For over 20 years, States have been engaging in multilateral discussions on information communication technologies (ICTs) in the context of international peace and security. Thanks to these discussions, States have been able to develop a Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace.

Today, under the auspices of the 2021-2025 Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies, States continue to develop voluntary norms of responsible State behaviour and deliberate on how international law applies to their use of ICTs.

To deepen understanding of the Framework and to assist countries in in the development of national positions on how international law applies to State conduct in digital domain, the UNIDIR Security and Technology programme developed the Training Course on Norms, International Law and Cyberspace.

This novel capacity-building initiative helps to bolster implementation of the Framework and to enable a greater diversity of voices to participate effectively in multilateral discussions on norms and international law in cyberspace, thereby promoting wider goals of peace and stability.

Welcoming our first round of participants

In 2024, this UNIDIR training course is being delivered to 90 government legal advisers and diplomats from UN Member States that wish to participate in deliberations on ICTs in the context of international peace and security. Four cohorts are being hosted in Geneva, with participants from developing countries given priority.

As a capacity- and confidence-building activity, this training is designed to provide knowledge about concepts central to the Framework. The main focus of the programme is the intersection of international law and cybersecurity. Participants also gain an understanding of the United Nations’ role in international ICT security, relevant multilateral processes, voluntary norms governing State behaviour in cyberspace and confidence-building measures.

Prior to attending the training week in Geneva, participants are required to undertake a series of self-paced, preparatory online modules that can be completed remotely (pictured here).

During the in-person section of the course, participants also complete various scenario-based exercises, a workshop dedicated to the development of national positions on international law and extra-curricular activities, such as visits to specialized international organizations active in the field of international cybersecurity.

A Certificate of Completion is issued to those participants who, in addition to attending the classes, successfully submit the final essay and demonstrate improved knowledge or skill.

 

Special thanks:

UNIDIR’s Training on Norms, International Law and Cyberspace is made possible by the financial support of the US Government.