Mario R. Canazza
About Mario R. Canazza
Mario R. Canazza serves as the Government Engagement Lead for the Americas at the World Economic Forum, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in international telecommunications and technology policy, having held various leadership roles at organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and ANATEL.
Work at World Economic Forum
Mario R. Canazza serves as the Government Engagement Lead for the Americas at the World Economic Forum since 2020. In this role, he negotiates and manages partnerships and fellowships between the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network and various international organizations, including the United Nations, ITU, UNESCO, and the World Bank. Canazza focuses on advancing technology policy related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and manages collaborations between the Forum's industry platforms and Centres within the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution network.
Education and Expertise
Mario R. Canazza holds multiple degrees in relevant fields. He achieved a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University, graduating first in his class. He also earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Regulation from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and another MSc in Social Science of the Internet from the University of Oxford. Additionally, he completed a Bachelor in Public Administration from FGV - Fundação Getulio Vargas. Canazza has furthered his education with specialized programs, including Data Privacy and Technology at Harvard Business School.
Background
Before joining the World Economic Forum, Mario R. Canazza held various positions in international organizations. He served as Chair of the ITU Council, focusing on strategic and financial planning from 2016 to 2019. He also worked at ANATEL, the National Telecommunication Agency of Brazil, as Senior Adviser of International Affairs and New Digital Markets for 13 years. His earlier roles include working as a Business Analyst at Amdocs and as a Consultant at Aspen Procwork.
Achievements
Mario R. Canazza has been involved in significant initiatives related to technology policy and governance frameworks. He manages the community of Silicon Valley Tech Ambassadors and Consul-Generals, representing over 70 countries and regional blocs. Canazza also provides strategic, technical, and policy advice on ICTs and 5G technologies, supporting projects in AI, IoT, and Smart Cities. His leadership extends to representing the World Economic Forum on the Executive Boards of C4IR Brazil, C4IR Colombia, and C4IR Saudi Arabia.