As the fellowship program commenced, participants eagerly anticipated gaining specific skills in cybersecurity, enhancing international cooperation, and refining their diplomatic abilities. Their diverse aspirations included shaping policies in their home countries, fostering stronger global networks, and contributing to the development of effective frameworks and strategies to combat cybercrime.
Many fellows were keen to expand their knowledge and skillsets, especially in the area of cybersecurity and international relations. “I looked forward to learn about global governance of emerging disruptive technologies and using the knowledge to shape policies in Nigeria,” said Jamila Akaaga Ade, the Head of the Cybercrimes Unit at the Ministry of Justice of Nigeria. Yazid Akanho, a Senior Specialist at ICANN in Benin, echoed this sentiment, expressed his desire to “acquire skills to engage more offensively in cyber diplomacy, and contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective frameworks and strategies to combat cybercrime.” Similarly, Denisa Kurtagic, a Cyber Threat Analyst at the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, sought to “refine my diplomatic skills, foster a global network of professionals, and contribute meaningfully to the development of national efforts in addressing cyber threats.” Trezawnah Gordon, a Senior Director at the Ministry of National Security of Jamaica, saw the fellowship as a way to “refine skillset and acquire in-depth knowledge in cyber policy and diplomacy, vital for meaningful involvement in the global cyber landscape.”
Networking and building connections were high on the list of priorities for many fellows. Oleksiy Tkachenko, an International Relations Expert from Ukraine, emphasized the importance of the fellowship in helping to enlarge the network of professional contacts in the cyber world, while Sorene Assefa Shifa from Ethiopia, a Coordinator at UNECA, looked forward to establishing a lasting network and gaining practical experiences in current UN processes on cyber-diplomacy. “The fellowship extended beyond personal development, making a substantial contribution to the global and regional digital policy community,” Assefa Shifa noted. Maja Lakusic, a Senior Advisor for Cyber Security Promotion in Serbia, anticipated that engaging with diverse perspectives and innovative ideas would serve as a catalyst for her professional development.
Several participants were focused on enhancing their governance and leadership skills. “The Fellowship enabled to learn more about intergovernmental negotiations in the field of ICT,” stated Akriti Bopanna, who was a Policy Specialist at India’s G20 Presidency before the Fellowship. Matías A. Eustathiou, a diplomat from Uruguay, highlighted the importance of capacity building in preparing for cybersecurity emergencies. Ellen Martínez de Cooreman, a diplomat from the Dominican Republic, stressed the importance of understanding new international legal frameworks. “I looked forward to expanding my knowledge and interacting with experts from different regions and backgrounds,” she noted.
Many fellows saw the program as a platform to enhance and strengthen international cooperation and contribute to global discussions. Moses Owiny, Founder and CEO of the Centre for Multilateral Affairs in Uganda, hoped to “advance and support stronger African voices and ideas in multistakeholder cyber discussions, enhancing capacity development at the national level.” Anahiby Anyel Becerril Gil, a Professor and Researcher in Law and ICT, viewed the fellowship as a way to foster stronger North-South and South-South relations, intending to share valuable insights within her community to enhance collective cyber resilience. Germán López Ardila, Regulatory Affairs Director at the CCIT in Colombia, sought to learn how to better advocate for policies that make digital technologies accessible, with the goal of improving citizens’ lives and strengthening democracy.
Beyond specific skills and connections, many fellows were motivated by personal and professional transformation. Troy Smith, a researcher from Trinidad and Tobago, aimed to “leverage this knowledge to augment my contributions to national and global cyber initiatives, refine training in the area of cyber, shape robust policies, and foster international collaborations.” Beryl Payet, Director for Policy Strategy and Research in Seychelles, saw the fellowship as an opportunity to share knowledge with local professionals, helping to develop frameworks and participate in global cyber diplomacy debates.
EU Cyber Diplomacy Fellowship started in February 2024 and involved monthly activities such as online sessions on topical issues and a study visit to Brussels in April, and to New York in July for the 8th United Nation’s session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs and several side-events. As the fellowship concluded, the testimonials of the participants highlighted the program’s significant impact on their professional development and the broader field of cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy. Their reflections revealed a common thread of enhanced expertise, strengthened networks, and a deeper understanding of international cooperation, setting the stage for their continued contributions to global cyber policy and governance.
Many fellows emphasized the depth of knowledge and expertise they gained during the fellowship. Troy Smith highlighted the extraordinary experience that significantly enhanced his professional and personal growth. “The fellowship provided unparalleled opportunities to engage with global experts, gain insights into cutting-edge cybersecurity policies, and contribute to meaningful discussions on critical issues such as cybercrime, disinformation, and AI regulation,” he said. The events he attended, like the European Cyber Agora and the Open-Ended Working Group on ICT at the UN, broadened his perspective and equipped him with invaluable skills.
Trezawnah Gordon also reflected on her enriched understanding of cybersecurity and cybercrime. “The areas covered in the online and in-person sessions provided added exposure to the diverse nature of cyber and digital policy and diplomacy,” she noted. The well-organized sessions and insightful presentations strengthened her ability to contribute more informed positions in international forums such as the OEWG sessions.
The fellowship’s impact extended beyond individual growth, fostering a strong network of professionals. Trezawnah Gordon expressed her gratitude for the global network of fellows she could now collaborate with on like-minded topics. “This network will help strengthen my work and the policy positions in my Ministry and across the Government of Jamaica, allowing for better collaboration and cooperation regionally and globally,” she said.
Denisa Kurtagic appreciated the fellowship for providing unparalleled insights into international cyber policy and global cooperation in cybersecurity. “Interacting with experts and fellow participants enriched my understanding of the context and different dynamics around this topic,” she shared. This experience, she believed, gave her an advantage in strategic decision-making processes and would continue to support her through established communications with fellows.
Several participants highlighted how the fellowship enabled them to influence policy and strategic decisions within their roles. Ellen Martinez de Cooreman described as a community of experts shaping the international framework in the cyber, digital, and tech arenas. “We engaged in discussions with high-ranking officials and key experts, gaining an accurate and deep understanding of the current state of play,” she said, encouraging junior and mid-level experts in cyber diplomacy to join the program.
Sorene Assefa Shifa reflected on the persistent capacity gaps in Africa’s response to cyber threats and how the fellowship provided a unique opportunity to learn from a multi-stakeholder perspective. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and our collective strength is only as strong as our weakest link,” she emphasized, noting that experiences like the AGOA 2024 Brussels Conference and observing OEWG negotiations at the UN Headquarters turned theoretical concepts into practical understanding.
As the EU Cyber Diplomacy Fellowship concluded, the participants from Benin, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Montenegro, Nigeria, Serbia, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Ukraine and Uruguay returned to home with enhanced skills and knowledge. Fellowship supported professionals from governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in engaging in international cyber diplomacy debates through development of skills and knowledge at individual level by covering issues such as countering cybercrime, strengthening cyber resilience, data governance and digital cooperation. They will continue to contribute to international cyber diplomacy debates, strengthening global efforts to promote a secure digital future.
EU CyberNet wishes all participants success and impactful journeys ahead. We hope that the knowledge, skills and connections you have gained help you navigate in the international cyber security landscape more effectively and contribute to fostering international collaboration. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
The fellowship, in cooperation with EU Cyber Direct, has been instrumental in supporting professionals from governmental and non-governmental sectors in addressing critical issues such as countering cybercrime, strengthening cyber resilience, data governance, and digital cooperation.
