Implementing AI is a question of national survival for Ukraine

Nelli Blinova, Head of AI International Partnerships at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, is the keynote speaker at the conference AI and Society: You, Data, and Sovereign Decision-Making, held today, Friday 13th of March, at Reykjavik University.

She works to advance the country’s AI development framework and strengthen international cooperation in AI and GovTech. In her role, Nelli contributes to building partnerships that support Ukraine’s global ambitions. The mission is clear: to position Ukraine among the top 3 countries worldwide for AI development and to build the world’s most convenient digital state for both citizens and businesses.

To achieve this, the Ministry has already built Diiaa, a digital government super app used by 24 million people, and a web portal. To make the state even more invisible and helpful, Ukraine introduced Diia.AI. This AI-powered agent acts as a personal consultant, guiding users through 200+ public services via a simple chat interface and even providing them.

When implementing AI, governments must be mindful of risks and put in place frameworks that foster trust, responsible action, and transparency.

"For Ukraine, the biggest risk now is taking no risks. That's why we are experimenting mindfully", as Blinova says. Adding that the ultimate goal of AI is to make people's lives easier and their work more effective, rather than replacing them.

In Ukraine, our GDP has decreased tremendously due to the war, and we need to secure our economic breakthrough. We need to ensure our country remains alive and that we can create a place where people want to live. An ecosystem in which students remain in Ukraine, and people return when the war ends or they feel safer. To maintain and build our infrastructure, we need technology, and we can benefit greatly from using AI.

Says Blinova, adding that for Ukraine, implementing AI is a question of national survival.

During her visit to Iceland, Blinova met with Madame President, Halla Tómasdóttir, and government officials. She says she senses enthusiasm and passion in Iceland to explore AI and lead in technology innovations.

When I realised that in Ukraine, what can really change what is happening now is technology, my interest in the field was ignited. I wasn't heading that way before, but when the opportunity came up, I just took it, and so far, it´s been one of the best decisions I've made"

Concludes Blinova.

This conference is developed in close collaboration between Reykjavík University, the Open University, CADIA, Reykjavík University’s research centre for artificial intelligence, data science, and intelligent systems, and EDIH Iceland, the European Digital Innovation Hub supporting organizations in digital and AI transformation.