Training on Norms, International Law and Cyberspace

For over 20 years, States have been engaging in multilateral discussions on information communication technologies (ICTs) in the context of international peace and security. Thanks to these discussions, they have developed a Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace.

Under the auspices of the 2021-2025 Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies, States continued to advance voluntary norms of responsible State behaviour and deliberate on how international law applies to their use of ICTs.

To deepen understanding of the framework and to assist countries in in the development of national positions on how international law applies to State conduct in digital domain, UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme designed the Training Course on Norms, International Law and Cyberspace.

This novel capacity-building initiative helps to bolster implementation of the framework and to enable a greater diversity of voices to participate effectively in multilateral discussions on norms and international law in cyberspace, thereby promoting wider goals of peace and stability.

About the training

As a capacity- and confidence-building activity, this training is designed to provide knowledge about concepts central to the Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace.

The training course is delivered to government legal advisers and diplomats from UN Member States that wish to participate in deliberations on ICTs in the context of international peace and security. For cohorts hosted in Geneva, participants from developing countries are given priority. The 2026 edition will take place from 9 to 13 March.

The main focus of the programme is the intersection of international law and cybersecurity. Participants also gain an understanding of the UN’ role in international ICT security, relevant multilateral processes, voluntary norms governing State behaviour in cyberspace and confidence-building measures.

Prior to attending the training week in Geneva, participants are required to undertake a series of self-paced, preparatory online modules that can be completed remotely (pictured here).

During the in-person section of the course, participants also complete various scenario-based exercises, a workshop dedicated to the development of national positions on international law and extra-curricular activities, such as visits to specialized international organizations active in the field of international cybersecurity.

A Certificate of Completion is issued to those participants who, in addition to attending the classes, successfully submit the final essay and demonstrate improved knowledge or skill.

Capacity building testimonials

Special thanks

UNIDIR’s Training on Norms, International Law and Cyberspace is made possible by the financial support of the US Government.