In an era where interdependencies stretch across borders and hybrid threats blur the lines between cyber and physical domains, a critical question emerges: Are states and key stakeholders truly prepared to protect critical infrastructure (CI)?
With the shifting nature of cyber threats, how can relationships between public and private actors evolve to better protect CI in both peacetime and conflict? How do advances in technology, from AI to IoT, influence strategies for critical infrastructure protection (CIP), and should there be a baseline of international cybersecurity standards for CIP?
Further, as the agreed UN cyber norms gain traction, what role can they play in approaching CIP? Is there sufficient clarity in the responsibilities of non-state stakeholders, and how might these stakeholders support states in fostering responsible behaviour in cyberspace?
On 18 December at the UN IGF, the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace will address these concerns in a multistakeholder approach, engaging representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society, and technical community for a regular dialogue. Established by Switzerland in 2018 and implemented by DiploFoundation with support of others, the Dialogue maps the roles and responsibilities of various actors in the implementation of agreed cyber norms and thus contributes to stability and security in cyberspace.
The outcomes are published in the Geneva Manual, offering a comprehensive guidance on non-state actors’ implementation of the normative framework agreed by states, in the context of the UN GGE/OEWG. The session will bring together actors, including those from the Global South, to discuss the issues identified above, provided also in a format of a scenario-based discussion, i.e. simulation exercise. The insights gathered during the session will contribute to the forthcoming chapter of the Geneva Manual, focusing on the implementation of CIP related norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs).
Participants will also learn best practices, develop ideas, and network with thought leaders in the field of cyber policy for critical infrastructure.
Speakers and facilitators:
- Bushra AlBlooshi, Director of Cybersecurity Governance Risk Management Department, Dubai Electronic Security Center
- Kazuo Noguchi, Senior Manager R&D, Hitachi America
- Nicolas Grunder ,Global Lead Counsel Digital, Data & Cyber, ABB
- Kaleem Usmani, Head of the CERT-MU, Mauritius
- Klée Aiken, Director, Community & Capacity Building, the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST)
- Melanie Kolbe-Guyot, Head of Digital Policy, C4DT – EPFL
- Vladimir Radunović, Director, E-diplomacy and Cybersecurity Programmes, DiploFoundation
- Anastasiya Kazakova, Cyber Diplomacy Knowledge Fellow, DiploFoundation
