UNIDIR hosted the launch of its new publication, Unpacking the Open-ended Working Group on ICT in the Context of International Security (2021–2025), as a side event to the Global Mechanism on developments in the field of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in the context of international security and advancing responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs.
Between 2021 and 2025, the United Nations Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of ICTs operated under an extended mandate and delivered outcomes that will shape how the international community addresses ICT issues in the context of international security. OEWG discussions and negotiations generated a substantial record of how Member States approached, assessed and prioritized a wide range of topics.
UNIDIR launched a publication providing a comprehensive account of these substantive exchanges during the years of negotiation. The study traced how negotiations evolved over time, identified emerging trends and themes, mapped which issues were reflected in consensus reports and which were omitted, and drew lessons relevant to the Global Permanent Mechanism on ICT and International Security.
The side event provided an opportunity for States to learn more about the publication, including its main findings, ask questions of experts and engage in discussions on lessons learned and the legacy of the OEWG.
Event recording
Speakers
- Julia Rodriguez, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the United Nations
- Katherine Prizeman, Political Affairs Officer, UNODA
- Dr Samuele Dominioni, Senior Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, Co-editor of the publication, UNIDIR
- Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of the Security and Technology Programme, Co-editor of the publication, UNIDIR
When and where
Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 EST | In person (Conference Room 8, United Nations Headquarters, New York) and online.
Further information
For any questions, please contact UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme at sectec-unidir@un.org.