On 5 February, EU CyberNet hosted the Stakeholder Community Day in Brussels, bringing together cybersecurity experts, policymakers and professionals. The first panel, titled “Leveraging CCB to Strengthen a Common Approach to UN Cyber Processes” examined how cyber capacity building (CCB) efforts can enhance cyber resilience globally while reinforcing ongoing United Nations-led initiatives.

Panellists recognised cyber capacity building efforts as fundamental for improving cyber resilience, particularly in low and middle-income countries. However, they acknowledged that absorption capacity remains a challenge due to gaps in infrastructure, legal framework or financial resources available, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean region. One of the proposed solutions is long-term, multistakeholder engagement and programmes tailored to national and regional needs, ensuring efforts’ sustainable impact.

From a donor’s perspective, panellists agreed that CCB efforts suffer, often heavily from lack of coordination, fragmentation, duplication and inefficiencies. The United Nations’ Program of Action (PoA) and Open-ended Working Groups (OEWG) were identified as potential mechanisms to improve and enhance coordination among donors. Additionally, panellists underscored the need for greater private sector engagement – not only in infrastructure, but also in governance, policy and training initiatives. A more structured approach to collaboration could lead to more effective knowledge transfer and sustainable CCB outcomes.

Panellists explored how the PoA, OEWG and other UN processes could be mutually reinforcing. They agreed on the importance of cross-cutting, policy-oriented approaches to bridge gaps between high-level initiatives and work on the ground. The need for cohesive, well-integrated frameworks was emphasised to ensure CCB efforts complement UN cybersecurity processes rather than operate in silos.

As key take-aways, panellists stressed that cyber capacity initiatives within the UN framework should be developed strategically rather than rushed. As a way forward, panellists underlined following:

• Strengthened and clear coordination mechanisms: Enhancing existing framework, improving knowledge-sharing and clearly defining stakeholder roles in multistakeholder CCB efforts.
• Regional inclusivity and tailored approaches: Ensuring that CCB initiatives address specific regional challenges for long-term sustainable impact.
• Expanding stakeholder engagement: Encouraging greater involvement from the private sector and national actors to support comprehensive development.

The discussions reaffirmed that cyber capacity building must be integrated, strategic and inclusive to reinforce regional and global cybersecurity resilience.

Panellists:

• Alban Andreu (Policy Officer, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France)
• Andrea Gronke (Deputy for Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR)
• Fee-Marie von der Brelie (Project Officer – Cyber Diplomacy & International Partnerships, EUISS)
• Ellen Martinez de Cooreman (Minister Counselor, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Mission of the Dominican Republic to the European Union)

Moderator:

• Manon Le Blanc (Coordinator for Cyber Issues and Deputy Head of Hybrid Threats and Cyber Division, EEAS)

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eucybernet/albums/72177720323621845/