CIONET grant award to visionary leader who leverages digital technology to the benefit of society 

Amsterdam – June 26, 2017 -- CIONET International today announced that Indrajit Banerjee, Director Knowledge Societies of UNESCO, receives the European Digital Leader of the Year award from CIONET.

With this award CIONET, the largest international community of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) wishes to celebrate the accomplishments in using digital means to improve society, by a person from outside of the community.

It is the second time that CIONET grants this award. In 2016 the award was given to Rob van Gijzel, until then Mayor of the City of Eindhoven.

Indrajit Banerjee has been a key driver, often behind the scene, to put global issues on the global agenda and to translate this into awareness and action. He has recognised how ICT can help address issues like access for people with disabilities, ICT for education and inclusion and the preservation of documentary heritage, like the preservation of the technological and scientific knowledge contained in software.

Furthermore, mister Banerjee is helping to drive the discussion about internet governance. These efforts have resulted in organizations including Netexplo, an independent observatory that studies the impact of digital tech on society and business. Mr. Banerjee’s personal commitment is helping to put ICT in the core of the solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

‘The CIONET community is genuinely impressed by mister Banerjee’s vision on how technology can help resolve certain societal challenges. This award shows our recognition and our gratitude to his work that benefits many parts of society”, said Frits Bussemaker, Partner and Secretary General of International Relationships at CIONET.