7 Sep 2023
Online
Tech Envoy Series—Countering Ransomware’s Hostile Takeover (Virtual)
This program will fall under the Tech Envoy Series, enabling discussion of the ways the public and private sectors can join forces with civil society around the world to tackle today's greatest challenges through technology.
The program will feature a panel of experts and will focus on the Organization of American States' and Amazon Web Services' white paper: Challenges and Strategies: Considerations on Ransomware Attacks in the Americas.
18 Jul, 2023
Online
Update for the Least and Other Developing Countries about International Cybersecurity Processes
UNIDIR, ITU, and Diplo Foundation are hosting an informative online webinar tailored for technical professionals in cybersecurity, policy makers, and diplomats from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing countries to better understand current cyber diplomacy discussions happening at the international level.
This webinar, organized under the Cyber for Good project, aims to empower cybersecurity professionals and policy makers in LDCs and other developing countries to better understand key issues pertaining to cyber diplomacy discussions, particularly the Open-ended Working Group on the security of and in the use of information and communications technologies (OEWG).
The session will focus on key agenda points of the OEWG, to equip participants with an understanding of the current implications of these discussions. The OEWG represents significant progress in international cooperation towards an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful ICT environment.
Through improved awareness about the OEWG, this webinar aims to enable LDCs and other developing countries to make informed decisions on cyber diplomacy.
When and Where Tuesday, 18 July 2023 at 10:00 CEST.
The event will take place online.
Participants Delegations, cyber experts as well as members of the multistakeholder community including industry, civil society, and intergovernmental organizations are invited to participate in the webinar.
RSVP by 17 July 2023 to confirm your place at the webinar.
24 - 18 Jul, 2023
Side Events at the Fifth Substantive Session of the Open-ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of Information and Communications Technologies
Background
In 2020, the General Assembly established a five-year open-ended working group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025. The group is mandated to further develop the rules, norms and principles of responsible behaviour of States; to consider initiatives of States aimed at ensuring security in the use of information and communications technologies; to establish, under the auspices of the United Nations, regular institutional dialogue with the broad participation of States; to continue to study, with a view to promote common understandings, existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security.
Side Events of the Fifth Substantive Session, 24-28 July 2023
Scenario-based discussions on cyber capacity building principles: protecting against harms and maximizing benefits
Date: Monday 24 July
Time: 0745-0930
Venue: Permanent Mission of the Netherlands, 666 3rd Ave 19th floor, New York, NY 10017, United States
Registration: Invite-only (prospective participants may email Amrit Swali (aswali@chathamhouse.org) and spaces will be allocated if available.)
How the Cybersecurity Multi-Donor Trust Fund Can Strengthen Cybersecurity Resilience
Date: Monday 24 July
Time: 1300-1430
Venue: Permanent Mission of Germany, 871 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, United States
Registration: Please register your participation by Friday, 21 July, COB by emailing: pol-s2-vn@newy.auswaertiges-amt.de
Protecting Global Internet Infrastructure: Multi-stakeholder dialogue
Date: Monday 24 July
Time: 1315-1430
Venue: UNHQ, Conference Room 8 and online (hybrid)
Registration: Please register here. Please specify in-person or virtual participation. Early registration is encouraged. UNIDIR is not able to facilitate UNHQ access passes. Link will be shared with registered participants one day prior to the event.
Decoding Emerging Threats: Ransomware and Prevention of Future Cyber Crises
Date: Monday 24 July
Time: 1315-1445
Venue: Permanent Mission of Estonia, 305 E 47th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10017, United States.
Registration: Invite-only (interested delegations may contact Louise Marie Hurel (LouiseH@rusi.org) and spaces will be allocated if available).
Technology Breakfast: Quantum and Cybersecurity
Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 0830-0930
Venue: UNHQ, Conference Room 8 and online (hybrid)
Registration: Please register here. Please specify in-person or virtual participation. Early registration is encouraged. UNIDIR is not able to facilitate UNHQ access passes. Link will be shared with registered participants one day prior to the event.
Promoting responsible use of commercial cyber capabilities
Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 0830-0945
Venue: UNHQ, Conference Room 11
Registration: Please register by 4pm Friday, 21 July at this link. The organizers are not in a position to facilitate UNHQ access passes.
Strengthening Inclusivity in Cybersecurity Policy and Strategies
Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 1300-1430
Venue: Permanent Mission of Germany, 871 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, United States
Registration: Delegations and prospective participants may RSVP by registering here by 23 July (midnight). Questions may be addressed to Alissa Frenkel (partnership.cybersecurity@giz.de) and spaces will be allocated if available.
