As the digital landscape evolves and so do the challenges of cybersecurity, States continue to discuss how international law applies to State behaviour in cyberspace. To ensure a more secure, resilient and inclusive digital future, capacity-building remains essential, equipping States with the knowledge and tools to navigate these critical issues. Recognizing this need, UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, in partnership with the Governments of Thailand and Fiji, convened two regional workshops on International Law, Norms and Cyberspace between 23 and 28 January 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, and Nadi, Fiji.
Bringing together government officials from Southeast Asia in Bangkok and from the Pacific Islands in Nadi, the workshops provided a hands-on learning experience—from online preparatory courses to tailored briefings on various international law rules and principles, and locally responsive scenario-based exercises. Participants explored the UN Framework of Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace with a specific focus on how international law applies in cyberspace, reinforcing efforts for a secure and peaceful information and communication technologies (ICT) domain. The discussions also drew on insights from UNIDIR’s Compendium of Good Practices: Developing a National Position on the Interpretation of International Law and State Use of ICT, providing participants with concrete examples and guidance to support the development of their own national positions on the topic.
Learning from global and regional stakeholders
The workshops featured expert briefings and interactive discussions with regional stakeholders. In Bangkok, the Institute of Strategic & International Studies Malaysia outlined some of the regional aspects of the interpretation of international law in cyberspace, while in Nadi, the Pacific Forum provided an overview of the region-specific cyber threats and resilience measures.
Officials also learned firsthand from States that have already developed national positions on the application of international law in cyberspace. Representatives from Australia, the Czech Republic, and Singapore shared valuable insights on good practices, lessons learned and challenges from their own experiences of developing national positions.
Enhancing capacities for a resilient future
Both workshops received positive feedback from participants, who acknowledged the importance of capacity-building efforts in fostering a shared understanding among Member States. Participants particularly valued the scenario-based exercises, which deepened their practical understanding of international law in cyberspace—helping them broaden perspectives and appreciate various interpretations of the law in the ICT domain.
Recognizing the pressing need to ensure that all States can participate on an equal footing in discussions on how international law applies in cyberspace, the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security called for additional workshops, training and good practice exchanges, including at regional and sub-regional level. Through initiatives like these, UNIDIR hopes to contribute to translating global commitments into practical action, strengthening cyber resilience and advancing a shared understanding of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace.
To learn more about UNIDIR’s research-based training and capacity building initiatives, visit the UNIDIR Academy.
This project was funded by the Australian Government under the Cyber and Critical Tech Cooperation Programme.