Sixth annual meeting of OSCE national cybersecurity points of contact in Vienna discusses global cyber co-operation

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) organized the annual meeting of national Points of Contact (PoCs) in line with cyber/ICT security confidence-building measure (CBM) no. 8 on 1 and 3 June in Vienna. The event brought together 63 representatives from 41 participating States to exchange experiences, strengthen professional networks and discuss current developments in international cyber security co-operation.

The event was organized around the meeting of the OSCE Informal Working Group established under Permanent Council Decision No. 1039, which took place on 2 June. This arrangement enabled participants to engage both in policy discussions on international cyber security developments and in practical exchanges focused on the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security CBMs.

“The OSCE cyber/ICT CBMs remain useful practical tools for keeping communication channels open, fostering transparency, and helping to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations in a digital environment marked by growing interdependence and rapid technological change. Addressing – and anticipating – these developments require inclusive dialogue between diplomatic, technical, academic, and private-sector communities,” said Ms. Leila Rais, Head of Politico-Military Dimension, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the OSCE, the UN and other international Organizations in Vienna and representative of the Chairpersonship in Office.

On the first day, participants attended plenary sessions dedicated to the newly established United Nations Global Mechanism on developments in the field of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in the context of international security and responsible State behaviour in cyberspace. The discussions explored how the new mechanism could contribute to advancing international co-operation and considered possible links and complementarities with regional initiatives, including the OSCE’s cyber/ICT security CBMs.

The second day focused on interactive discussions among the CBM 8 Points of Contact. Participants exchanged views on the continued development and use of the OSCE Communication Network, the OSCE’s dedicated communications platform supporting exchanges among nominated cyber points of contact. They also discussed the implementation of cyber/ICT security CBMs across the OSCE region, shared national experiences and identified opportunities for strengthening practical co-operation.

In addition, participants explored future activities for the CBM 8 Point of Contact network, including ways to enhance communication among points of contact, increase awareness of existing mechanisms and support the continued development of the network as a trusted platform for dialogue and confidence-building.

The annual meeting forms part of TNTD’s ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the OSCE cyber confidence-building measures adopted by participating States. By facilitating regular exchanges among nominated points of contact, the OSCE helps strengthen transparency, predictability and co-operation in the use of ICTs, contributing to the reduction of risks stemming from misunderstandings and misperceptions in cyberspace.

The annual meeting was organized as a part of the “Strengthening the work of the CBM 8 Points of Contact crisis communication network” project, with the financial support of Germany, the Netherlands and the United States of America.