UNIDIR offers a capacity-building programme, to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability through the promotion and the implementation of the established framework for responsible State behaviour in their use of ICT (the Framework) and to facilitate further multilateral discussions, with a particular focus on the norms and international law as applicable in cyberspace. This training is intended for 90 government legal advisers and diplomats from the UN Member States wishing to get involved in deliberations on ICT in the context of international peace and security. A total of four cohorts will be hosted in Geneva in 2024, with participants from developing countries given priority.
Context
For more than two decades, States have engaged in multilateral discussions on information communication technologies (ICT) within the context of international peace and security. As a result of these discussions, States, through the consensual outcomes of the Groups of Governmental Experts (GGE), Open-ended Working Groups (OEWG), and UN General Assembly resolutions – established a Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace (the Framework). Under the auspices of the OEWG 2021-2025, States continue to develop norms and to discuss ways of their implementation as well as to deliberate how international law applies in the use of ICT. To promote diverse and inclusive multilateral deliberations on the evolving Framework and broad implementation of the existing agreements, OEWG recognised the importance of politically neutral and transparent capacity-building.
Structure
As a capacity- and confidence-building activity, this training is designed to provide knowledge about the key concepts central to the Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace. The main focus of the capacity-building program is the intersection of international law in the context of international cybersecurity. Participants will also gain an understanding of the UN’s role in international ICT security, relevant multilateral processes, voluntary norms governing State behaviour in cyberspace, and confidence-building measures.
During the in-person learning week, participants will also complete various scenario-based exercises, a workshop dedicated to the development of national positions on international law and as well as extra-curricular activities, such as visits to specialized international organizations active in the field of international cybersecurity. Prior to attending the training week in Geneva, participants were required to partake in a series of self-paced, preparatory online modules that can be completed remotely. A Certificate of Completion will be issued to those participants who, in addition to attending the classes, successfully submit the final essay and demonstrate improved knowledge or skill.
Funding
UNIDIR’s Training on Norms, International Law and Cyberspace is possible due to the financial support of the U.S. Government.