Cloud computing forms the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, underpinning much of the recent trends of technological growth and innovation. With the increased demand for large amounts of computing power to enable the growing place of AI-enabled systems across industries and domains, the importance of cloud computing is only set to increase.
In parallel, cloud computing’s role in sensitive domains such as the military is expanding as armed forces turn towards cloud computing solutions to enable their steadily more digital, networked and AI-enabled capabilities. As a critical enabling technology, the development of cloud computing in a safe, secure, resilient way is one of the key building blocks of an equally safe, secure and resilient global digital environment.
In this context, UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, with the support of the European Union, is organising a Technology and Security Seminar on cloud computing to explore the implications of this important enabling technology for international security and governance.
This half-day event will consist of a Technology Breakfast, serving as an introduction to the technology for policy makers, as well as a Multistakeholder Dialogue on cloud computing where experts from industry, government, international organizations and academia will be convened to share views on the risks of the technology and its related governance challenges.
Agenda
10:00 – 10:10 CEST: Opening and Introductory Remarks
10:10 – 11:10 CEST: Technology Breakfast on Cloud Computing (Part 1)
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- Dr Babak Falsafi, Full Professor, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, (EPFL), Founder, EcoCloud.
- Ms Zoe Jay Hawkins, Head of Policy Design, Australian National University.
Moderated by Mr Federico Mantellassi, Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR.
11:10 – 11:30 CEST: Coffee Break
11:30 – 14:30 CEST: Multistakeholder Dialogue on Cloud Computing, International Security and Governance (Part 2)
- 11:30 – 12:30 CEST: Session 1: Cloud Computing: What Implications for International Security?
- Dr Ariel (Eli) Levite, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Nuclear Policy Program, Technology and International Affairs Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
- Dr Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo, Professor of Law and Technology at the Leeds Law School, Vice-Chairperson, Cyber Security Experts Group, African Union.
- Dr Mauro Gilli, Senior Researcher, ETH Zurich Centre for Security Studies.
Moderated by Ms Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR.
12:30 – 13:30 CEST: Lunch break
- 13:30 – 14:30 CEST: Session 2: What implications for International Governance?
- Mr Nikolas Ott, Senior Manager, European Government Affairs, Microsoft.
- Ms May-Ann Lim, Director of Data Governance, Access Partnerships, Emeritus Director of the Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA).
- Dr Mark Bromley, Head of Dual-Use and Arms trade Control Programme, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Moderated by Ms Sarah Grand-Clément, Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition and Security and Technology programme, UNIDIR.
**A light lunch will be served from 12:30 CEST
Participants
We welcome representatives from Member State delegations, as well as members of the multi-stakeholder community including industry, civil society, academia and intergovernmental organisations.
When and Where
Monday, 30 September 2024, from 10:00 to 14:30 CEST, in person at Room XXVII, Building E, Palais des Nations, Geneva and virtually via Webex.
If attending online, please consult this website to find your local time.
RSVP
Registration is mandatory for both in-person and virtual participation. Please contact sectec-unidir@un.org if you have any questions.
- To attend in person, please register here (via UN Indico System), by Thursday 26 September 2024. Indico registration is mandatory for all participants, including those who already have the UNOG grounds pass. User guides on Indico registration can be found here.
- To attend virtually, please register here (via Microsoft Forms), by Thursday 26 September 2024. The link to access the event will be emailed to registered participants prior to the seminar.
In partnership with
The European Union
