IGF leadership panel explores future of digital governance

As the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) prepares to mark its 20th anniversary, members of the IGF Leadership Panel gathered in Norway to present a strategic vision for strengthening the forum’s institutional role and ensuring greater policy impact.

The session explored proposals to make the IGF a permanent UN institution, improve its output relevance for policymakers, and enhance its role in implementing outcomes from WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact.

While the tone remained largely optimistic, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa voiced a more urgent appeal, calling for concrete action in a rapidly deteriorating information ecosystem.

Speakers emphasized the need for a permanent and better-resourced IGF. Vint Cerf, Chair of the Leadership Panel, reflected on the evolution of internet governance, arguing that ‘we must maintain enthusiasm for computing’s positive potential whilst addressing problems’.

He acknowledged growing threats like AI-driven disruption and information pollution, which risk undermining democratic governance and economic fairness online. Maria Fernanda Garza and Lise Fuhr echoed the call, urging for the IGF to be integrated into the UN structure with sustainable funding and measurable performance metrics. Fuhr commended Norway’s effort to bring 16 ministers from the Global South to the meeting, framing it as a model for future inclusive engagement.

 Indoors, Restaurant, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Cafeteria, Boy, Male, Teen, Man, Wristwatch, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, People, Glasses, Urban, Face, Head, Cup, Food, Food Court, Lucky Fonz III, Judy Baca, Roy Hudd, Lisa Palfrey, Ziba Mir-Hosseini, Mareen von Römer, Kim Shin-young, Lídia Jorge

A significant focus was placed on integrating IGF outcomes with the WSIS+20 and Global Digital Compact processes. Amandeep Singh Gill noted that these two tracks are ‘complementary’ and that existing WSIS architecture should be leveraged to avoid duplication. He emphasized that budget constraints limit the creation of new bodies, making it imperative for the IGF to serve as the core platform for implementation and monitoring.

Garza compared the IGF’s role to a ‘canary in the coal mine’ for digital policy, urging better coordination with National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) to translate global goals into local impact.

Participants discussed the persistent challenge of translating IGF discussions into actionable outputs. Carol Roach emphasized the need to identify target audiences and tailor outputs using formats such as executive briefs, toolkits, and videos. Lan Xue added,’ to be policy-relevant, the IGF must evolve from a space of dialogue to a platform of strategic translation’.

He proposed launching policy trackers, aligning outputs with global policy calendars, and appointing liaison officers to bridge the gap between IGF and forums such as the G20, UNGA, and ITU.

Inclusivity emerged as another critical theme. Panellists underscored the importance of engaging underrepresented regions through financial support, capacity-building, and education. Fuhr highlighted the value of internet summer schools and grassroots NRIs, while Gill stressed that digital sovereignty is now a key concern in the Global South. ‘The demand has shifted’, he said, ‘from content consumption to content creation’.

 Crowd, Person, Audience, Electrical Device, Microphone, Podium, Speech, People

Maria Ressa closed the session with an impassioned call for immediate action. She warned that the current information environment contributes to global conflict and democratic erosion, stating that ‘without facts, no truth, no trust. Without trust, you cannot govern’. Citing recent wars and digital manipulation, she urged the IGF community to move from reflection to implementation. ‘Online violence is real-world violence’, she said. ‘We’ve talked enough. Now is the time to act.’

Despite some differences in vision, the session revealed a strong consensus on key issues: the need for institutional evolution, enhanced funding, better policy translation, and broader inclusion. Bertrand de la Chapelle, however, cautioned against making the IGF a conventional UN body, instead proposing a ‘constitutional moment’ in 2026 to consider more flexible institutional reforms.

The discussion demonstrated that while the IGF remains a trusted forum for inclusive dialogue, its long-term relevance depends on its ability to produce concrete outcomes and adapt to a volatile digital environment. As Vint Cerf reminded participants in closing, ‘this is an opportunity to make this a better environment than it already is and to contribute more to our global digital society’.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

WSIS prepares for Geneva as momentum builds for impactful digital governance

As preparations intensify for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) high-level event, scheduled for 7–11 July in Geneva, stakeholders from across sectors gathered at the Internet Governance Forum in Norway to reflect on WSIS’s evolution and map a shared path forward.

The session, moderated by Gitanjali Sah of ITU, brought together over a dozen speakers from governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the technical and business communities.

