

Benoit is a member of INTERPOL's Global Cybercrime Group, where he focuses on forensic and threat intelligence activities.

His areas of expertise are cyber security, identity management, and cryptography applied to various sectors such as aviation, automotive, travel documents, and healthcare.

Over the last 15 years, Benoit has contributed as an editor to several ISO and CEN standards, which are now used worldwide by governments and industries. As part of his activities at INCERT, he also supports emerging countries on issues of cybersecurity, travel documents, and digital governance.

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With over a decade of experience in the biometrics industry, Mate has developed a deep understanding of the market and product landscape. His expertise spans software development, pre-sales, and solution delivery, with a focus on law enforcement and government agencies. Leading a regional team in Singapore for the past few years, Mate has driven business development and implemented large-scale biometric solutions across Southeast Asia.

Chris is a seasoned immigration professional with well over 2 decades in security and intelligence, this includes service as an EU police officer, criminal intelligence specialist and he’s a veteran of two wars. With two MSc degrees and a focus on identity management, he now leads the ID Centre at the Finnish Immigration Service, pioneering secure identity verification and recognition. His career blends field experience and technical expertise, shaping advancements in national security and identity management.

He led the Evidence of Identity subgroup in ICAO Implementation and Capacity Building working group, as well as the development of the 2D barcode for digital residence permits with ICAO. The latter is being tested in the Finnish second DTC pilot which started in early 2026. Currently Chris is working at EUBAM Rafah mission in Palestine as the senior border police advisor.

Jean-François (Jeff) Lennon is Vice President Travel & Governments EMEA at Amadeus, where he leads high-impact commercial strategy and complex programs across several travel segments. His work focuses on accelerating the adoption of biometrics, digital identity, and automation, enabling governments and private sector to leverage resilient, interoperable, and high-performance orchestration platforms across all maturity levels.

With more than two decades of experience in security, identity management, and government transformation, Jeff has played a key role in bringing next-generation travel technologies to market. From the global expansion of Vision-Box to shaping Amadeus’ strategy for frictionless, data-driven travel, he is recognized for his ability to translate innovation into nation-wide, operational solutions.

Jeff is Franco-British, based in Dubai, and lives with his Portuguese wife between flights!

Mr. Sumnesh Joshi is an internationally recognised Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) practitioner, public policy expert and thought leader whose work has spanned the evolution of digital identity, financial inclusion, telecommunications and trusted digital governance in India. A senior officer of the Indian Telecom Service (ITS), he currently serves as Deputy Director General in the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.

With over three decades of experience, Mr. Joshi has contributed to the design, implementation and governance of large-scale digital transformation initiatives. As one of the pioneering officers of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), he played a key role in implementing Aadhaar, the world’s largest digital identity programme, across Western India, and later headed the Enrolment & Update Division at UIDAI Headquarters, leading national policy and operational reforms to strengthen identity assurance, authentication, data quality, privacy safeguards and digital trust.

In his current role, he is driving initiatives to expand broadband connectivity, facilitate nationwide telecom infrastructure rollout, promote 5G and IoT ecosystems and has served as the Nodal Officer for the Prime Minister’s 4G Saturation Program across eastern and western India.

Mr. Joshi has worked extensively with governments, regulators, central banks, financial institutions and technology partners to advance trusted digital ecosystems encompassing digital identity, e-KYC, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), digital payments, cybersecurity, privacy and citizen-centric public services. His work focuses on how identity, connectivity, interoperability, governance and trust together create resilient Digital Public Infrastructure, enabling secure mobility, inclusive service delivery and trusted digital interactions at population scale.

An internationally sought-after speaker on Digital Public Infrastructure, trusted digital identity and digital governance, he has delivered keynote addresses and participated in plenary discussions at leading global forums including the Biometric Institute Congress, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Border Management and Identity Conference, Singapore FinTech Festival, Japan FinTech Festival, Global FinTech Fest, Money20/20 Middle East, and TEDx.

Mr. Joshi holds a MicroMasters in Data, Economics and Development Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a Certificate in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA from the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He advocates a “Trust by Design” approach, where trusted digital identity, secure connectivity, interoperable platforms, privacy, cybersecurity and sound governance come together to build resilient, inclusive and citizen-centric Digital Public Infrastructure.

Jakob Dam Glynstrup is head of the Danish National ID-centre. Jakob has a background from the immigration field and has been head of the Danish National ID-centre since it was established in 2018. The centre is an independent expert centre who assist Danish authorities with questions connected to the identification of foreigners within the area of biometrics, document verification and training. Jakob is also Chairman at the Biometrics Institute, an organization which focus on the responsible, ethical and effective use of biometrics.