The rollout of sixth-generation (6G) cellular networks, anticipated to begin around 2030, is set to revolutionize global connectivity, data transmission and telecommunication infrastructure. With unprecedented speeds and ultra-low latency, 6G has the potential to drive significant advancements across key technological areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and the Internet of Things. However, its development also raises critical questions in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, spectrum management and the existing regulatory frameworks.
International cooperation and multistakeholder engagement will be crucial to ensuring that 6G technology is developed in a way that is safe, secure, resilient, global and interoperable. As work on 6G progresses, international organizations, standards bodies and industry consortia are working together to establish the necessary technical guidelines and standards. While many of these discussions remain highly technical, it is increasingly important for the diplomatic community to understand the broader implications of 6G as it takes shape in the years ahead.
In this context, UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, with the support of the European Union, organized a Technology and Security Seminar to explore the future of 6G wireless communications and examine ongoing initiatives focused on achieving security, resilience and global interoperability in the next-generation connectivity. This half-day event consisted of a technology breakfast, serving as an introduction to the technology for policymakers, as well as a multistakeholder dialogue where experts from industry, government, international organizations and academia convened to share views on the security and governance implications of 6G development.
Event recording – Part 1
Event recording – Part 2
Agenda
10:15-10:20: Opening and introductory remarks
10:20-11:05: Technology breakfast on 6G
- Marie Hogan, Head of 6G Portfolio Strategy, Ericsson (with accompanying slides)
Moderated by Sarah Grand-Clément, Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition and Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
11:05-11:20: Coffee break
11:20-12:30: Multistakeholder dialogue on 6G: Security and governance implications
- Dr Gürkan Gür, Senior Lecturer, ZHAW School of Engineering (with accompanying slides)
- Dr Marja Matinmikko-Blue, Director of Sustainability and Regulation of 6G Flagship, University of Oulu (with accompanying slides)
- Uwe Loewenstein, ITU-R SG5 Counsellor, Radiocommunication Bureau, ITU (with accompanying slides)
Moderated by Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
When and where
Wednesday, 11 December, 10:15-12:30 CET, Room XXVII, Building E, Palais des Nations, Geneva and online.
Funded by
