Subsea telecommunications cables underpin the global digital ecosystem, carrying over 99% of intercontinental data. Yet, as geopolitical tensions intensify and cyber capabilities evolve, these vital systems face growing risks and vulnerabilities at sea, on land, and in cyberspace. Recent incidents have underscored the urgent need for coordinated international action to safeguard these vital links.
Against this backdrop, UNIDIR, in partnership with the Government of Norway, will host a dedicated session at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 that focuses on exchanging best practices and strengthening global efforts to secure and build resilience into subsea cable infrastructure – a growing priority on the global agenda. It seeks to catalyze cross-sectoral dialogue and concrete action to safeguard one of the most critical yet vulnerable components of the global digital ecosystem.
Agenda
The session will take place in two parts, combining national perspectives with multi-stakeholder insights:
Part 1: Ministerial dialogue – National perspectives on subsea cable protection
Ministers and senior officials will explore the strategic importance of safeguarding subsea cable systems within their national contexts. This dialogue offers a platform to showcase national regulatory frameworks and highlight the role of regional and international cooperation.
- Karianne Tung, Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Norway
- Jarno Syrjälä, Under-secretary of State for International Trade, Finland
- Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria
Part 2: Expert panel – A multi-stakeholder approach to subsea cable resilience
Experts from governments, industry, academia and civil society will provide diverse perspectives on the evolving threat landscape and actionable measures to protect subsea cable infrastructure.
- Camino Kavanagh, Expert and Research Fellow, UNIDIR
- Steinar Bjørnstad, Strategic Competence and Research Manager, Tampnet
- Evijs Taube, Member of the Management Board, Latvia State Radio and Television Center
- Sandra Maximiano, Chair, Board of Directors, Anacom
- Tupou Baravilala, Director-General of Digital Government Transformation, Fiji
- Kent Bressie, Legal Adviser, International Cable Protection Committee
Moderated by Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of the Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
When and where
Monday, 23 June 2025, 11:30-13:00 CEST, Plenary Hall, NOVA Spektrum, Lillestrøm, Norway and online (via Zoom).
Online participation
If attending online, please consult this website to find your local time. The Zoom link will be published on the IGF website a few days before the session.
In partnership with
