CTO news

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) hosted the latest Digital Transformation Centre Stage, where this edition’s host, the United Kingdom, demonstrated how digital transformation and AI are reshaping modern governance.

In her opening remarks, CTO Secretary-General, Bernadette Lewis, highlighted that as governments face climate change, geopolitical tensions and disruptive technologies, collaboration is essential to ensure no Commonwealth country is left behind.

Jyoti Basuita from the Government Digital Service (GDS) shared the UK’s transformation from 2,000+ websites to the unified GOV.UK platform, now serving over 88 million visits each month. The UK’s approach focuses on user-first design, multi-channel services and secure, data-driven innovation.

Bailey R. of the GDS International Unit outlined the UK’s responsible use of AI, including an AI Playbook, innovation incubator and practical tools improving public service delivery — all grounded in transparency and open government principles.

Closing the session, Leonard Obonyo, CTO’s Head of Digital Development, thanked the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and presenters for showcasing inclusive, citizen-focused transformation. He reaffirmed that digital transformation is about people, not just technology, and encouraged Commonwealth members to leverage shared lessons through CTO initiatives like the Capacity Building for Development Impact (CBDI) programme.

Special thanks to DSIT, presenters and Emcee Roberta Wiafe for an inspiring and insightful session.

🎥 Watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwenO2wX-Rc&t=3s