The event is crucial, marking two decades since the WSIS process began. It has grown into a multistakeholder framework involving more than 50 UN entities. While the action lines offer a structured and inclusive approach to digital cooperation, participants acknowledged that measurement and implementation remain the weakest links.

IGF
WSIS prepares for Geneva as momentum builds for impactful digital governance 6

Ambassador Thomas Schneider of Switzerland—co-host of the upcoming high-level event—called for a shift from discussion to decision-making. “Dialogue is necessary but not sufficient,” he stated. “We must ensure these voices translate into outcomes.” Echoing this, South Africa’s representative, Cynthia, reaffirmed her country’s leadership as chair-designate of the event and its commitment to inclusive governance via its G20 presidency focus on AI, digital public infrastructure, and small business support.

UNDP’s Yu Ping Chan shared insights from the field: “Capacity building remains the number one request from governments. It’s not a new principle—it has been central since WSIS began.” She cited UNDP’s work on the Hamburg Declaration on responsible AI and AI ecosystem development in Africa as examples of translating global dialogue into national action.

Tatevik Grigoryan from UNESCO emphasised the enduring value of WSIS’s human rights-based foundations. “We continue to facilitate action lines on access to information, e-learning, and media ethics,” she said, encouraging engagement with UNESCO’s ROMEX framework as a tool for ethical, inclusive digital societies.

Veni from ICANN reinforced the technical community’s role, expressing hope that the WSIS Forum would be formally recognised in the UN’s review documents. “We must not overlook the forum’s contributions. Multistakeholder governance remains essential,” he insisted.

Representing the FAO, Dejan Jakovljević reminded participants that 700 million people remain undernourished. “Digital transformation in agriculture is vital. But farmers without connectivity are left behind,” he said, highlighting the WSIS framework’s role in fostering collaboration across sectors.

Anriette Esterhuysen of APC called civil society to embrace WSIS as a complementary forum to the IGF. “WSIS gives us a policy and implementation framework. It’s not just about talk—it’s about tools we can use at the national level.”

The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Andy Richardson underscored parliaments’ dual role: advancing innovation while protecting citizens. Meli from the International Chamber of Commerce pointed to business engagement through AI-related workshops and discussions on strengthening multi-stakeholders.

Gitanjali Sah acknowledged past successes but urged continued ambition. “We were very ambitious in 1998—and we must be again,” she said. Still, she noted a persistent challenge: “We lack clear indicators to measure WSIS action line progress. That’s a gap we must close.”

The upcoming Geneva event will feature 67 ministers, 72 WSIS champions, and a youth programme alongside the AI for Good summit. Delegates were encouraged to submit input to the UN review process by 15 July and to participate in shaping a WSIS future that is more measurable, inclusive, and action-oriented.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

AI governance debated at IGF 2025: Global cooperation meets local needs

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 in Norway, an expert panel convened to examine the growing complexity of artificial intelligence governance. The discussion, moderated by Kathleen Ziemann from the German development agency GIZ and Guilherme Canela of UNESCO, featured a rich exchange between government officials, private sector leaders, civil society voices, and multilateral organisations.

The session highlighted how AI governance is becoming a crowded yet fragmented space, shaped by overlapping frameworks such as the OECD AI Principles, the EU AI Act, UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics, and various national and regional strategies. While these efforts reflect progress, they also pose challenges in terms of coordination, coherence, and inclusivity.

IGF session highlights urgent need for democratic resilience online

Melinda Claybaugh, Director of Privacy Policy at Meta, noted the abundance of governance initiatives but warned of disagreements over how AI risks should be measured. ‘We’re at an inflection point,’ she said, calling for more balanced conversations that include not just safety concerns but also the benefits and opportunities AI brings. She argued for transparency in risk assessments and suggested that existing regulatory structures could be adapted to new technologies rather than replaced.

In response, Jhalak Kakkar, Executive Director at India’s Centre for Communication Governance, urged caution against what she termed a ‘false dichotomy’ between innovation and regulation. ‘We need to start building governance from the beginning, not after harms appear,’ she stressed, calling for socio-technical impact assessments and meaningful civil society participation. Kakkar advocated for multi-stakeholder governance that moves beyond formality to real influence.

Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General at South Africa’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology, highlighted the importance of context-aware regulation. ‘There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to AI,’ he said. Mashologu outlined South Africa’s efforts through its G20 presidency to reduce AI-driven inequality via a new policy toolkit, stressing human rights, data justice, and environmental sustainability as core principles. He also called for capacity-building to enable the Global South to shape its own AI future.

Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of the Diplo Foundation, brought a philosophical lens to the discussion, questioning the dominance of ‘data’ in governance frameworks. ‘AI is fundamentally about knowledge, not just data,’ he argued. Kurbalija warned against the monopolisation of human knowledge and advocated for stronger safeguards to ensure fair attribution and decentralisation.

 Crowd, Person, People, Press Conference, Adult, Male, Man, Face, Head, Electrical Device, Microphone, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Audience

The need for transparency, explainability, and inclusive governance remained central themes. Participants explored whether traditional laws—on privacy, competition, and intellectual property—are sufficient or whether new instruments are needed to address AI’s novel challenges.

Audience members added urgency to the discussion. Anna from Mexican digital rights group R3D raised concerns about AI’s environmental toll and extractive infrastructure practices in the Global South. Pilar Rodriguez, youth coordinator for the IGF in Spain, questioned how AI governance could avoid fragmentation while still respecting regional sovereignty.

The session concluded with a call for common-sense, human-centric AI governance. ‘Let’s demystify AI—but still enjoy its magic,’ said Kurbalija, reflecting the spirit of hopeful realism that permeated the discussion. Panelists agreed that while many AI risks remain unclear, global collaboration rooted in human rights, transparency, and local empowerment offers the most promising path forward.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

EuroDIG outcomes shared at IGF 2025 session in Norway

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 in Norway, a high-level networking session was held to share key outcomes from the 18th edition of the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG), which took place earlier this year from 12–14 May in Strasbourg, France. Hosted by the Council of Europe and supported by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Strasbourg conference centred on balancing innovation and regulation, strongly focusing on safeguarding human rights in digital policy.

Sandra Hoferichter, who moderated the session in Norway, opened by noting the symbolic significance of EuroDIG’s return to Strasbourg—the city where the forum began in 2008. She emphasised EuroDIG’s unique tradition of issuing “messages” as policy input, which IGF and other regional dialogues later adopted.

Swiss Ambassador Thomas Schneider, President of the EuroDIG Support Association, presented the community’s consolidated contributions to the WSIS+20 review process. “The multistakeholder model isn’t optional—it’s essential,” he said, adding that Europe strongly supports making the Internet Governance Forum a permanent institution rather than one renewed every decade. He called for a transparent and inclusive WSIS+20 process, warning against decisions being shaped behind closed diplomatic doors.

YouthDIG representative Frances Douglas Thomson shared insights from the youth-led sessions at EuroDIG. She described strong debates on digital literacy, particularly around the role of generative AI in schools. ‘Some see AI as a helpful assistant; others fear it diminishes critical thinking,’ she said. Content moderation also sparked division, with some young participants calling for vigorous enforcement against harmful content and others raising concerns about censorship. Common ground emerged around the need for greater algorithmic transparency so users understand how content is curated.

Hans Seeuws, business operations manager at EURid, emphasised the need for infrastructure providers to be heard in policy spaces. He supported calls for concrete action on AI governance and digital rights, stressing the importance of translating dialogue into implementation.

Chetan Sharma from the Data Mission Foundation Trust India questioned the practical impact of governance forums in humanitarian crises. Frances highlighted several EuroDIG sessions that tackled using autonomous weapons, internet shutdowns, and misinformation during conflicts. ‘Dialogue across stakeholders can shift how we understand digital conflict. That’s meaningful change,’ she noted.

A representative from Geneva Macro Labs challenged the panel to explain how internet policy can be effective when many governments lack technical literacy. Schneider replied that civil society, business, and academia must step in when public institutions fall short. ‘Democracy is not self-sustaining—it requires daily effort. The price of neglect is high,’ he cautioned.

Janice Richardson, an expert at the Council of Europe, asked how to widen youth participation. Frances praised YouthDIG’s accessible, bottom-up format and called for increased funding to help young people from underrepresented regions join discussions. ‘The more youth feel heard, the more they stay engaged,’ she said.

As the session closed, Hoferichter reminded attendees of the over 400 applications received for YouthDIG this year. She urged donors to help cover the high travel costs, mainly from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. ‘Supporting youth in internet governance isn’t charity—it’s a long-term investment in inclusive, global policy,’ she concluded.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

IGF 2025 opens in Norway with focus on inclusive digital governance

Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from 23 to 27 June 2025 in a hybrid format, with the main venue set at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm, just outside Oslo.

This milestone event marks two decades of the UN-backed forum that brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss how the internet should be governed for the benefit of all.

