GC3B: Mainstreaming cyber resilience and development agenda | IGF 2023 Open Forum #72

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Allan Cabanlong

The Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) brought together experts and decision-makers from all over the world to discuss the importance of addressing digital risks and strengthening cyber resilience. The conference highlighted the fact that the digital world has a profound impact on every aspect of our lives but also presents numerous risks that need to be addressed.

One of the main arguments put forward at the conference was the necessity for individuals and nations to be aware of these digital risks. It emphasized that simply being aware of these risks and their potential impact is not enough. Resources, knowledge, and skills are required to effectively mitigate them. The speakers stressed the need for investment in the digital future and the importance of every country having the resources and expertise necessary to navigate the challenges posed by the digital transformation.

The conference also emphasized the need for global collaboration in cybersecurity. It recognized that no single nation can tackle these challenges alone and that nations need to work together and support each other to keep up with the rapid pace of the digital transformation. Collaboration was seen as crucial not only for addressing current challenges but also for staying ahead of emerging threats and technologies.

The aim of GC3B was to support and strengthen global cyber resilience. The conference brought together high-level government leaders, practitioners, experts on cybersecurity, and representatives from the development community. Through interactive discussions and knowledge sharing, the conference aimed to develop a global framework for concrete actions that support countries in enhancing their cyber resilience.

Cyber capacity building was highlighted as a key enabler for sustainable development. It emphasized that all nations need to prioritize building their capacity to effectively respond to cyber threats. Building robust cyber capabilities is seen as essential not only for protecting critical infrastructure and national security but also for promoting economic growth and social development.

The conference had a positive impact on inspiring other regions and strengthening global cybersecurity cooperation. The insights, ideas, and best practices shared at GC3B were seen as invaluable in inspiring other regions to take similar actions and fostering a renewed commitment to global cybersecurity cooperation.

In conclusion, the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building stressed the importance of being aware of digital risks and having the necessary resources, knowledge, and skills to mitigate them. The need for global collaboration and support in cybersecurity was emphasized, aiming to keep up with the digital transformation. The conference aimed to support and strengthen global cyber resilience and highlight the key role of cyber capacity building in enabling sustainable development. The GC3B conference inspired other regions and left a lasting impact on global cybersecurity cooperation.

Audience

The audience member raised several questions during the event. Firstly, they were curious about the reasons for choosing Ghana as the location for the event and asked about the availability of virtual involvement. The organizers did not provide a direct response to this, but it can be inferred that Ghana may have been chosen for its potential to host successful and impactful events.

The audience member also inquired about the organizers’ plans for the year after the event and their goals within the next three years. No specific plans or goals were mentioned, which implies that the organizers may not have disclosed this information. However, it is important to have long-term plans and goals to ensure the sustainability and continuity of initiatives like the Accra call.

Speaking of the Accra call, it was stated that achieving its objectives, as outlined in the Accra call document, will take a considerable amount of time. This indicates that the goals and aspirations laid out in the Accra call cannot be accomplished within a short period, such as six months or two years. It is crucial to understand that long-term commitment and efforts are required to bring about significant changes and advancements.

The concept of effective capacity building was also highlighted during the event. The audience member pointed out the importance of tailoring capacity building efforts to the specific needs and demands of the recipient country. It was emphasized that capacity building should be demand-driven, ensuring that the recipient country can absorb and sustain the knowledge, resources, and skills provided.

Furthermore, legislators were recognized as playing a vital role in sustainable cyber capacity building. It was stated that involving the legislators and helping them understand the value and importance of sustainable cyber capacity building is crucial for securing adequate budgetary resources. This acknowledgment highlights the need for collaboration and communication between policymakers and industry experts to ensure the allocation of necessary resources for successful capacity building programmes.

During the event, the issue of donor coordination was addressed. It was emphasized that de-conflicting between donor countries is essential to avoid duplication of work and optimize resource allocation. The Sybil Portal was mentioned as an existing tool that can be utilized to prevent overlap and promote effective coordination among donors.

In the context of cybersecurity, collaboration and coordination were emphasized as key factors for success. It was noted that going solo in cybersecurity initiatives is not effective; instead, collaboration and cooperative efforts are necessary. This is particularly relevant in the Pacific region, where countries are at different stages of cybersecurity development. The audience member highlighted the importance of ensuring that no country is left behind and called for coordinated efforts to address cybersecurity challenges collectively.

In conclusion, the audience member raised various insightful questions and concerns during the event. They inquired about the choice of Ghana as the event location, the availability of virtual involvement, plans for the future, and the goals of the Accra call. The concept of effective capacity building, the role of legislators in sustainable cyber capacity building, and the need for donor coordination were also discussed. Collaboration and coordination in cybersecurity efforts were emphasized, especially in the diverse Pacific region. Overall, the event provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in event organization, capacity building, and cybersecurity.

