UN OEWG hosts inaugural global roundtable on ICT security capacity building

The UN recently hosted the inaugural Global roundtable on ICT security capacity building under the auspices of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021–2025, which served as a platform for sharing insights and strategies to bridge the global capacity gap in ICT security.

The session commenced with a pre-recorded video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who underscored the criticality of new digital peace and security approaches. Guterres emphasised the imperative to close the digital divide and fortify security in ICT, highlighting the growing interdependence between global security and digital technology. Colleen Vixen Kelapile, representing the President of the 78th General Assembly, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for proactive dialogue to address evolving challenges to international peace and security in the digital age.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, and Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, underscored the pivotal role of ICT security in fostering development and advocated for a multistakeholder approach to cybersecurity. Bogdan-Martin and Steiner underscored the urgency of escalating cyber threats and the significant economic toll exacted by cybercrime. They highlighted the acute shortage of ICT security professionals and the imperative of addressing the gender gap in the cybersecurity workforce through targeted interventions and sustained capacity building efforts.

Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, positioned cybersecurity as a linchpin for state empowerment and the preservation of national sovereignty. Teo emphasised cybersecurity’s role in safeguarding key national interests and bolstering the rules-based multilateral order. She further underscored cybersecurity’s centrality to the digital economy, particularly in ASEAN nations, and called for international collaboration in cyber capacity building, advocating for a multidisciplinary and multistakeholder approach.

The roundtable identified several key issues in cybersecurity. There’s a widespread lack of awareness of cyber threats, which is a significant vulnerability across various sectors. A shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals globally was highlighted, prompting the need for specialised training programs. The digital gap, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, worsens cybersecurity vulnerabilities, emphasising the importance of improving technological access and digital literacy for all. International collaboration, involving shared intelligence and best practices, is crucial for building ICT security capacity. The private sector, especially platform providers, was urged to play a more proactive role in managing security infrastructure. The discussions emphasised the need for an inclusive and coordinated response to secure the ICT domain, transcending borders and sectors. Cyber capacity building was seen as fundamental for a secure digital environment, empowering nations, businesses, and individuals. The UN was acknowledged for its role in coordinating global efforts in ICT security capacity building.

During the matchmaking session the stakeholders had the opportunity to present their work in the cybersecurity capacity building that could contribute to the development of national capacities of the member states. The session was structured as a series of 3-minute ‘elevator pitch’ speeches accompanied by 3 slides. All 24 presenters have confirmed the continuing capacity development need, especially in developing and least developed countries. The presenters from academia, civil society, industry, as well as UNIDIR, the USA and Germany, have showcased their research and resources, as well as specific programs. Aimed at bridging the knowledge gap, the scope ranged from overall support in policy-making and technical assistance to help with specific cybersecurity capacity issues, such as securing funding or last-mile capacity development for national governments. The slides for all the presentations can be found on the OEWG website.

The matchmaking session was followed by breakout sessions on strengthening governance and policies and on developing technology, talent and partnerships.

The conclusion of the Global Roundtable on ICT Capacity Building saw participants reflecting on the insights garnered from focused breakout sessions. Discussions underscored the criticality of national cyber strategies and governance structures in bolstering cybersecurity resilience. Moreover, the imperative of fostering public-private partnerships and south-to-south cooperation in advancing cyber capacity building was emphasised.

The session reiterated the collective determination to advance ICT security capacity building, stressing the importance of inclusive, strategic, and pragmatic approaches to governance, technology development, talent cultivation, and partnerships. The urgent need for sustained international efforts to confront evolving digital threats was underscored, with participants reaffirming their commitment to collaborative action in safeguarding the digital domain.

Session reports and events from the roundtable are available on the dedicated page.