1. December 2024 New York

Anne-Marie Buzatu, Executive Director delivered these ICT4Peace Remarks to UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) Informal Stakeholder Consultation, United Nations, New York, 27 November 2024 (ICT4Peace input to Informal Dialogue of the Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communication technologies 2021-2025).

ICT4Peace, as an ECOSOC accredited NGO, has been participating in the OEWG since the beginning. Before that ICT4Peace has been supporting the UN Governmental Group of Experts (UNGGE). In 2011 ICT4Peace called for a Code of Conduct for responsible state behaviour in Cyberspace.

Her remarks were as follows:

“On behalf of ICT4Peace Foundation, I thank you for this opportunity to address the crucial matter of stakeholder engagement in the future permanent mechanism of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG). ICT4Peace envisions a multifaceted approach to stakeholder contributions, that enables stakeholders to contribute the relevant expertise that they possess in an effective and efficient matter. So, getting straight to the questions

  1. How do stakeholders envision contributing to the work of the future permanent mechanism?

ICT4Peace proposes a framework where stakeholders contribute based on their areas of “effective control” and expertise. For instance, companies, which own and control most of the cyber infrastructure, can provide critical insights into technological advancements, threat landscapes, and practical implementation challenges of proposed policies. They can also offer resources for capacity building and technical assistance. importance of non-gov stakeholder involvement for the real-world credibility and impact of the future mechanism

NGOs, including ICT4Peace, can contribute by:

  • Providing expert guidance on topics discussed in the Regular Institutional Dialog (RID), and reiterate what Allison Pytlak from Stimson Center said about contributions in thematic discussions
  • Offering feedback “from the ground” on the effectiveness and impacts of implemented policies, including any unintended consequences
  • Facilitating dialogue between different stakeholder groups, and
  • Conducting independent research and analysis to inform policy decisions
  1. In what ways could the stakeholder community make concrete action-oriented contributions under the auspices of the future permanent mechanism?

We propose several concrete initiatives:

  1. a) Organization of a Multistakeholder Advisory Board: This body would provide regular input to the OEWG, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.
  2. b) Stakeholder-Led Working Groups: Focused groups addressing specific cybersecurity challenges, leveraging the unique expertise of different stakeholders.
  3. c) Joint Capacity Building Programs: Joint initiatives between NGOs, private sector, and governments to enhance cybersecurity capabilities.
  4. How can we expand the active engagement and participation of all stakeholders, including those from developing countries and small States?

To ensure inclusive participation, we recommend:

  1. a) Digital Participation Mechanisms: Implement robust online platforms for remote participation, reducing financial barriers for stakeholders from developing countries.
  2. b) Stakeholder Support Fund: Establish a dedicated fund to support travel and participation costs for stakeholders, especially those from underrepresented regions.
  3. c) Regional RID Meetings: Organize regional meetings to gather input and prepare stakeholders for effective participation in global discussions.
  4. How can we promote cooperation and coordination within the stakeholder community to facilitate contributions to the future permanent mechanism?

To enhance stakeholder cooperation, we propose:

  1. a) Thematic Coalitions: Encourage the formation of issue-based coalitions to consolidate expertise and streamline contributions.
  2. b) Joint Research Initiatives: Promote collaborative research projects involving multiple stakeholder groups to address complex cybersecurity challenges.

To maximize the effectiveness of stakeholder contributions, ICT4Peace strongly advocates for stakeholder involvement at every stage of the RID’s development and implementation. The modalities for participation should be designed to enable stakeholders with relevant expertise to contribute meaningfully, without facing undue obstacles, as is currently the case. We propose that any objections to stakeholder participation by States should be submitted in writing, clearly stating the reasons for objection, and should be subject to the same consensus approach used for other decisions within the OEWG framework.

In conclusion, ICT4Peace believes that a robust, inclusive, and action-oriented stakeholder engagement process is crucial for the success of the future permanent mechanism. By leveraging the diverse expertise and perspectives of all stakeholders, we can build a more secure, stable, and equitable digital future for all. Let us embrace this opportunity to create a truly collaborative and effective framework for global cybersecurity governance.

Thank you for your attention.

Anne-Marie Buzatu

Executive Director

ICT4Peace Foundation

Please find the text in Pdf here.