Kristel R. Villanueva-Libunao, PMP is a distinguished expert in digital transformation, smart cities, and cyber relations who previously served as Undersecretary and Chief of Staff at the National Security Council of the Philippines. She drives inclusive digital ecosystems through AI governance, cybersecurity, and gender-responsive tech policy, shaping frameworks adopted by governments and international organizations. As Executive Director and Chief Sustainability Offi cer of SmartCT-Philippines and Strategic Engagements Director at FutureCraft in Belgium, she leads fl agship initiatives including Women Peace and Security on Digital Economy research, and AI Ready ASEAN. Her work has earned recognition as a Smart City Disruptor at Smart City Expo Miami 2020, Southeast Asian Women Leader by YSEALI 2021, and Ashoka Philippine Women Social Entrepreneur. With over a decade of policy consultancy with various government agencies, UN University, ITU, and UN Women, she currently serves as digital governance professor at the Development Academy of the Philippines. She holds a Master's in Digital Transformation (Universidad de Salamanca-Spain) and advanced certifi cations from University of the Philippines, New York University, and Pepperdine University-Miami. Through her publications and international speaking engagements, she continues to shape digital governance policy discourse across Asia Pacifi c and beyond.