Session
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The session will encourage dialogue among the invited experts and the audience in relation with the main theme of the open forum and the questions that moderators will present.
Cyberdefense refers to the strategies, practices, and technologies employed to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at safeguarding information technology environments from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption.
From the perspective of national defense, digital technology plays a crucial role covering several key aspects and technologies: cybersecurity, cyber defense, the protection of critical infrastructures, cyber surveillance, defensive tactics in cyberspace, the use of artificial intelligence, big data, the impact on privacy, cloud computing and the Internet of things. All these technologies play an important role in the development of advanced capabilities and the improvement of the Nation's security. Most of the technologies used in cyberspace, cybersecurity and cyberdefense are from developed economies, in this sense the North-South and South South cooperation are relevant to access information and tools toward enhancing cyberdefense in developing economies.
To understand the present and future challenges and possible scenarios for the evolution of technology, the national, regional and international regulatory frameworks, as well as the geopolitical and ethical implications, it becomes relevant for developing economies to create a space for exchanging ideas and knowledge about technical, economic and social impact on which the current digital environment of defense is based.
The purpose of the open forum is:
- Evaluate the impact on the present and future of the use of digital technologies in cyberspace and cyberdefense.
- Analyze the current and future national, regional and global scenario in relation to the impact of the use of digital technology.
- Understand the importance of regulatory frameworks as a source of reference for the development of public technological policies and research, development and innovation in industries associated with digital technology.
- Exchange information about best practices used in other regions in relation with cybersecurity.
Onsite and remote moderators will guide dialogue between experts and audience based on previously exchanged questions and other comments that will emerge in the room and from remote participants.
Olga Cavalli, Dean of the National Defense Faculty of Argentina, Ministry of Defense of Argentina - Government - Latin America and Caribbean
Adrián Carballo, Director South School on Internet Governance - Civil Society - Latin America and Caribbean
Oscar Messano, President CCAT LAT Centro de Capacitación en Alta Tecnología para Latinoamérica y el Caribe - International Organizations - Latin America and Caribbean Raitme Citterio - South School on Internet Governance - Civil Society - Latin America and Caribbean
Welcome and on-site moderation:
Olga Cavalli, Dean of the National Defense Faculty of Argentina, Director South School on Internet Governance
Opening remarks:
José Cepeda, Member of the European Parliament, Spain
Panelists:
Benedikt Franke - Vice-Chairman and CEO - Munich Security Conference (MSC)
Merike Kaeo, CISO, Board Member, Technical Advisor
Ram Mohan, Chief Strategy Officer of Identity Digital, former ICANN Board Member
Christopher Painter, Director Global Forum on Cyberexpertise (GFCE), former US Cyberambassador
Wolfgang Kleinwächter, Professor Emeritus University of Aarhus, former Commissioner of the Global Commission on Stability in Cyberspace (GCSC)
Philipp Grabensee - Internet Expert
Olga Cavalli, Dean of the National Defense Faculty of Argentina, Director South School on Internet Governance
Adrián Carballo, Director South School on Internet Governance
Raitme Citterio, South School on Internet Governance
17. Partnerships for the Goals
17.1
17.6
Targets: 17.1 Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through international support to developing countries, to improve domestic capacity for tax and other revenue collection. The open forum will exchange ideas on how to support developing countries in improving domestic capacity towards cyberdefense. 17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism. Most of the technologies used in cyberspace, cybersecurity and cyberdefense are from developed economies, in this sense the North-South and South South cooperation are relevant to access information and tools toward enhancing cyberdefense in developing economies.
Report
Major discussion points: – The importance of preparation, people, and policy for effective cybersecurity in developing economies – The need for capacity building and skills development to address gaps in cybersecurity capabilities – The challenges of limited resources and expertise in developing countries for cybersecurity – The role of international cooperation and information sharing in improving cybersecurity – The importance of implement
The panel suggested several practical steps for improving cybersecurity in developing economies: 1. Utilise existing resources like the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) framework and materials. 2. Implement established guidelines such as Australia’s Essential Eight principles and the Center for Internet Security’s 10 essential controls. 3. Focus on practical, small steps in building cyber defence rather than overwhelming large-scale chan
This panel discussion focused on cybersecurity and cyber defense challenges facing developing economies. Experts from various fields shared insights on key issues and potential solutions.
The panelists emphasized that while cyber threats are similar for developed and developing nations, the latter often lack adequate preparation, skilled personnel, and effective policies to respond. They highlighted the importance of capacity building, noting the significant skills gap in cybersecurity professionals in developing countries. The need for critical thinking, effective communication, and promoting collaboration were identified as crucial skills for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in these regions.
Several speakers stressed the importance of international cooperation and trust-building between nations to combat cyber threats effectively. They discussed the role of artificial intelligence in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity measures, as well as the increasing sophistication of attacks targeting critical infrastructure and supply chains.
The discussion also touched on the challenges of participating in numerous international cybersecurity forums, with limited resources available to developing nations. Panelists suggested focusing on demand-driven approaches to capacity building and leveraging existing frameworks and resources rather than reinventing the wheel.
Legal frameworks were addressed, with emphasis on the need for well-trained law enforcement personnel rather than simply creating new laws. The panelists concluded that effective implementation of existing tools and laws, coupled with sustained capacity building efforts, is crucial for improving cybersecurity in developing economies.