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Geneva Cyber Week to bring diplomacy, cyber policy, and AI security debates together

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs will co-host Geneva Cyber Week from 4 to 8 May 2026, bringing policymakers, diplomats, technical experts, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to venues across Geneva and online for a week of discussions on cyber stability, resilience, governance, digitalisation, and the security implications of emerging technologies, including AI.

Returning after its inaugural edition, the event is being positioned as a response to a more fragile cyber and geopolitical environment. Held under the theme ‘Advancing Global Cooperation in Cyberspace’, Geneva Cyber Week 2026 comes at a moment of mounting cyber insecurity, intensifying geopolitical tension, and rapid technological change, with organisers framing the gathering as a space for more practical cooperation across diplomatic, technical, operational, and policy communities.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a niche technical issue; it is a strategic policy challenge with implications for international peace, economic stability and public trust. At a moment of growing fragmentation and accelerating technological change, Geneva Cyber Week brings together the communities that need to be in the room — diplomatic, technical, operational and policy — to move from shared concern to practical cooperation,” said Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of Security and Technology Programme at UNIDIR.

The programme will feature nearly 90 events and reinforce Geneva’s role as a centre for cyber diplomacy, international cooperation, and digital governance. Scheduled sessions include UNIDIR’s Cyber Stability Conference, Peak Incident Response organised by the Swiss CSIRT Forum, Digital International Geneva, the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity, and a Council of Europe session titled ‘Artificial Intelligence, Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence: Risks, Opportunities, and Global Cooperation’.

The week will also include partner-led panels, workshops, simulations, exhibitions, and networking events to connect specialist communities that do not always work in the same room. That broader structure reflects an effort to treat cyber issues not only as a technical or security matter but also as a governance, trust-building, and international-coordination challenge.

“At a time when digital threats know no borders, fostering inclusive discussions is essential to building trust, advancing common norms, and promoting a secure and open cyberspace for all. International Geneva provides an unparalleled multilateral environment to address these cybersecurity challenges collectively. Geneva Cyber Week’s diverse programme embodies this collaborative spirit,” said Marina Wyss Ross, Deputy Head of International Security Division and Chief of Section for Arms Control, Disarmament and Cybersecurity at the Swiss FDFA.

Across the city, Geneva will also mark the week visually, including flags on the Mont Blanc Bridge and special illumination of the Jet d’Eau on Monday evening. But beyond the symbolism, the event’s significance lies in how it seeks to bring cyber diplomacy, incident response, governance debates, and emerging technology risks into the same international conversation.

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European Business Council in Japan holds first cybersecurity conference in Tokyo

Tokyo hosted a cybersecurity conference organised by the European Business Council in Japan (EBC) Digital Committee on 7 April. The event took place at the EU Delegation in Tokyo.

The conference was the EBC Digital Committee’s first event. It brought together experts from the public and private sectors to exchange views on cybersecurity challenges and policy developments.

Speakers included Luis Miguel Vega Fidalgo from the European Commission, Satoshi D. from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Amelia Alder from Knorr-Bremse. A question-and-answer session followed their presentations.

Participants continued discussions during a networking reception after the session. The Digital Committee co-chairs, Wataru Suzuki and Felix von Helden, thanked the speakers and organisers, including Peter Fatelnig from the EU Delegation to Japan.

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Digital Public Goods Alliance roadmap incorporates UNESCO Open Solutions

UNESCO announced that its Open Solutions have been included in the Digital Public Goods Alliance’s roadmap as part of its membership.

Roadmap activities focus on Open Solutions supporting knowledge ecosystems and information resilience by advancing Open Educational Resources as digital public goods, mainstreaming equitable open access to knowledge ecosystems, unlocking open data for research and learning, and strengthening Free and Open Source Software, according to UNESCO.

Mariya Gabriel, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, said: ‘The inclusion of UNESCO’s Open Solutions— Open Educational Resources, Open Access, Open Data and Free and Open Source Software— in the Digital Public Goods Alliance roadmap, underscores our commitment to knowledge as a public good and to multilateral cooperation. Through these open systems, UNESCO supports Member States in expanding access to information and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.’

