UNIDIR is pleased to invite you to a side event to the United Nations Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs).
Cloud computing has become deeply embedded – and central to the functioning – of critical infrastructure, playing an essential role in industries such as healthcare, finance, energy, transport, defense, and government operations. As the digitalization of these sectors advances and reliance on cloud services grows, the consequences of cloud failures become increasingly severe, affecting not just businesses, but also public welfare and national security. In this context, critical infrastructure failures are no longer just the result of direct physical or cybernetic attacks on – or accidental breakdowns of – the critical infrastructures themselves, but also of the downstream effects of disruption of the various cloud services upon which they increasingly rely for their functioning
It is therefore of utmost importance for the protection of critical infrastructure to ensure the security and resilience of cloud computing and its related infrastructure. In an effort to promote a global approach to cloud governance, it is worth considering whether the current international cyber normative and legal framework sufficiently protects cloud computing. Does this only require the diligent implementation of commitments under the framework of responsible state behavior in the use of ICT? Or does the framework need further development to provide stronger and dedicated protection to cloud services?
To further investigate the issue, the Security and Technology Programme at UNIDIR and Microsoft are organizing this side event to discuss to the necessity, benefits, challenges, and potential downsides of considering “the cloud” as critical infrastructure internationally as a potential avenue for the good governance of cloud computing.
When and where
Friday 21 February 2025, 13:15 – 14:30 EST, UNHQ, New York, Conference Room 8.
If attending online, please consult this website to find your local time.
*A light lunch will be provided to the participants attending in person.
Agenda
*A complete list of speakers will be communicated in due course.
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). Please kindly note that UNIDIR is not able to grant access to the United Nations Headquarters for those who are not already in possession of the UN accreditation.
RSVP
Registration is mandatory for both in-person and virtual participation, including for those who already have the UN grounds pass. Please register by Thursday 20 February 2025.
Further information
For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.
In partnership with
