Speaking

Sophia Bekele is a global speaker and thought leader whose work spans digital sovereignty, technology governance, AI systems, economic transformation, and women and youth empowerment. 
She has delivered keynotes, chaired panels, and engaged in high-level dialogues at parliaments, multilateral institutions, global summits, universities, and executive forums across five continents.   Her insights bridge governance, innovation, human development, and responsible technology — making her a sought-after voice for institutions navigating the next era of digital power.

FEATURED

Sophia Bekele speaking on women and their strength
Sophia Bekele on Third International Conference on learning Cities

Sophia Bekele Talks

SIGNATURE SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTS

Global Institutions & Multilateral Forums

  • United Nations (UNCTAD / CSTD) – Digital competencies & emerging technologies for development

  • UNESCO Learning Cities – Employment, entrepreneurship & continuous learning

  • UN General Assembly – Digital divide, globalization & ICT development

  • ITU Girls in ICT Day – Women in technology leadership

  • UNPAN / WSIS / ITU Geneva – E-government, PPPs & public-sector transformation

Major International Summits

  • EurAfrican Forum (Portugal) – Trust, coalitions, and global systems change

  • Crans Montana Forum (Belgium & Spain) – Women, youth & the digital revolution

  • GES – Global Entrepreneurship Summit (USA) – Diaspora leadership & innovation

  • Africa Leadership Forum – Opportunities in emerging economies

  • AITEC ICT Summits (Kenya, Nigeria) – ICT-enabled economies & digital currency vision

Universities & Academic Leadership

  • Stanford University (SWIB) – Women changing the face of technology

  • UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business – Featured keynote

  • Yale University – Autonomy, identity & technological transformation

  • Golden Gate University – Internet governance & policy divides

  • Lincoln University – Ethics, governance & institutional leadership

Universities & Academic Leadership

  • Stanford University (SWIB) – Women changing the face of technology

  • UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business – Featured keynote

  • Yale University – Autonomy, identity & technological transformation

  • New York University – Leadership, Entrepreneurship
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  • Golden Gate University – Internet governance & policy divides
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  • Lincoln University – Ethics, governance & institutional leadership

Government & Policy Platforms

  • White House / USAID African Diaspora Summit

  • World Affairs Council – Freedom of information as a human right

  • Regional & national policy forums across Africa, Europe, and the U.S.

 

 

SIGNATURE THEMES

Digital sovereignty & de-risking dependency

AI governance, regulation & responsible systems

Cyber resilience & critical infrastructure

Women’s leadership, inclusion & innovation in tech

Future of work, skills and Web 3.0 economies

Ethical digital ecosystems for emerging markets

Building Resilient Digital Systems for Nations & Enterprises

Technology Ethics, Corporate Governance & Accountability

Leadership, Systems Thinking & Human Development

SPEAKING STYLE & IMPACT

Bekele is known for her incisive clarity, grounded authority, and ability to translate complex geopolitical and technological systems into actionable strategic insight.
Her presence is equal parts analytical, lyrical, and visionary — blending governance, innovation, and human impact into a uniquely compelling voice.

FULL SPEAKING ARCHIVE

→ View Full Speaking Archive here 

“I don’t know to CEO” conference hosted by Stanford Women In Business conference (SWIB) . “View From The Top: Changing the Face of Technology –Featuring people that have made great impact.How does one little start-up end up improving so many millions of lives? What makes these people passionate about what they do? Learn how you can be one of these people whose lives affect the face of technology. —Stanford Women In Business, April 2009 ,”… More

How does one little start-up end up improving so many millions of lives? What makes these people passionate about what they do? Learn how you can be one of these people whose lives affect the face of technology. —Stanford Women In Business, April 2009 ,”… More

BOOKING & ENGAGEMENT

Available For
Keynotes • High-level panels • Fireside chats • Boardroom briefings • Executive retreats appearances, panel moderation,  or special leadership sessions: 👉   Click Here
“Book Sophia” or “Request Speaking Engagement