Unpacking cyber capacity-building needs: From Research to Action
Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 1315-1430
Venue: UNHQ Conference Room 8 and online (hybrid)
Registration: Please register here. Please specify in-person or virtual participation. Early registration is encouraged. UNIDIR is not able to facilitate UNHQ access passes. Link will be shared with registered participants one day prior to the event.
Internet governance in the context of UNGA processes-- risks and opportunities for the OEWG, AHC, WSIS+20 and GDC
Date: Tuesday 25 July
Time: 1330-1445
Venue: UNHQ, Conference Room 11
Registration: RSVP to elizabeth.oluoch@icann.org
Workshop on the Human-Centric Approach to Cybersecurity in the Context of the OEWG
Date: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 1315-1445
Venue: EU Delegation to the UN, 666 3rd Ave, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10017, United States
Registration: Invite-only (Interested delegations may contact Agnese Olmati (agnese.olmati@iss.europa.eu) and spaces will be allocated if available).
Shaping Inclusive and Rights Respecting Cyber Norms: Toolkit and Lessons from Latin America
Date: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 1315-1430
Venue: UNHQ, Conference Room 7
Registration: Please register here. Global Partners Digital and partners are not able to facilitate UNHQ access passes.
Shaping the Cyber PoA: Initial Feedbacks from the Stakeholder Community
Date: Wednesday 26 July
Time: 1315-1430
Venue: One Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, E 47th St, New York NY 10017, United States
Registration: If you wish to participate, please write at pablo.rice@parispeaceforum.org
17 Jul 2023
Online
Online Status Check of the Proposal for a UN Cyber Programme of Action
The Cyber Program of the Stimson Centre is hosting an online discussion about the proposal for a UN Cyber Programme of Action (PoA).
This online event is intended as a way for stakeholders to hear directly from the UN Secretariat about the current status of the cyber PoA – what has happened so far, what happens next? – in an effort to demystify and clarify the process. It will also be an opportunity for UNIDIR to provide a preliminary and informal overview of the inputs it has received and learn about initiatives to better coordinate amongst stakeholders. While the event is not closed to government representatives, preference will be given during the Q&A to non-governmental stakeholders.
Featured Speakers include: Katherine Prizeman, Political Affairs Officer, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs; Moliehi Makumane, Researcher, Security and Technology Division, UN Institute for Disarmament Research; and Jérôme Barbier, Head of Outer Space, Digital and Economic Issues, Paris Peace Forum.
26 Jul 2023
Online
Microsoft and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI): Workshop ‘Examining the finance and energy sectors’ cyber hygiene maturity’
This workshop is part of the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI) and Microsoft multistakeholder compendium initiative titled “Protecting strategic sectors from cyberattacks”.
The first workshop focused on prevalent cyber threats, and how cyber hygiene practices could be the solution to address risks. The next two workshops focused on sectors that are at different stages of their cyber hygiene maturity, the second one centred on the healthcare sector and this third one is on the more mature sectors of finance and energy. Finally, the last workshop will reflect on the main recommendations from the previous discussions.
The whole workshop series will be held in English, with simultaneous translation to Portuguese, and aims to identify lessons learned and recommendations to avoid and/ or mitigate the effects of cyberattacks on strategic sectors, culminating in the development of a multistakeholder compendium on best cyber hygiene practices.
Date and time: July 26th 2023 | 11:00am – 12:00 BRT | 10:00am – 11:00am EST
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
7 Jul, 2023
Webinar: Cybersecurity Governance In Southeast Asia
This webinar follows a two-day discussion among regional and international experts on the linkages between cybersecurity, technological vulnerabilities, and security sector governance in Southeast Asia. It will discuss the role of security sector actors in managing the security risks posed by international technological advances. The public event is organised in cooperation with DCAF's partners in Southeast Asia and brings together experts from both state and non-state institutions.
It aims to draw attention to the region's unique cybersecurity needs and explore how security sector governance and reform (SSG/R) can be used to protect cybersecurity interests.
The panel will feature speakers who will discuss the specific cybersecurity challenges in Southeast Asia, the role of security sector actors in protecting regional and national cybersecurity, the potential benefits of effective cybersecurity governance, and the essential reforms needed to enable security institutions to fulfil their protective responsibilities. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the panelists, ask questions and actively engage in thought-provoking discussions on the topic.
