On 13 May, during the Geneva Cyber Week 2025, EU Cyber Direct - EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative co-organised a side-event together with Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and the Advancing the Cyber Programme of Action Project, implemented by the EU Institute for Security Studies.
Titled "Cyber Diplomacy Capacity Building – From Lessons Learned to Forthcoming Challenges", the event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to reflect on key lessons learned and to explore upcoming challenges in cyber diplomacy capacity building.
As the digital landscape has gained centrality in foreign policy agendas, the ability to engage effectively in cyber diplomacy has become essential for countries globally. This session explored key lessons learned from efforts to strengthen cyber diplomacy and examines tailored cyber capacity building (CCB) initiatives aimed at achieving long-lasting and meaningful impact in this domain.
Through a multi-stakeholder dialogue including diplomats, technical experts, and civil society representatives, the session aimed to:
- Share key lessons learned from national, regional, and international efforts to strengthen cyber diplomacy capacity.
- Explore tailored approaches and inclusive strategies to CCB that reflect regional and country-specific priorities as well as stakeholder needs and enables them contribute effectively to international cyber diplomacy.
- Encourage and support strategic planning of CCB initiatives to scale and sustain impactful cyber diplomacy capacity globally.
The session equipped participants with a deeper understanding of effective, inclusive approaches to cyber diplomacy capacity building. By fostering cross-sectoral and cross-regional exchange, it contributed to strengthening collaboration and promoting more strategic, sustainable efforts in support of global cyber stability.
Geneva Cyber Week 2025, held from 12 to 16 May in Geneva, Switzerland, is an inaugural event co-organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). It aims to foster international dialogue on cybersecurity, digital governance, and cyber diplomacy.
