IGF 2020 OF #40 Multitude of initiatives, single objective: stability

The Internet which has brought a global social-wellbeing, prosperity and economic growth is today threatened by the increased willingness of actors to undertake malicious cyber activities to pursue their objectives. The EU stresses the importance of a global, open, free, stable and secure cyberspace where human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law fully apply. Over the years, cyber issues in the context of international security have been discussed in a number of international fora. The multi-stakeholder community is looking ahead to further discussions on responsible normative behaviour in cyberspace. Over the recent years, several governmental, regional, private-sector and civil society led initiatives on cybersecurity have been launched already, and various stakeholders have shown their commitment to share responsibility and contribute to the advancement of security and stability in cyberspace in their respective roles. Such rise of initiatives will inevitably influence the security and stability of cyberspace not necessarily by competing against one another, but forming a joint effort. The EU intends to organize an Open Forum at the upcoming IGF in Katowice, Poland, on the joint efforts of all stakeholders in promoting "conflict prevention, cooperation and stability in cyberspace" It will allow to further assess the existing linkages between threat assessment, international law, responsible State behaviour, confidence building measures and capacity building, which all contribute to stability and trust in cyberspace. Each actor has different strengths and capacities. States and organizations that are developing their cyber capacity can be inspired by these initiatives and adapt them to their own needs. Furthermore, some of the most effective mechanisms for implementation are at the regional level – thus the participation of a representative from each sector and different region would be beneficial to present its specific efforts and challenges. This Open Forum will aim to be a platform as a cooperative measure to share information and develop common responses and common denominators to build confidence among governments and other stakeholders, in order to contribute to the stability of cyberspace.