Philippine Consulate in SF Attends ‘Tech Diplomacy Network’ Launch
San Francisco, 21 February 2023 – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil R. Ferrer attended the launch of the Tech Diplomacy Network at the the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Presidio on Tuesday. Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley Celynne Layug and Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona joined Consul General Ferrer in the event, which was attended by diplomats in Silicon Valley, members of academia, civil society and the private sector.
Tech Diplomacy Network aims to become a hub among tech diplomats and the tech community and promote cooperation among stakeholders in technology, especially in “frontier technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology, as well as digital global platforms.”
The Network was co-founded by Mr. Martin Rauchbauer, Austria’s first tech ambassador in Silicon Valley and former Consul General in San Francisco and Ms. Patricia Gruver, who founded a science diplomacy network in Boston. The network has partnered with the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (#C4IR) on the tech cooperation initiative.
The launch involved discussions around the role of tech diplomats, engagement with tech companies, government and policymakers in fostering cooperation amid advancements in technology and innovation and their impact on people, societies, values, norms and institutions.
The Philippine Government aims to advance the country’s digital transformation in support of national development goals. A 2022 World Bank Philippine Economic Update emphasized that digital transformation presents an opportunity to boost the country’s economic recovery and position it for long-term growth. END
