Ahead of the first substantive plenary session of the Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs, EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative will convene the inaugural Cyber Diplomacy Compass: Bridging Expertise and Diplomacy for the UN Global Mechanism in New York on 16–17 July 2026.
The event will bring together UN delegates and expert communities from across regions for an informal, knowledge-oriented exchange ahead of the first substantive cycle of the Global Mechanism.
The UN Global Mechanism represents a structural shift in cyber diplomacy, formalising the role of non-governmental expertise through the Dedicated Thematic Groups (DTGs) and strengthening avenues for capacity-building. Effective cyber governance requires the technical, scientific, and sectoral perspectives that expert communities can provide across different regional contexts.
The Cyber Diplomacy Compass will create a space for diplomatic and expert communities to exchange perspectives, build a shared understanding of key challenges, and strengthen the foundations for cooperation within the Global Mechanism process. By fostering a more structured and bidirectional exchange, the event aims to support participants in developing a common language and shared analytical foundation for the work ahead.
The programme will combine expert-led sessions, structured roundtables, and interactive formats, including a scenario-based exercise and the Cyber Diplomacy Boardgame. Participants will engage with complex governance challenges while exploring how diplomatic and technical expertise can complement one another.
The event is by invitation only, with participation balanced across regions, institutional backgrounds, and areas of expertise.