The overarching theme, Building Governance Together, strongly emphasises inclusivity, democratic values, and sustainable digital cooperation.

With participation expected from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international organisations, IGF 2025 will continue to promote multistakeholder dialogue on critical topics, including digital trust, cybersecurity, AI, and internet access.

A key feature will be the IGF Village, where companies and organisations will showcase technologies and products aligned with global internet development and governance.

Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Oldernes Tung, underlined the significance of this gathering in light of current geopolitical tensions and the forthcoming WSIS+20 review later in 2025.

Reaffirming Norway’s support for the renewal of the IGF mandate at the UN General Assembly, Minister Tung called for unity and collaborative action to uphold an open, secure, and inclusive internet. The forum aims to assess progress and help shape the next era of digital policy.

Track all key moments from the Internet Governance Forum 2025 on our dedicated IGF page.

Switzerland’s unique AI path: Blending innovation, governance, and local empowerment

In his recent blog post ‘Advancing Swiss AI Trinity: Zurich’s entrepreneurship, Geneva’s governance, and Communal subsidiarity,’ Jovan Kurbalija proposes a distinctive roadmap for Switzerland to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. Rather than mimicking the AI power plays of the United States or China, Kurbalija argues that Switzerland can lead by integrating three national strengths: Zurich’s thriving innovation ecosystem, Geneva’s global leadership in governance, and the country’s foundational principle of subsidiarity rooted in local decision-making.

Zurich, already a global tech hub, is positioned to drive cutting-edge development through its academic excellence and robust entrepreneurial culture. Institutions like ETH Zurich and the presence of major tech firms provide a fertile ground for collaborations that turn research into practical solutions.

With AI tools becoming increasingly accessible, Kurbalija emphasises that success now depends on how societies harness the interplay of human and machine intelligence—a field where Switzerland’s education and apprenticeship systems give it a competitive edge. Meanwhile, Geneva is called upon to spearhead balanced international governance and standard-setting for AI.

Kurbalija stresses that AI policy must go beyond abstract discussions and address real-world issues—health, education, the environment—by embedding AI tools in global institutions and negotiations. He notes that Geneva’s experience in multilateral diplomacy and technical standardisation offers a strong foundation for shaping ethical, inclusive AI frameworks.

The third pillar—subsidiarity—empowers Swiss cantons and communities to develop AI that reflects local values and needs. By supporting grassroots innovation through mini-grants, reimagining libraries as AI learning hubs, and embedding AI literacy from primary school to professional training, Switzerland can build an AI model that is democratic and inclusive.

Why does it matter?

Kurbalija’s call to action is clear: with its tools, talent, and traditions aligned, Switzerland must act now to chart a future where AI serves society, not the other way around.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Diplo highlights cybersecurity at AfriSIG

The African School of Internet Governance (AfriSIG) convened in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, from 23 to 28 May 2025, bringing together a broad mix of African and international stakeholders for intensive internet, ICT, and data governance training. As a precursor to the African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), the school aimed to strengthen civil society, public, and private sector expertise in navigating Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Representing Diplo, Dr Katherine Getao delivered a keynote on ‘Cybersecurity and Cybercrime in Africa,’ emphasising the continent’s urgent need to build strong digital defences amid rising cyber threats. While the challenges are pressing, she pointed out that they also open avenues for youth employment and entrepreneurship, especially in the cybersecurity sector.

Dr Getao also stressed the significance of African participation in global policy dialogues, such as the Geneva Dialogue, to ensure the continent’s digital priorities are heard and reflected in international frameworks. Drawing from her experience with the UN Group of Governmental Experts, she advocated for Africa to be more active in shaping responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

The event’s panel discussions and workshops further explored how African voices can better leverage platforms like the Internet Governance Forum to influence global tech governance. For Diplo and initiatives like the Geneva Dialogue, AfriSIG was a key venue for aligning African digital development with international policy momentum.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

AI could be Geneva’s lifeline in times of crisis

International Geneva is at a crossroads. With mounting budget cuts, declining trust in multilateralism, and growing geopolitical tensions, the city’s role as a hub for global cooperation is under threat.

In his thought-provoking blog, ‘Don’t waste the crisis: How AI can help reinvent International Geneva’, Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of Diplo, argues that AI could offer a way forward—not as a mere technological upgrade but as a strategic tool for transforming the city’s institutions and reviving its humanitarian spirit. Kurbalija envisions AI as a means to re-skill Geneva’s workforce, modernise its organisations, and preserve its vast yet fragmented knowledge base.

