EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative is convening this side event at the margins 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.
Discussions will centre on the operationalisation of the 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace. As the Global Mechanism shifts from reaffirming the existing UN framework towards implementation, this side event offers an informal setting for delegations and experts to reflect on how agreed norms can be translated into concrete policies, practices and cooperation measures.
A key component of the programme is the presentation of the EU’s contribution on the operationalisation of the UN framework. This contribution outlines an approach structured around three mutually reinforcing objectives: strengthening cybersecurity resilience and protecting critical infrastructure; enhancing the capacity to prevent, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities; and advancing international cooperation and capacity building in support of the UN framework.
In addition, expert research on EU norms implementation will be presented alongside a broader discussion on global implementation efforts. Bringing together EU, research, regional and national perspectives, the exchange will explore how norms implementation can be better understood, supported and discussed within the Global Mechanism. Particular attention will be given to practical implementation challenges, capacity needs, regional approaches and opportunities for structured exchanges on norms in practice.
When and where
Thursday, 23 July 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 EST | In person, United Nations Headquarters, New York.
RSVP
Please register here by 20 July. Early registration is encouraged.
Please note that this is an in-person event. Participants must already have access to the United Nations Headquarters, as EU Cyber Direct is not able to facilitate UN grounds passes for participants who are not already accredited.
Participants
The event is open to delegations and multistakeholders attending the first substantive plenary session of the Global Mechanism.
