At the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave a speech on the challenges facing her country and Europe, and what can be done to meet them. Opening by invoking the centennial of World War I, she reminded the audience of the challenges and conflicts Europe suffered in the 20th century. In order to solve crises of this century and ensure the safety and well-being of her people, Chancellor Merkel stressed the importance of digital technology.
Among the best applications of this technology, Merkel said, are digital education and means for citizens of “communicating with their state.” She also touched on the dilemma on who has access to private data, which she called “the raw material of the 21st century.” Chancellor Merkel then went on to discuss the importance of maintaining a unified Europe in the face of both the Eurozone and Refugee Crises.
In 2015, the Boston Global Forum presented Chancellor Merkel with the World Leader in Peace, Security, and Development Award. In her Davos speech she also specifically cited the example of Estonia, whose former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves was awarded BGF – MDI’s World Leader in Cybersecurity Award this past December. We at BGF, MDI, and AIWS are proud to honor leaders such as these for there ongoing contributions to world peace and stability.