OSCE training enhances capacities of participating States in international cyber diplomacy

On 6 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department held in Vienna an international cyber diplomacy training course focused on building national capacities to engage in international cyber policy deliberations.

“The surge in cyber-related discussions within multilateral forums is notable and of paramount importance. These dialogues namely facilitate the exchange of best practices, knowledge, and expertise among nations, enabling them to enhance their cyber resilience and respond effectively to cyber threats. Moreover, the emphasis on cyber capacity building has become more prominent, reflecting the recognition that empowering nations with the necessary skills and resources is fundamental in tackling the cyber challenges that we are facing,” said Christophe Kamp, Chair of the Informal Working Group and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the OSCE.

“Why is it important for all participating States and all UN Member States to engage in international cyber policy discussions? As these grow in frequency and complexity, we are defining the principles which States must observe when engaging in cyberspace. It is therefore crucially important that the voices of all States are represented in these discussions,” added Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.

Twenty-one delegates from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus and Mongolia built capacities to engage in and contribute to UN and OSCE processes on international cyber policy. The training event provided them with opportunities to exchange views with renowned cyber practitioners and diplomats closely involved in these processes.

Participants engaged in practical sessions on how to prepare for international cyber deliberations and presented examples of enabling national governments to deal with international cyber policy.

The training event, organized on the margins of the OSCE’s cyber/ICT security Informal Working Group established by Permanent Council Decision No. 1039, was delivered as part of the “Activities and customized support for the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures” project, with the financial and subject-matter support of the Netherlands.