BSA Names Eight Global Tech Policy Leaders ‘Digital Diplomacy Champions’

WASHINGTON - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) honored eight policymakers from around the world with its 2026 "Digital Diplomacy Champions" award in recognition of their excellence in advancing constructive tech policies and working internationally on digital policy.

Policymakers from the United States, Europe, and Japan were honored with the "Digital Diplomacy Champion" award for 2026, honorees which included US federal officials and members of Congress, a member of Japan's House of Representatives, and members of the European Parliament.

"BSA's 2026 Digital Diplomacy Champions exemplify cross-party and cross-border leadership to advance policies that support innovation and the widespread adoption of technology," said BSA CEO Victoria Espinel. "The Business Software Alliance is proud to recognize these leaders' important work to advance global collaboration on tech policy and to expanding the economic benefits of technology across industries and around the world."

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.

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 2026 Digital Diplomacy Champions, visit: bsa.org/ddc

The 2026 Digital Diplomacy Champions are:

Americas

Sen. Chris Coons

United States Senate

Senator Coons has worked to strengthen America's technological competitiveness and ensure the global digital economy is built on American values of openness, transparency, and fairness.

Hon. Michael Kratsios

Assistant to the President and Director, Office of Science & Technology Policy, The White House

Mr. Kratsios has championed the US government's efforts to leverage AI to strengthen America's economic future, including by spearheading the creation of the Trump administration's AI Action Plan and amplifying its aim to boost innovation, infrastructure, and international partnerships.

Sen. Jerry Moran

United States Senate

Senator Moran has been a leading voice in AI policy, playing a central role in sponsoring and supporting the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and advancing AI standards and evaluation development. He has also introduced bipartisan legislation to help small businesses responsibly adopt and leverage AI technologies.

Sen. Jacky Rosen

United States Senate

Senator Jacky Rosen serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and is on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As the Senate's only former computer programmer, she is a strong advocate for bipartisan solutions that strengthen cybersecurity, improve STEM education, and promote innovation.

Sen. Todd Young

United States Senate

Senator Young has frequently been at the center of the most consequential tech policy issues before the Senate, from his work on the bipartisan Senate AI Working Group to authorship of the CHIPS Act to his work to advance responsible digital trade.

Europe

Hon. Svenja Hahn

Member of Parliament, European Union

Svenja Hahn is a German Member of the European Parliament in the Renew Europe group since 2019. She is a member on the Committees for Internal Market and Consumer Protection and for International Trade. She became President of the ALDE Party in 2024 after earlier roles in LYMEC and the European Liberal Forum. Since 2025, she is also the Federal Vice-President of the FDP. Before her political career, she worked in public relations at edding International GmbH and held various roles in communications and journalism. She holds a Master degree in Media Studies.

Hon. Michael McNamara

Member of Parliament, European Union

Michael McNamara is an Irish Member of the European Parliament in the Renew Europe group since 2024. He serves on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and is also active in the Committee on Legal Affairs. He is Co-Chair of the European Parliament's Working Group on the Implementation and Enforcement of the AI Act. Before joining the European Parliament, he served two terms as a member of the Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann). A qualified barrister, he practiced law prior to his political career and has a strong background in human rights and constitutional affairs. He holds a law degree from University College Cork.

APAC

His Excellency Masaaki Taira

Former Minister for Digital Transformation and Member, House of Representatives, Government of Japan

As Japan's Minister for Digital Transformation and first Minister of State for Cybersecurity, His Excellency Masaaki Taira led efforts to modernize government IT systems, strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, and promote AI adoption - advancing global cooperation and positioning Japan as a leader in innovation.