News Item
Strengthening co-operation in global cyber diplomacy aim of regional OSCE workshop
- Issued on:
- Issued by:
- Transnational Threats Department
- Fields of work:
- Cyber/ICT Security
Policymakers from Central Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Mongolia strengthened co-operation around global cyber diplomacy at the fourth annual regional workshop on this topic organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department from 24 to 26 November in Vienna.
“This workshop lifts the veil on cyber diplomacy to convince more voices to join the conversation about the future of cyberspace. And it does so at a pivotal moment. Next year, the United Nations will decide on the establishment of a permanent, single-track mechanism for cyber diplomacy: the Global Mechanism. This process will shape discussions for years to come, so it is essential that it is guided by the interests of many, not a few,” said Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.
The 18 participants, representing ministries of foreign affairs and national cybersecurity agencies, gained a practical understanding of the United Nations framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The framework is designed to help states, regardless of size or resources, play an effective role in shaping global cyber norms and contributing to international stability.
They also examined the provisions for establishing a permanent, single-track United Nations cyber diplomacy process called the Global Mechanism, which is set to launch in 2026. Understanding these developments can help national representatives prepare to engage more effectively in future global discussions on cyber governance.
The workshop placed particular emphasis on the outcomes of the Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies, which concluded its work in July 2025 with a final consensus report outlining key agreements in the field of cyber/ICT security.
Held on the margins of the meeting of the OSCE Informal Working Group established by OSCE Permanent Council Decision No. 1039 on 25 November 2025 in Vienna, Austria, the workshop offered participants a unique opportunity to observe multilateral cyber diplomacy and see how international negotiations translate into practical policy commitments.
Expert facilitators and cyber diplomats guided the discussions and delivered an interactive scenario-based exercise that encouraged participants to reflect on the implications and opportunities presented by the forthcoming Global Mechanism.
The event was organized under the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Activities and Customized Support for the Implementation of OSCE Cyber/ICT Security Confidence-Building Measures”, with financial support from the United Kingdom.