UNESCO said its Open Solutions support the discovery, use, and adaptation of digital public goods that help reduce structural barriers to knowledge. It added that they prioritise multilingual access, equitable participation, and the reuse of educational, scientific, and public-interest resources.

UNESCO described the Digital Public Goods Alliance as a multistakeholder initiative that supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by advancing the discovery, development, use, and investment in digital public goods. It said these include open source software, open data, open AI models, and open content that adhere to applicable laws and best practices, are designed to do no harm, and contribute to sustainable development.

Liv Marte Nordhaug, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Public Goods Alliance Secretariat, said: ‘Through its Open Solutions, UNESCO is advancing open and inclusive knowledge ecosystems while strengthening the development and adoption of digital public goods that expand access to shared, interoperable resources and enable equitable participation in the digital age.’

UNESCO also said its engagement in the alliance contributes to implementing the UN Global Digital Compact and the United Nations Pact for the Future, reaffirming that knowledge, and the digital systems that underpin it, must remain a global public good, governed in the public interest, anchored in international human rights standards, and accessible to all without discrimination.

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Eurasian Development Bank Fund expands digital cooperation with Uzbekistan

A delegation from the Fund for Digital Initiatives (FDI) of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) visited Uzbekistan to enhance cooperation in digital transformation and AI technologies. Tigran Sargsyan, Vice Chairman of the EDB Management Board, met with Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies and National CIO.

The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives, including solutions in water management, labour markets, jewellery trade, and air quality monitoring. Uzbekistan’s Ministry representatives expressed interest in evaluating FDI-supported projects and presenting their own digital solutions.

Both parties agreed to develop a joint roadmap for implementing the projects and strengthening long-term collaboration. The FDI delegation also toured IT Park Uzbekistan to understand its role in innovation and startup development.

The visit marked a step toward accelerating Uzbekistan’s digital transformation and expanding economic and technological ties with the EDB Fund. Planned projects aim to integrate AI and digital tools to support sustainable growth and innovation.

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EU digital identity strengthens after 20 years of .eu expansion

Two decades since the launch of the .eu domain, the EU has marked its role in establishing a unified digital identity across member states.

On 7 April 2006, the .eu top-level domain (TLD) was launched, offering businesses, citizens, and organisations a pan-EU online identity.

Over time, .eu has developed into one of the largest country-code domains globally, with millions of registrations and consistent growth.

Its technical stability and security record, including uninterrupted service since launch, have reinforced its reputation as a reliable digital infrastructure. Investments in fraud detection and data integrity have further strengthened trust in its ecosystem.

The domain has also evolved to reflect the EU’s linguistic diversity, with the introduction of internationalised domain names and additional scripts such as Cyrillic and Greek. These developments have expanded accessibility and reinforced inclusivity within the European digital space.

Looking ahead, .eu is positioned as a key instrument for advancing digital sovereignty and supporting the Single Market. Its role in global internet governance discussions is expected to grow, particularly as the EU institutions seek to shape a more open, secure, and rights-based digital environment.

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Kazakhstan Machinery Forum examines technology policy, industrial development and energy strategy

Representatives from Samruk-Energy JSC took part in the 13th Kazakhstan Machinery Forum, according to the company. The event brought together government and business figures to discuss the future of the machinery and manufacturing sectors.

During a sector session, Managing Director Galymbek Autalipov outlined plans to adopt and localise clean coal technologies. These are described as a strategic priority to balance energy security with environmental commitments.

Company representatives also joined discussions on procurement and industrial policy under Samruk-Kazyna JSC. Talks focused on import substitution, technological modernisation and increasing domestic value in supply chains.

The forum serves as a platform for shaping long-term industrial strategy through cooperation between state bodies and businesses, including the development of manufacturing capacity and modern technologies in Kazakhstan.

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Transparency push for online advertising systems

Researchers from the University of California and Iowa have warned that structural weaknesses in the digital advertising ecosystem continue to expose advertisers to hidden risks and fraud. The study highlights how complexity and limited transparency enable manipulation across the supply chain.

A key issue identified is ‘dark pooling’, in which lower-quality advertising inventory is bundled with premium placements, obscuring their true value. This practice can mislead buyers and distort pricing across the market.

