With support from Global Affairs Canada and in partnership with Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency, UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme delivered a bilateral cyber capacity-building and policy training session in Bangkok – marking a milestone in the newly launched initiative.
Held from 19-23 May at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the week-long programme is part of a broader UNIDIR effort to strengthen national cybersecurity and policy capabilities in the region. This initiative responds to the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security’s call for more tailored, localized and demand-driven capacity-building support.
Advancing national cyber resilience and preparedness
The training brought together national stakeholders from across government, critical infrastructure sectors, private sector, academia and civil society. Participants engaged in a programme specifically tailored to Thailand’s cybersecurity landscape, exploring issues such as evolving cyber threats, emerging technologies, incident response strategies, and the UN Framework of Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace.
UNIDIR also presented its Foundational Cyber Capabilities framework—highlighting the importance of robust national strategies and policies, institutional and legal structures, technical and operational readiness, and trusted partnerships. These components form the backbone of effective implementation of the UN cyberspace framework.
A highlight of the week was an interactive tabletop exercise simulating a major ICT incident, which allowed participants to test coordination, decision-making, and response mechanisms in a controlled environment.
Mainstreaming gender and human rights
A distinctive feature of the training was its emphasis on gender and human rights mainstreaming in cybersecurity. UNIDIR, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union, facilitated discussions on how inclusive and rights-based approaches can enhance national cyber resilience. Participants also explored how cybersecurity policies and strategies can be designed in an inclusive fashion, while addressing evolving cyber threats.
From 19–23 May in Bangkok 🇹🇭, @ITU, @UNIDIR & Thailand’s NCSA held sessions on cyber capacity building & policy training, focusing on national cybersecurity strategies, gender & human rights, UN frameworks & cyber diplomacy. Strengthening a secure, inclusive digital Asia-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/8fvW19BCT6
— ITU Office for Asia and the Pacific (@ITUAsiaPacific) June 5, 2025
Looking ahead
The Thailand training marks the beginning of a series of bilateral engagements across the Asia-Pacific region. UNIDIR will continue to work closely with partner governments to deliver customized support that strengthens national capacities and fosters regional cooperation.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this are essential for building a secure, stable and inclusive cyberspace.
For further information on UNIDIR’s research-based training and capacity building initiatives, visit the UNIDIR Academy.
This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada under its Indo-Pacific Strategy.