21 -22 Jun 2023
Georgia Cybersecurity Forum 2023
At the Georgian Cybersecurity Forum, ministers, partners, and international expert panelists will come together to discuss regional considerations on:
1) Cyber Capacity Building
2) Challenges for Cyber Resilience Development
3) Global Cyber Threat Landscape
4) Cyber Diplomacy and International Cooperation
5) Black Sea Vision on Cybersecurity
6) Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity
1 Jun, 2023
Hybrid (Geneva and Online)
Drawing Parallels: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on the Cyber PoA Scope, Structure and Content
Drawing Parallels: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on the Cyber PoA Scope, Structure and Content The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a one-day hybrid event dedicated to the multi-stakeholder community to gather their views on the scope, structure and content of the “Programme of Action to advance responsible State behaviour in the use of information and communications technologies in the context of international security” – (Cyber PoA).
The day will be divided in two sessions, providing an opportunity to discuss lessons from other comparable processes, the possible role of different stakeholders in the Cyber PoA as well as more practical inputs on key elements of the Cyber PoA based on the guiding questions provided by UNIDIR.
This event will complement the process mandated by UN General Assembly resolution A/C.1/77/L.73 on the Programme of Action for the UN Secretary General, to seek the views of Member States on the scope, structure and content for the programme of action; and for the Office for Disarmament Affairs to collaborate with relevant regional organizations whose members are also Member States of the United Nations to convene a series of consultations to share views on the Cyber PoA. A summary report of the event including a compendium of all written contributions from stakeholders will be prepared and released in time to support discussions of the First Committee during the 78th session of the General Assembly.
AGENDA
- 10:00-12:00 Session 1: Introduction Panel 1: Review of existing POAs – Lessons Learned and Best Practices //// Panel 2: Roles of Multi-stakeholders in the Cyber PoA – Civil society, Academia, Industry and NGOs
- 12:00-13:00 Lunch break
- 13:00-14:30 Session 2: Plenary discussion Scope of Cyber PoA Structure of Cyber PoA Content of Cyber PoA
- 14:30-15:00 Coffee break
- 15:00-16:00 Wrap-up and closing
Hybrid format: In-person (Geneva, Switzerland) and online.
14 Apr, 2023
Online, Zoom
Gender, Peace and Cybersecurity in the Americas: Towards a Regional Agenda
Sign up at: https://oas-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W1otgQjWQ_GmezRCHlA-aw
Gender, Peace and Cybersecurity in the Americas: Towards a Regional Agenda Building on the findings of UNIDIR’s recent publications on the topic, the webinar seeks to promote an interactive dialogue on gender perspectives in regional and international cybersecurity. It will also encourage a collective analysis of the relevance of these perspectives and their transformative potential in the Americas and the Caribbean region.
Potential questions for discussion include:
- Why do we need intersectional and gendered approaches to cybersecurity?
- What practical steps could be taken to integrate these perspectives into cybersecurity in the Americas?
- What are international organizations, OAS member states, academia and civil society doing to promote greater gender equality in international cybersecurity?
- What joint actions or strategies could be undertaken to integrate gender and diversity issues into international cybersecurity forums and discussions?
- To what extent are the cybersecurity and Women, Peace and Security agendas being linked at the national and regional levels?
* The event will be moderated by Kerry Ann-Barrett, Program Manager of the OAS/CICTE Cybersecurity Program
Language: Simultaneous translation in Spanish, Portuguese and English.
18 Jan, 2023
Online
Cyberspace Governance at the United Nations
With a dual focus on cyber capacity building and international law, this event considers how these two elements interact and intersect, how discussions on them could progress in the UN space and outside it and how the two contribute to a safer and more secure cyberspace for all.
The event will explore how member states can achieve lasting, adaptable, and meaningful success in cyberspace governance at the United Nations whilst overcoming challenges for operationalization efforts, including differences in national capacities and capabilities, and divergences in national perspectives regarding the application of international law to cyberspace.
Themes & Topics
Organisation
28 Oct, 2022
Online
Web Forum: Finding long term solutions to curb cyber crimes in the digital sphere
The WebForum Conversation will focus on: “Finding a long-term solution to curb Cybercrimes in the digital sphere”.
