Both intervened in the session titled “International Experiences in Cyber Capacity Building with a focus on AI: How National AI Strategies can be integrated into National Cybersecurity Strategies?” to share insights on how national AI strategies can be incorporated into cybersecurity frameworks to bolster digital security across the Americas and the Caribbean.
Liina Areng, the EU CyberNet Director, emphasized the importance of a balanced approach when integrating AI into cybersecurity. Reflecting on the European experience, she noted: “The European model that focuses on trust, transparency, and accountability, while ensuring innovation, is likely to inspire beyond the EU, just as GDPR did.” When talking about integrating AI considerations into national cybersecurity strategies, Liina Areng highlighted the need to exercise caution when using or relying too much on AI in cybersecurity: „it is not a solution to all problems or the source of all threats“. She further stressed that national resilience policies should apply to AI just as they do to other technologies, including the establishment of minimal cybersecurity standards, raising awareness, and fostering collaboration.
César Moliné Rodríguez, LAC4 Policy Expert, reinforced the urgency of aligning AI and cybersecurity strategies to keep pace with rapid technological advancement. “Given the dual nature of AI – both as a tool for innovation and a potential cybersecurity challenge – it is essential to align national AI strategies with national cybersecurity strategies. This ensures robust digital protection while fostering technological growth.”
César Moliné Rodríguez highlighted the importance of a long-term vision for the region, urging policymakers to prioritize this integration. “As AI continues to advance, strategies to protect digital ecosystems must remain robust and adaptable. This is not just a technical necessity, but a strategic imperative to safeguard the region’s digital future.”
In addition, Liina Areng spoke at the panel “Navigating the Web of International Cyber Processes” during the GFCE Annual Meeting, sharing EU CyberNet’s experiences in bridging the knowledge gap between diplomatic and technical communities. “Beyond facilitating exchanges and learning between diplomats and cyber experts to support sustainable cyber capacity building initiatives, it is crucial to focus on upskilling women, ensuring gender balance, and raising awareness among decisionmakers.” Liina Areng emphasized that senior-level awareness fosters international collaboration and participation in global cyber processes. “EU CyberNet plays a key role in facilitating bi-regional knowledge exchange between the LAC region and EU experts, highlighting that cyber capacity building is a two-way street that strengthens both regions’ capacities and capabilities.”
The event gathered experts and policymakers, donors and implementers from around the globe to address the challenges and opportunities in cyber capacity building, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). The discussions at the GFCE Regional Meeting underscored the growing need for collaborative international efforts in cyber capacity building, particularly as AI becomes a central part of digital transformation globally. EU CyberNet and LAC4 remain committed to supporting these initiatives through shared expertise and innovative approaches to cybersecurity.