The authors argue that current safeguards fail to address these vulnerabilities effectively, as responsibilities are fragmented among multiple stakeholders. This lack of coordination allows systemic issues to persist.

To address the problem, the researchers propose a shared vulnerability notification framework involving advertisers, publishers and intermediaries. The study suggests such collaboration could strengthen accountability and improve trust in digital advertising markets in the US.

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Student AI rights framework unveiled

A newly released ‘Student AI Bill of Rights’ in the US outlines a proposed framework to protect learners as AI tools become increasingly widespread in education. The initiative aims to establish clear standards for fairness, transparency and accountability.

The document highlights the need for students to be informed when AI systems are used in teaching, assessment or administration. It also stresses that students should retain control over their personal data and academic work.

Another central principle is accountability, with students given the right to question and appeal decisions made or influenced by AI systems. The framework also calls for safeguards to prevent bias and ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

While not legally binding, the proposal is designed to guide higher education institutions in developing responsible AI policies. It reflects growing efforts to define ethical standards for AI use in education in the US.

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South Korea-France partnership reshapes AI and technology cooperation strategy

The recent state visit between South Korea and France signals a deepening of bilateral cooperation that extends beyond diplomacy into long-term technological and cultural alignment.

Agreements endorsed by President Lee Jae-myung and President Emmanuel Macron reflect a coordinated effort to strengthen shared capabilities in emerging sectors, while reinforcing institutional ties across research, education, and industry.

A central policy dimension lies in the expansion of cooperation in AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies, areas increasingly tied to economic security and global competitiveness.

Partnerships between institutions such as KAIST and CNRS highlight a shift towards structured research integration, enabling joint innovation and knowledge transfer.

Such collaboration between South Korea and France is positioned not as an isolated scientific exchange, but as part of broader strategies to secure technological sovereignty and resilient supply chains.

Cultural and educational initiatives complement these ambitions by supporting long-term people-to-people engagement and workforce development. Expanded exchanges in creative industries and language education aim to cultivate talent pipelines that can operate across both economies.

Rather than symbolic diplomacy, these measures serve as enabling mechanisms for sustained cooperation in high-value sectors where human capital remains critical.

From a policy perspective, the agreements illustrate how economies are increasingly forming strategic partnerships to navigate global technological competition.

Instead of relying solely on domestic capacity, coordinated international frameworks are being used to manage innovation risks, diversify supply dependencies, and strengthen regulatory alignment.

The outcome will depend on implementation, yet the direction suggests a model of cooperation that blends economic, technological, and societal priorities.

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UN warns of urgency in shaping responsible AI governance

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has told the inaugural meeting of a newly formed Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence that its members have a major responsibility to help shape how the technology is used “for the benefit of humanity”.

The new 40-member panel brings together experts from different regions and disciplines and is expected to help close what Guterres described as ‘the AI knowledge gap’. Its role is to assess the real impact AI will have across economies and societies so that countries can act with the same “clarity” on a more level playing field.

Addressing the scientists at the panel’s first meeting, Guterres said: “Individually, you come from diverse regions and disciplines, bringing outstanding expertise in AI and related fields. Collectively, you represent something the world has never seen before.”

He stressed that the group would provide scientific assessments independently of governments, companies, and institutions, including the UN itself. “AI is advancing at lightning speed… no country, no company, and no field of research can see the full picture alone,” he said, adding that “the world urgently needs a shared, global understanding of artificial intelligence; grounded not in ideology, but in science.”

Guterres also linked the panel’s work to a much broader global agenda, warning that AI will shape peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development for decades to come. He cautioned that misunderstanding around the technology could deepen political and social divisions, saying: “I have seen how quickly fear can take hold when facts are missing or distorted – how trust breaks down and division deepens.”

At a time when “geopolitical tensions are rising and conflicts are raging,” he said, the need for shared understanding and “safe and responsible AI could not be greater.”

He also framed the panel’s task as urgent, arguing that governance efforts are struggling to keep pace with the speed of technological change. “Never in the future will we move as slow as we are moving now. We are indeed in a high level of acceleration,” he said, while warning that the panel is also “in a race against time.”

Referring to earlier UN work through the High-Level Advisory Body on AI, Guterres said the panel does not “start from zero”, before concluding: “I can think of no more important assignment for our world today.”

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