Liesyl Franz

The involvement of the United States government in international cyberspace security and capacity building is vital for the development of knowledge, skills, and infrastructure in other countries. Over time, the US has increased its funding and activity in this area, moving from just one person to providing significant support to initiatives such as the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) and the Global Conference on Cyber Space (GC3B) which aim to improve coordination and dialogue on cyber capacity building.

Recognizing the interconnected nature of cyberspace security and digital development, efforts are being made to address both areas together. Bridges are being built to bridge the gap between these two domains, ensuring progress in connectivity without compromising security. The goal is to digitize societies while also making them resilient to cyber threats.

The United States is a strong advocate for multi-stakeholder community discussions, which include donor countries, recipients, implementers, the private sector, and academia. Initiatives like the GFCE and GC3B facilitate engagement and effective cyber capacity building. The US actively participates in these conferences through a high-level interagency delegation.

Efficient capacity building depends on tailoring the approach to the specific needs of each country and ensuring its absorbability. Sustainability is another crucial aspect of capacity building, requiring long-term viability and continuous support.

Additionally, capacity building efforts should address immediate responses to crises. The United States highlights the importance of addressing urgent needs in countries facing crises like Ukraine, Albania, and Costa Rica. This demonstrates the necessity for capacity building to be adaptable and responsive.

Financial resources are vital for providing assistance in capacity building and other areas. Adequate funding is necessary to implement programs and initiatives effectively.

Emphasizing the benefits of cybersecurity efforts can encourage investment and political support. By highlighting the positive outcomes and advantages of cybersecurity measures, it becomes more likely that resources will be allocated to support and advance these efforts.

In terms of training, it is recommended to provide in-country, on-site training for better integration of cybersecurity measures. This tailored approach directly addresses the specific needs and challenges of each country. Continuous learning is also seen as beneficial in the field of cybersecurity, allowing individuals to stay updated and take advantage of professional development opportunities even if they are unable to travel for training.

In conclusion, the United States plays a pivotal role in international cyberspace security and capacity building. Their involvement includes financial support, hosting conferences, and promoting multi-stakeholder engagement. The interconnectedness of cyberspace security and digital development is recognized, and efforts are being made to address these areas together. Capacity building should be tailored to the specific needs of each country and focus on sustainability. Immediate responses to crises are essential, and adequate financial resources are necessary for providing assistance. Emphasizing the benefits of cybersecurity efforts can drive investment and political support. In-country, on-site training and continuous learning are recommended for better integration and professional development in cybersecurity.

Keywords: United States government, international cyberspace security, capacity building, funding, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), Global Conference on Cyber Space (GC3B), cyberspace security, digital development, multi-stakeholder community discussions, sustainability, immediate responses, financial resources, cybersecurity efforts, in-country training, on-site training, continuous learning.

Christopher Painter

The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFC) is an organisation devoted to promoting cyber resilience and capacity building in line with sustainable development goals. An important initiative of the GFC is the ACRA Call to Action, which seeks to enhance cyber resilience in development and foster sustainable capacity building. This call to action is aimed at countries, regions, the private sector, and the technical community, with a focus on promoting cyber resilience, advancing effective cyber capacity building, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing resources.

Christopher Painter, a strong advocate for cyber capacity building, emphasises the significance of aligning with development goals. He believes that consultation and community input are crucial for the success of the ACRA Call. To ensure community engagement, a mature draft of the ACRA Call will be circulated for public comment by the end of October. The GFC also plans to engage the community through public consultations at various events, such as the Paris Peace Forum, Singapore Cyber Week, and the IGF session. Their objective is to address major concerns and incorporate new ideas and input into the ACRA Call.

Due to COVID restrictions, the GFC had to change the location of their first conference, originally planned to be held at the World Bank in Washington. Instead, they see an opportunity to hold the conference in Ghana, a country with unique needs in the field of cyber resilience. The government of Ghana is supportive of hosting the conference. Efforts are being made to facilitate virtual participation for those who are unable to attend in person, ensuring robust virtual connectivity.

The GFC places emphasis on involving the global south and securing legislative and leadership buy-in for sustainable cyber capacity building. They highlight the need to integrate cyber resilience into national plans and view it as an integral part of broader development strategies. They also stress the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law in any declaration pertaining to cyber resilience and capacity building.

In terms of governance, the GFC aims to integrate improved governance practices into their work. They advocate for building partnerships, local leadership, and coordination among developing countries. By fostering the leadership of developing countries in coordinating cyber capacity building efforts, the GFC seeks to create stronger partnerships and enhance long-term sustainability.

Additionally, the GFC underscores the importance of information sharing and coordinated efforts among donor countries to avoid duplication of work. Regular meetings are held for donor countries to collaborate and exchange information. They also advocate for strengthening existing organisational structures rather than creating new ones, ensuring greater sustainability and efficiency.

Financial resources play a critical role in cyber resilience activities, and the GFC calls for maximising existing financial streams, including international development financing, domestic resource mobilisation, and private sector involvement. Drawing from the development community, they propose utilising models to measure sustainability and incorporating cyber resilience into integrated national financing frameworks.

