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Distinguished colleagues, 

I am Kathleen Kramer and I have the pleasure to serve as the 2025 President and CEO of IEEE. 

I would like to thank the organizers of the World Internet of Things Convention for the opportunity to speak to you today.

We are living through a profound transformation—one where the digital economy is not just a driver of innovation, but a shared foundation for global progress. At the heart of this evolution lies intelligent interconnection: the seamless integration of data, devices, and decisions across borders, sectors, and societies.

To ensure this transformation is sustainable, we must align innovation with access, connectivity with responsibility, and growth with global good. The digital economy must not only be smart—it must be ethical, resilient, and universally empowering. 

As we stand at the crossroads of this rapid digital transformation, IEEE remains deeply committed to advancing technologies that shape our interconnected world—none more pivotal than the Internet of Things and the digital economy. These innovations are redefining industries, empowering communities, and unlocking new frontiers of human potential.

IEEE’s global community of engineers, researchers, and technologists is actively driving progress in IoT—from smart cities and precision agriculture to industrial automation and healthcare. Through our conferences, publications, and technical standards, we ensure that innovation is not only cutting-edge but also ethical, secure, and inclusive.

Yet with opportunity comes responsibility. The sustainable development of the digital economy demands more than technical excellence—it requires shared governance, accessibility, and long-term stewardship. We must invest in digital literacy, protect data dignity, and design systems that reflect diverse voices and values.

We know that scale introduces complexity. The rapid expansion of digital systems brings risks: fragmented standards, data misuse, and uneven access. To guard against these risks, we must strengthen global cooperation. Governments, academia, industry, and civil society must come together to inform policies, share best practices, and build resilient ecosystems rooted in trust and transparency.

Standards are the backbone of this effort. IEEE continues to lead in developing consensus-based standards that center on interoperability, cybersecurity, and sustainability. By engaging diverse stakeholders early and often, we ensure these frameworks reflect real-world needs and global values.

Partnerships with international organizations like the World Internet of Things Convention are essential.  Together, we can scale pilot projects, convene multidisciplinary expertise, and shape international norms that prioritize human-centric design and long-term resilience. We can accelerate responsible innovation and build a truly interconnected world where technology uplifts humanity. 

Let us move forward with purpose—connecting not just devices, but ecosystems, not just data, but values. The sustainable digital economy is a systems challenge. And as engineers, we are uniquely equipped to solve it. It begins with intentional collaboration, ethical design, and a commitment to a future that empowers generations to come.

Before I wrap up, I would like to share my congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the WIOTC and the establishment of this annual international convention. I wish you continued success. 

Thank you.