Workshop on International Cyber Security Negotiations: Capacity Building Workshop for Diplomats kicks off at the AUC Headquarters to address the Misuse of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their potential implication on the National and International security and stability

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15 February 2016: The workshop on International cyber security negotiations started today 15th February 2016. The workshop which brings together diplomats and government officials involved in foreign policy development and/or cyber security diplomacy as well as representatives from Regionals and specialised organisations of the African Union .

The capacity building workshop is organised by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the ICT for peace foundation (ict4Peace) and it will be about cyber security policy and diplomacy, It will address developments in the field of Communications and Information Technologies (CIT) in the context of the international cooperation for a stable and secured digital environment with the focus on international cyber security consultations and negotiations.

This Workshop provides an introduction to the subject of international cyber security policy and the current consultation and negotiation efforts and it will be an opportunity for the participants to be exposed to the context in which cyber security is being addressed in global, regional forums notably the UNGGE, OSCE and GCCS. The objective of this workshop is to familiarize African diplomats with the on-going international discussions to acquire a deeper understanding of the most important areas of diplomatic negotiations for a secure and open cyberspace, such as the application of the international laws for the Cyberspace, norms of responsible state behaviour as well as confidence building measures in the cyberspace.

Addressing the opening ceremony on behalf of the of the Commissioner Infrastructure and Energy H.E Dr. Elham M.A Ibrahim Mr Moctar Yedaly Head of Information Society Division, Infrastructure and Energy underlined the importance of the workshop since the Digital technologies and Internet are the backbone of our society and economies. They are key enablers of prosperity and freedom. As African countries are increasing access to Internet networks and information systems, they can be affected by Cyber-attacks that are becoming bigger, more frequent and more complex.

He further pointed out that the topic of this workshop is very relevant for Africa. With the advent of digital Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has changed the lives of all people around the globe.

On his part Mr. Daniel Stauffacher President of the ICT4Peac foundation welcomed all participants to the workshop and stated that over the past five years states have become increasingly engaged in a series of regional and international policy discussions and debates over cyber security issues .He also highlighted that we are now living in the world of super interconnectivity and many countries have already placed cyber security or information security under their national security agenda and this workshop on Cyber diplomacy is part of a series of capacity building workshops that ICT4Peace is organising for diplomats to develop capabilities for international negotiations .

BM/BH/EAT

Media Contact:

Esther AzaaTankou, Ag. Director of Information and Communication, African Union Commission (AUC)/ Tel: +251(0) 911361185 / E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

For further information:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission

Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
- See more at: http://www.au.int/en/pressreleases/21002/capacity-building-workshop-dipl...