To ensure professional development and capacity building, the GFC aims to professionalise the cyber capacity building community and promote human rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches. They also underscore the need for project prioritisation and the creation of measurement tools to assess the results and impact of projects.

In conclusion, the GFC is passionately committed to promoting cyber resilience and capacity building aligned with sustainable development goals. Through initiatives such as the ACRA Call to Action, partnerships with developing countries, and efforts to maximise financial resources, they strive to create a more secure and resilient cyber landscape. Their focus on consultation, community input, and collaboration reflects their commitment to inclusive and sustainable cyber capacity building efforts.

Tereza Horejsova

During the analysis, several important points were highlighted by the speakers. One of these points focused on the International Governance Forum (IGF) being described as a hybrid event. This means that the IGF combines both in-person and virtual elements, allowing for greater participation and connection from around the world. The IGF is seen as a significant platform for global networking and exchange of ideas.

Another key topic discussed was the Global Future Council (GFC) organising a major conference in Ghana, with a strong emphasis on partnerships for the goals. The conference aims to bring together various stakeholders to collaborate and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The GFC’s commitment to partnerships highlights the importance of collective efforts in addressing global challenges.

The analysis also focused on the ACRA call, which sets guidelines for efficient global action on cyber capacity building. This highlights the need for effective coordination and collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges worldwide. The call serves as a roadmap for enhancing cyber capacity and ensuring the global community is better equipped to mitigate digital risks and threats.

The digital world was discussed extensively, with a recognition of its vital role in essential areas such as food, water, and healthcare. The digital world enables connections and facilitates communication, leading to improved access to resources and services in these critical sectors. However, it was also acknowledged that digital risks are associated with the digital world. This emphasises the need for strong cybersecurity measures and proactive efforts to address potential threats.

Efficient resource use and better coordination were identified as crucial factors for enhanced global support. The analysis highlighted the importance of using limited resources effectively and establishing better collaboration among countries. This includes linking different communities in cyberspace and improving coordination to ensure optimum efficiency in resource utilisation.

The Sybil portal was discussed as a valuable resource for mapping various cyber capacity building projects. This portal allows for easy access to information on projects already implemented or currently ongoing and enables filtering based on specific regions or countries. The portal serves as a tool for tracking and analysing global efforts in cyber capacity building.

Furthermore, the analysis highlighted the necessity of building on previous projects to plan new activities effectively. This approach avoids duplicating efforts and optimally utilises limited resources. By learning from past experiences, countries can enhance their planning and implementation strategies, leading to more impactful outcomes.

Another noteworthy observation was the importance of collaboration among countries. By working together and sharing their expertise, countries can achieve more efficient use of resources and tackle challenges collectively. The analysis emphasised the significance of partnerships and collective action to promote sustainable development and address global issues.

In conclusion, the analysis provided valuable insights into key topics such as hybrid events like the IGF, major conferences organised by the GFC, the ACRA call for efficient global cybersecurity action, the role of the digital world in essential areas, the need for efficient resource use and better coordination, and the significance of the Sybil portal and collaboration among countries in cyber capacity building. These insights highlight the interconnectedness of global efforts and the importance of cooperation in addressing complex challenges in the digital age.

Pua Hunter

Significant progress is being made in the cyber ecosystem and cyber capacity building space in the Pacific region. Initiatives such as the Pacific Cybersecurity Operational Network (PECSON), Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON), Cyber Safety Pacifica, E-Safety Commissioner, and Oceania Cybersecurity Center (OCSC) are actively contributing to the development of the cyber ecosystem. They are strengthening the region’s infrastructure, legal frameworks, policies, and capabilities to handle advancements in cyberspace effectively.

The Global Forum for Cyber Expertise has recently launched its Pacific Hub, aiming to enhance cooperation and knowledge sharing on cybersecurity matters in the region. Collaboration, engagement, and coordination among stakeholders need improvement to maximize the benefits of these initiatives. Embedding these aspects in the cyber capacity building approach will enhance the region’s overall cybersecurity preparedness and resilience.

Cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of digital engagement that cuts across all sectors and impacts various cyber-related activities. Pacific leaders have recognized its importance and emphasized its individual and collective responsibility. The Oceania Cybersecurity Centre has highlighted cybersecurity in its review for several Pacific region countries, including the Cook Islands.

In terms of donor assistance, sustainability becomes a challenge when donors leave without ensuring adequate resources. Planning and resource allocation are vital to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of projects.

Regarding training and capacity building, the concept of in-country training has been proposed to enhance knowledge transfer. Bringing trainers to countries to train a larger number of individuals can improve expertise implementation and dissemination.

In conclusion, the Pacific region is progressing significantly in the cyber ecosystem and cyber capacity building. Various organizations, networks, and conferences have contributed to these developments. Enhancing collaboration, prioritizing sustainability in donor assistance, and emphasizing in-country training will strengthen the region’s cybersecurity capabilities and readiness to address evolving threats.

Speakers