Panel „Cyber Diplomacy – Navigating Technology and Policy in the Digital Age"

The Alumni Meeting brought together former students to discuss and receive updates on the latest developments in the realm of cybersecurity. The Digital Society Institute (DSI) hosted an engaging session titled “Cyber Diplomacy – Navigating Technology and Policy in the Digital Age.”

In our increasingly interconnected digital societies and economies, our dependence on the seamless functioning of the Internet is growing by the day. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are escalating, turning cyberspace into a battleground for influence, values, and power. With the number of cyberattacks increasing daily, the level of risk has reached unprecedented heights, posing a significant threat to businesses worldwide. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in improving cybersecurity through international organizations such as the UN, regional forums, as well as national policies and laws, all underpinned by cyber diplomacy.

This session focused on gaining insights and discussing the critical intersection of technology, diplomacy, and the economy, particularly as cyberattacks have emerged as the most formidable threat landscape of the past five years. The session also aimed to demystify cyber diplomacy by exploring how current policies help manage cyber threats amidst geopolitical challenges and the crucial role the private sector plays in ensuring a stable and secure digital future.

The discussions highlighted the regional importance of training, practicing incident response, information sharing, and fostering cooperation and communication across sectors and borders. From an international perspective, the need to maintain dialogue, clearly define red lines, and establish emergency contacts was emphasized.

Featured speakers included Rebecca Beigel, Senior Consultant in Public Security and Cybersecurity at PD - Berater der öffentlichen Hand GmbH, and Helene Pleil, a Research Associate at the DSI. They answered questions from the moderator, Richard Skalt, the Manager of the DSI, about cyber diplomacy and cybersecurity. The audience also had the opportunity to delve into these topics further during the discussion at the end of the panel. The in-person session took place on June 6, 2024 from 14:00-15:30 followed by a reception at ESMT Berlin Schloßplatz 1, 10178 Berlin Germany. The event followed the Chatham House rule, involving stakeholders from academia, government, industry, civil society, and the military.

Here you can find the agenda for the event.