The topics to be discussed will be
1. Data sovereignty in the cloud
2. The concept of ethical hacking
3. Metaverse VS. Web 3.0
4. Data protection and Cybersecurity policy
5. Challanges of Cyber secutity in the digital sphere
3 - 7 October 2022
Online
OAS Cybersecurity Symposium – National Cyber Resilience: Reflections and Way Forward
AGENDA:
- October 3, 2022: Inauguración | Opening
- October 4: Gestión de políticas de ciberseguridad | Cybersecurity policies and best practices
- October 5: Respuesta a incidentes | Incident response
- October 6: Concientización | Awareness Raising
- October 7: Cierre | Closing
29 Jun, 2022
Online
Report Launch: “National Cybersecurity Strategies: Lessons Learned and Reflections from the Americas and Other Regions”
11AM EASTERN TIME | 3PM UTC
A National Cybersecurity Strategy is an essential policy tool for any nation’s economic, security, and social well-being. As Latin America and the Caribbean prioritize the development, revision, and implementation of NCS, adopting the best approach at the national level can become a challenge. The Cybersecurity Program of the OAS/CICTE and Global Partners Digital will launch their publication: “National Cybersecurity Strategies: Lessons Learned and Reflections from the Americas and Other Regions” addressing possible approaches to develop, implement, and review an NCS.
Webinar in English, interpretation in Spanish available.
Themes & Topics
Organisation
6 - 7 June 2022
Online
Diversifying Cyber Diplomacy
This event will be hosted by the Department of Political and Social Sciences of the University of Bologna. The aim of the workshop is a) to bring together academia, think tanks and public and private institutions and b) to bring all the CYDIPLO network teachers and researchers together and will focus on issues including, gender issues in cyber security and diplomacy, perspectives from the global south, capacity building challenges in emerging cyberdiplomacy nations, non-traditional/non-western forms and approaches to cyberdiplomacy. As well as a series of roundtable discussions, the workshop will include talks from those actively involved in cyber diplomacy and leading academics in the field. Day 1 of the workshop will be open to the public and streamed. Day 2 will be for network researchers only and will discuss issues related to project management and development, focusing on planned deliverables such as Special Issue in an academic journal and the Handbook of Cyberdiplomacy, as well as developing teaching materials and training for the MOOC and handbook.
Outputs: The workshop will result in detailed plans for delivery of the planned Special Issue, lead to a) a workshop summary on the basis of which an issue brief on diversifying cyberdiplomacy will be published, b) help to develop the sections of the handbook pertaining to non-traditional, non-western, approaches to cyberdiplomacy, and will examine the role of countries and actors in the global south, c) discuss the material produced for the Special Issue.
Keynote speakers:
- Enrico Calandro (GFCE)
- Clare Hutchinson (NATO)
Program Day 1
- Welcome and introduction (10:30 CET)
- Keynote talk 1 – Enrico Calandro: Cyber diplomacy in Africa: challenges, priorities and perspectives (11:00)
- Roundtable 1 – Diversifying cyber diplomacy: gender issues (11:45)
- Roundtable 2 – Diversifying cyber diplomacy: South-North relations, norms contestation, and capacity-building (14:00)
- Roundtable 3 – Diversifying cyber diplomacy: cooperation or contestation? (15:30)
- Keynote talk 2 – Clare Hutchinson: Gender mainstreaming in cyber diplomacy (17:15)
Organisation
28 Apr, 2022
Online
Cyber Diplomacy Webinar Overview: “Priorities and perspectives on cyber diplomacy from Africa”
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM SAST/CET (UTC+2)
This webinar aims to assist in conceptualising cyber diplomacy in Africa through a multistakeholder approach. Recent discussions at the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) level saw the UN connecting cybersecurity with development. Cyber diplomacy includes efforts made by nations to shape, at the global level, the governance of cyberspace to prevent or penalise cyber operations. Since cyber diplomacy is at the centre of navigating challenges and negative consequences of digitalisation, it is becoming a priority also for African countries. Therefore, African nations need to include cyber diplomacy in their national development plans.
Building on what was agreed during the first OEWG, the panellists at the roundtable will discuss the following:
1. In what ways and to what degree are African nations participating in that debate?
2. Do African countries have enough capacity to meaningfully engage in cyber diplomacy? How can that capacity be built?
3. What are some of the priorities and positions of African countries in multilateral debates about cybersecurity?
4. What are the underlying assumptions upon which debates on peace and stability in cyberspace are predicated? Do they reflect the African reality on cyber stability and digital sovereignty?
5. Does the final report of the OEWG reflect African priorities on peace and stability in cyberspace? What else is needed?
6. Have civil society organisations from Africa been involved in these processes? What role can they play in cyber diplomacy?
