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Denmark's Tech Diplomacy

In 2017, Denmark became the first country to appoint a Tech Ambassador, recognizing that technology had become a foreign and security policy issue in its own right. Today, from offices in Copenhagen and Silicon Valley, we work to shape the global rules for technology so i benefits people, democracy, and security.

What we do

Technology reshapes geopolitics, security and daily life at a pace that outstrips traditional diplomacy. The world's most influential tech companies wield economic and political power that rivals nation states, while breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cybersecurity redefine what's possible — and what's at risk.

Denmark's tech diplomacy bridges the gap between governments and the tech sector. We represent Danish interests in direct dialogue with global tech companies, advocate for responsible technology governance in the EU, NATO and the UN, and build coalitions with like-minded countries who share our commitment to democratic values in the digital age.

Our work is anchored in a conviction: technology must serve society, not the other way around. That means insisting on transparency, protecting human rights online, and ensuring that the rules governing technology are shaped democratically — not left solely to market forces or geopolitical competition.

Our strategic priorities

These four pillars guide our work under the 2024 strategy for tech diplomacy.

Why Denmark?

Denmark is consistently ranked among the world's most digitalised nations by both the EU and the UN. That position didn't happen by accident — it's the product of decades of investment in digital public services, strong public-private collaboration, and a culture that values trust, transparency and pragmatic innovation.

These same qualities make Denmark a credible voice in global tech policy. Many countries look to Denmark to see how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand. Our relatively small and agile government means we can move quickly, test new approaches, and bring different policy communities together, from security and trade to development and human rights.

In 2017, we were first. Since then, a growing number of countries have established their own tech ambassadors and cyber envoys. Together with Australia, Denmark co-leads the global network of cyber and tech ambassadors, and continues to set the pace for what tech diplomacy can achieve.

200 + Democracy initiative partners
27 member states behind EU digital diplomacy initiative
30 + countries at annual Cyber & Tech Retreat

How we work

We operate from two offices: Silicon Valley and Copenhagen — spanning time zones and bridging the Atlantic. Our team brings together career diplomats, tech specialists, security professionals and policy experts.

In practice, our work has two dimensions. First, like any embassy, we represent the Danish government in direct dialogue with tech companies and stakeholders, raising issues, sharing concerns, and building relationships. Second, we work to shape the international agenda on tech policy through the EU, NATO, the UN and through bilateral partnerships with governments worldwide.

The topics we engage on daily include AI governance, cybersecurity, disinformation, digital infrastructure, platform accountability, quantum technology, and the intersection of technology with human rights and democratic processes. We translate global tech trends into Danish policy, and bring Danish priorities to the global table.