WASHINGTON – The Business Software Alliance (BSA) honored 10 policymakers from around the world with its inaugural “Digital Diplomacy Champions” award in recognition of their excellence in advancing constructive tech policies and working internationally on digital policy. 

The honorees include four US members of Congress, two members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and current and former ministers for industry and technology from Australia, Japan, and Singapore. 

“These ‘Digital Diplomacy Champions’ have demonstrated excellence in advancing tech policy and global collaboration,” said BSA CEO Victoria Espinel. “The Business Software Alliance is proud to honor these outstanding leaders, whose work across political parties and geographies sets an example for how policymakers can establish clear and consistent policies that support global innovation.” 

The honorees were selected following a nominating process that included BSA, BSA member companies, and participants in BSA’s cross-sector initiative, the Global Data Alliance, who collaborate closely with BSA. Nominees were selected using criteria that considered their international work on digital policy, leadership in developing and promoting responsible data governance, promotion of consistent laws and policies around the world, and proactive engagement with government, industry, and civil society stakeholders. 

The 2025 Digital Diplomacy Champions are: 

Americas 

Rep. Suzan K. DelBene 

US Representative; Co-Chair, Congressional Digital Trade Caucus, US House of Representatives 

A tireless advocate for digital trade and national privacy legislation, Rep. DelBene has a strong track record as a leader on issues important to the digital economy. As Co-Founder of the Congressional Digital Trade Caucus, Rep. DelBene has raised awareness of and built support for key provisions in trade agreements critical to international commerce. 

Rep. Darin LaHood 

US Representative; Co-Chair, Congressional Digital Trade Caucus, US House of Representatives

Rep. LaHood has been a leading voice in Congress advocating for US leadership on digital trade. Through his position as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Digital Trade Caucus, he has led efforts to set fair and effective rules for digital trade to maintain economic strength and global influence. 

Rep. Ted Lieu 

US Representative; Co-Chair, House AI Task Force, US House of Representatives 

With a strong background in computer science, Rep. Lieu has been a longtime leader in Congress for technology policy issues including cybersecurity, quantum computing, AI, and STEM education. As co-chair of the House AI Task Force, Rep. Lieu led the education of his colleagues and advanced US leadership in responsible AI governance and federal innovation strategies. 

Rep. Jay Obernolte 

US Representative; Co-Chair, House AI Task Force, US House of Representatives 

Rep. Obernolte’s unique background with an advanced degree in AI and successfully creating an AI-driven business have established him as a go-to leader and thinker on technology policy issues. As co-chair of the House AI Task Force, Rep. Obernolte served as a key interlocutor for AI policy with members of his party and worked to advance critical discussions on AI’s strategic impact on national policy. 

Europe 

Hon. Eva Maydell 

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) 

As an MEP from Bulgaria, MEP Eva Maydell advanced innovation-friendly legislation, earning recognition as a leading policymaker in the European Union. 

Hon. Emran Mian 

Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms at the United Kingdom’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) 

A senior UK official, Emran Mian has strengthened the country’s role in global digital policy, driving international collaboration on technology governance with a focus on data governance and AI regulation. 

Hon. Dr. Andreas Schwab 

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) 

As an MEP from Germany, MEP Andreas Schwab actively engaged in shaping digital and cybersecurity policies in the EU, advocating for balanced legislation and innovation. 

APAC 

His Excellency Takuya Hirai 

Former Minister for Digital, Government of Japan 

As minister, His Excellency Takuya Hirai pioneered Japan’s digital policy initiatives, enhancing Japan’s national digital infrastructure and promoting innovative approaches to governance. 

His Excellency Ed Husic 

Minister for Industry and Science, Government of Australia

 As minister, His Excellency Ed Husic was a key figure in advancing Australia’s industrial and scientific innovation. 

Her Excellency Josephine Teo 

Minister for Digital Development and Information, Minister-in-Charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, Government of Singapore 

Minister Josephine Teo has been a steadfast advocate for responsible and sustainable digital innovation in service of society, both locally and globally. Under her leadership, Singapore has refreshed its Smart Nation vision and national AI strategy while strengthening safeguards to better protect citizens from online harms. She has forged partnerships with government and industry stakeholders to raise standards and guidelines for the ethical use of technology and to deepen international cooperation in AI, the digital economy, digital government, and cybersecurity. Through these efforts, she continues to advance Singapore’s vision of leveraging technology for the public good—both for the nation and the world. 

Honorees will participate in various BSA initiatives over the course of the coming year to call attention to their excellence in digital diplomacy. For more information about the 2025 Digital Diplomacy Champions, visit: www.bsa.org/ddc