We are delighted to announce that FreeBalance’s President and CEO Manuel Schiappa Pietra has been selected for the Tech Diplomacy Global Institute’s 2026 Tech Diplomacy Global 50. This annual list identifies 50 influential leaders worldwide who are successfully navigating the intersection of technology, policy, and international relations.
The 2026 cohort includes a diverse group of ministers, ambassadors, and advocates whose work spans more than 40 countries. From negotiating AI treaties in Geneva to building digital infrastructure in Nairobi and defending digital rights in Brasília, these leaders are recognized for shaping responsible policy at a time when digital governance is becoming fundamental to national stability.

Digital Governance as Public Stewardship
De Tech Diplomacy Global Institute serves as a neutral platform for international cooperation on technology policy. Created to bridge the “Global Gap” in tech governance, the Institute helps nations build the capacity needed to manage AI, cybersecurity, and digital trade effectively. As technology governance has moved from the margins of foreign policy into the practice of diplomacy itself, decisions regarding digital infrastructure are now negotiated alongside trade and security, requiring a new level of public stewardship.
“When technology shapes how public decisions are made and resources are managed, diplomacy becomes essential,” noted Manuel Schiappa Pietra. “Tech diplomacy ensures digital systems reinforce institutions, legitimacy, and public trust so governments can better serve their citizens.”
A Commitment to Global Cooperation
This recognition highlights a commitment to ensuring that digital tools support national sovereignty and accountability rather than just commercial interests. By bringing together people working at the intersection of technology and policy, the Tech Diplomacy Global 50 acknowledges those who treat technological power as a matter of public responsibility.
Congratulations to all the visionaries recognized in this year’s list for their dedication to building a more responsible and transparent digital future.
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