With professions such as translators, lawyers, and social scientists potentially playing pivotal roles in shaping AI tools, the city can harness its multilingual, highly educated population for a new kind of innovation. A bottom-up approach is key: practical steps like AI apprenticeships, micro-learning platforms, and ‘AI sandboxes’ would help institutions adapt at their own pace while avoiding the pitfalls of top-down tech imposition.

Organisations must also rethink how they operate. AI offers the chance to cut red tape, lighten the administrative burden on NGOs, and flatten outdated hierarchies in favour of more agile, data-driven decision-making.

At the same time, Geneva can lead by example in ethical AI governance—by ensuring accountability, protecting human rights and knowledge, and defending what Kurbalija calls our ‘right to imperfection’ in an increasingly optimised world. Ultimately, Geneva’s challenge is not technological—it’s organisational.

As AI tools become cheaper and more accessible, the real work lies in how institutions and communities embrace change. Kurbalija proposes a dedicated Geneva AI Fund to support apprenticeships, ethical projects, and local initiatives. He argues that this crisis could be Geneva’s opportunity to reinvent itself for survival and to inspire a global model of human-centred AI governance.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Digital Geneva Atlas

Vulnerabilities in digital products and networks leading to cyberthreats raise security concerns from individual users to international security and peace. While States hold primary responsibility, meaningful cooperation with non-state actors, such as the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, is crucial to foster a secure, open, and peaceful cyberspace. However, what are those other actors expected to do? Where and how can they support states in ensuring the security and stability in cyberspace?

Join us on December 7th for the launch of the Geneva Manual – a comprehensive guide on non-state actors’ contributions to the implementation of cyber norms. 

The Geneva Manual will undergo continuous development in the years ahead to encompass a wide range of cyber norms, guided by discussions with the multistakeholder community.

Established by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and led by DiploFoundation, with support of the Republic and State of Geneva, C4DT, Swisscom and UBS, the Geneva Dialogue particularly asks how the norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) might be best operationalised (or implemented) by relevant actors as a means to contribute to international security and peace. 

Programme

09:45 – 10:00 (CET)

Welcome coffee

10:00 – 10:05

Introduction: Setting the scene

10:05 – 10:30

Opening remarks

  • H.E. Mr Benedikt Wechsler, Ambassador and Head of the Digital Division, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)
  • Mr Florian Schütz, Federal Cyber Security Delegate and Head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
  • H.E. Mr Burhan Gafoor, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations in New York, Chair of the UN Open-Ended Working Group

10:30 – 11:45

The Geneva Manual & cyber norms

Presentation of the Geneva Manual

  • Ms Anastasiya Kazakova, Cyber Diplomacy Knowledge Fellow at Diplo Foundation

Discussion: What do relevant stakeholders have to say about their roles and responsibilities in implementing the norms?

  • Mr Daniel Klingele, Senior Advisor, International Security Division, FDFA and Swiss representative to the UN OEWG
  • Ms Katherine Getao, Cyber Hygiene, Cyber Diplomacy, and ICT Strategy and Governance Consultant, former CEO of ICT Authority in Kenya and the Kenyan representative to the UN GGE
  • Mr Xiang Zheng Teo, Vice President of Advisory, Consulting, Ensign InfoSecurity
  • Ms Madison Q. Oliver, Advisory Curation Manager, GitHub Security Labs
  • Mr Juan Pablo Parra, Researcher of the Civic Participation Area, Karisma Foundation
  • Mr Jan Martin Lemnitzer, Assistant Professor, Department of Digitalization, Copenhagen Business School

Moderated by Mr Vladimir Radunović, Director, E-diplomacy and Cybersecurity Programmes at DiploFoundation.

11:45 – 12:00

Coffee break

12:00 – 13:30

Testing the Manual: Simulation exercise

Imagine: A critical vulnerability in the software code underpinning important ICT systems around the world has been discovered. Dire consequences are looming. We all need to act – and act fast. Time to test the Geneva Manual!

13:30 – 14:30

Lunch

14:30 – 16:00

Panel discussion: Tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities: Can norms and regulations keep pace with emerging technology?

  • Ms Annie Machon, Formerly MI5, currently a privacy campaigner, author, media commentator, and international public speaker
  • Mr Moctar Yedaly, Former Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Government of Mauritania
  • Ms Anita Lamprecht, Active member and ambassador of the non-profit legal think tank Liquid Legal Institute e.V.

