Cloud computing is an integral, and growing, part of modern IT infrastructure, enabling much of the recent trend of technological growth and innovation. With the increased demand for large amounts of computing power to enable the growing place of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled systems across industries and domains, the importance of cloud computing is only set to increase. In parallel, cloud computing is playing a crucial role across sectors that intersect with international security, from defense and national critical infrastructure to humanitarian operations. Cloud computing therefore carries with it important governance implications with relevance in the context of international security.
A cohesive, global governance conversation around cloud computing has however yet to emerge. As critical enabling technology and important underlying layer of the global digital economy with implications for international peace and security, the governance of cloud computing should receive attention from the international multistakeholder, and disarmament communities.
To further investigate the issue, this side event to the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on information and communication technologies (ICTs) will present and discuss the results of a recent study undertaken by the programme on the risks, opportunities and governance challenges of cloud computing.
This side event will provide an opportunity for States to learn more about critical issues linked to current developments in cloud computing, as well as gaining an overview of key cloud computing international governance challenges.
Speakers
- Anne-Marie Buzatu, Executive Director, ICT4Peace Foundation
- May-Ann Lim, Director of Data Governance, Access Partnerships, Emeritus Director of the Asia Cloud Computing Association
- Helen Popp, Cyber Policy Expert, European External Action Service
- Tupou Baravilala, Director-General for Digital Government Transformation, Cybersecurity and Communications, Government of Fiji
- Madeline Murphy Hall, Senior Program Manager, Digital Diplomacy, Microsoft
Moderated by Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
When and where
Friday, 6 December, 8:30-9:45 ET, Microsoft UN Affairs Offices, One Dag (34th Floor), New York, and online.
If attending online, please consult this website to find your local time.
*A light lunch will be provided to the participants attending in person.
Participants
We welcome OEWG delegations and cyber experts, as well as members of the multi-stakeholder community including industry, civil society and intergovernmental organizations (ECOSOC status). Kindly note that registration is mandatory to be able to access the event venue.
RSVP
Please register here. Registration is mandatory for both in-person and virtual participation.
Further information
For any questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.
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