“The EU CyberNet Stakeholder Community Day reaffirmed the importance of coordinated cyber capacity building efforts in addressing evolving cybersecurity landscape by bringing together experts from governments, international organisations and private sector for timely discussions on cybersecurity related issues. As cyber threats continue to challenge global stability, today’s discussions took a forward-looking approach by focusing on how cyber capacity building efforts and international cooperation can complement each other, directly linking to enhanced regional cyber resilience and sustainable digital development. We at EU CyberNet are glad that the gathering provided a platform to bridge policy, practice and partners for global cyber resilience.” – Silja Madli Ossip, EU CyberNet Community Lead

UN Cyber Processes: Avoiding Fragmentation

The day started off with a discussion on UN cyber processes. Panelists Alban Andreu (Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France), Andrea Gronke (UNIDIR), Fee-Marie von der Brelie (EUISS), Ellen Martinez de Cooreman (the Dominican Republic Mission to the EU) under moderation of Manon Le Blanc (EEAS) agreed on the importance of continued cyber capacity building efforts. It’s cruciality to developing nations impacts global resilience, facilitates digital transformation and economic growth.

On the other hand, panelists identified the lack of coordination activities as a negative trends within cyber capacity building. They acknowledged the importance of UN’s Open-Ended Working Group’s role in aiming to address such governance challenges, specifically imbalanced support, increasing demand and overlapping.

Panelists agreed that cyber capacity building efforts could complement ongoing UN processes, particularly in light of the Third Annual Progress Report of the Open-ended Working Group. They agreed that there’s a need for cross-cutting, policy-oriented approaches to cybersecurity capacity building, ensuring that efforts undertaken by the UN are reinforced by work on the ground by regional and international organisations and private initiatives. On a concluding note, panelists stressed that the cyber capacity initiatives within the UN framework should not be rushed, but strategically developed.

Building Cyber Resilience in the Western Balkan Region

Next, during the second discussion, panelists Milan Sekulostki (e-Governance Academy), Imre Lendák (Cybersecurity Network Foundation of Serbia), Filip Simeonov (Cybersecurity Expert), Predrag Puharic (Cyber Security Excellence Centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina), moderated by Anna Vezyroglou (DG ENEST) explored the critical role of public-private partnerships on strengthening cybersecurity in the Western Balkan region and beyond by exemplifying their respective perspective and experience in the region.

The discussion highlighted several key challenges in the region such as low understanding of cybersecurity issues, brain drain and lack of international cooperation. Panelists emphasised that while governments play a central role in shaping cybersecurity policies, cross-sectoral multidimensional collaboration is essential in creating sustainable long-term solutions. The critical role of such partnerships and cooperation helps to further address challenges and mitigate threats.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Building Connectivity

The final panel discussion of the day examined relationship between cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection and connectivity. Jakub Dysarz (Permanent Representation of Poland to EU), Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola (African Union Cyber Security Expert Group), Florian Marcus (Cybernetica), Tom Doise (DG CNECT) and moderator Camille Lalevee (DG INTPA) highlighted the importance of embedding cybersecurity into digital infrastructure projects from the start. Panelists also discussed the role of international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement in securing critical infrastructure, particularly the growing threat to essential services. As resilient digital ecosystems are fundamental to both economic growth and international stability, the panelists agreed that there’s a need for continued investment in cybersecurity that enhances digital resilience and ensures connectivity.

Furthermore, Oksana Diakun from the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union delivered a keynote where she explained Ukraine’s experience with Russia’s cyber warfare and implementing cyber defences in a war situation. Ukraine has strengthened its cyber defence by improving its threat assessment, protecting critical infrastructure and training public awareness, she explained.

In addition to panels and the keynote, the day also featured several remarks and speeches for setting the scene by Liina Areng (EU CyberNet), Peter Wagner (Foreign Policy Instrument) and Katarzyna Prusak-Górniak (Permanent Representation of Poland to EU).

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC1p84