Moderated by Mr Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP).

16:00 – 16:20

Inspirational talk

Dr Cory Doctorow, Special Advisor, Electronic Frontier Foundation

16:20 – 16:30

Closing and next steps

17:00

Reception hosted by DiploFoundation and the Republic and State of Geneva

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 7bis, avenue de la Paix

The inaugural edition of the Manual focuses on two norms related to supply chain security and responsible reporting of ICT vulnerabilities. 

The event will take place in a hybrid format: in situ in Geneva, and online. To register to participate online, please follow this link.

Geneva Dialogue | The launch of the Geneva Manual

Vulnerabilities in digital products and networks leading to cyberthreats raise security concerns from individual users to international security and peace. While States hold primary responsibility, meaningful cooperation with non-state actors, such as the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, is crucial to foster a secure, open, and peaceful cyberspace. However, what are those other actors expected to do? Where and how can they support states in ensuring the security and stability in cyberspace?

Join us on December 7th for the launch of the Geneva Manual – a comprehensive guide on non-state actors’ contributions to the implementation of cyber norms. 

The Geneva Manual will undergo continuous development in the years ahead to encompass a wide range of cyber norms, guided by discussions with the multistakeholder community.

Established by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and led by DiploFoundation, with support of the Republic and State of Geneva, C4DT, Swisscom and UBS, the Geneva Dialogue particularly asks how the norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) might be best operationalised (or implemented) by relevant actors as a means to contribute to international security and peace. 

Programme

09:45 – 10:00 (CET)

Welcome coffee

10:00 – 10:05

Introduction: Setting the scene

10:05 – 10:30

Opening remarks

  • H.E. Mr Benedikt Wechsler, Ambassador and Head of the Digital Division, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)
  • Mr Florian Schütz, Federal Cyber Security Delegate and Head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
  • H.E. Mr Burhan Gafoor, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations in New York, Chair of the UN Open-Ended Working Group

10:30 – 11:45

The Geneva Manual & cyber norms

Presentation of the Geneva Manual

  • Ms Anastasiya Kazakova, Cyber Diplomacy Knowledge Fellow at Diplo Foundation

Discussion: What do relevant stakeholders have to say about their roles and responsibilities in implementing the norms?

  • Mr Daniel Klingele, Senior Advisor, International Security Division, FDFA and Swiss representative to the UN OEWG
  • Ms Katherine Getao, Cyber Hygiene, Cyber Diplomacy, and ICT Strategy and Governance Consultant, former CEO of ICT Authority in Kenya and the Kenyan representative to the UN GGE
  • Mr Xiang Zheng Teo, Vice President of Advisory, Consulting, Ensign InfoSecurity
  • Ms Madison Q. Oliver, Advisory Curation Manager, GitHub Security Labs
  • Mr Juan Pablo Parra, Researcher of the Civic Participation Area, Karisma Foundation
  • Mr Jan Martin Lemnitzer, Assistant Professor, Department of Digitalization, Copenhagen Business School

Moderated by Mr Vladimir Radunović, Director, E-diplomacy and Cybersecurity Programmes at DiploFoundation.

11:45 – 12:00

Coffee break

12:00 – 13:30

Testing the Manual: Simulation exercise

Imagine: A critical vulnerability in the software code underpinning important ICT systems around the world has been discovered. Dire consequences are looming. We all need to act – and act fast. Time to test the Geneva Manual!

13:30 – 14:30

Lunch

14:30 – 16:00

Panel discussion: Tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities: Can norms and regulations keep pace with emerging technology?

  • Ms Annie Machon, Formerly MI5, currently a privacy campaigner, author, media commentator, and international public speaker
  • Mr Moctar Yedaly, Former Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Government of Mauritania
  • Ms Anita Lamprecht, Active member and ambassador of the non-profit legal think tank Liquid Legal Institute e.V.

Moderated by Mr Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP).

16:00 – 16:20

Inspirational talk

Dr Cory Doctorow, Special Advisor, Electronic Frontier Foundation

16:20 – 16:30

Closing and next steps

17:00

Reception hosted by DiploFoundation and the Republic and State of Geneva

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 7bis, avenue de la Paix

The inaugural edition of the Manual focuses on two norms related to supply chain security and responsible reporting of ICT vulnerabilities. 

The event will take place in a hybrid format: in situ in Geneva, and online. To register to participate online, please follow this link.