The Cybersecurity Diplomacy course equips professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to act effectively in cybersecurity diplomacy. This online course analyses how the abuse of technology impacts geopolitical security, social and economic development, and cyber processes and negotiations. The course is taught by academics, technology experts, and seasoned diplomats.
Notice how cybersecurity news has moved from 'lifestyle' and 'tech' sections to 'politics', and even 'breaking news'?
The increasingly frequent and high-impact cyber breaches, hacks, and attacks are influencing global political and economic relations, and pushing states to the negotiating table. From the UN General Assembly and Security Council, to the G7, G20, the WTO, and various regional organisations like the AUC, OSCE, OAS and ASEAN, states are forced to find ways to secure cyberspace. Cyber(in)security is impacting international peace, sustainable development, digital cooperation, human rights and privacy, as well as the global digital business environment, and stakes are getting higher for everyone: ministers, diplomats, business executives, civil society leaders, tech gurus, and top researchers.
All this confronts us with a number of interesting and crucial challenges, that we cover in this cybersecurity training:
- Can international diplomacy, together with regional and national policies, address technology-related threats in current geopolitical contexts?
- How can diplomats, businesses and civil society leaders promote collaboration over confrontation?
- How can we ensure that agreements on secure behaviour in cyberspace can preserve the internet’s potential for universal access, economic and social development, and individual security, rights, and freedoms?
- How can YOU prepare yourself and your institution to take an active part in these processes?
Interested in becoming actively involved in cybersecurity negotiations and processes that aim to make our global cyberspace a safer place?
Diplo’s Cybersecurity Diplomacy course debates current critical topics, such as those addressed in the final report of the UN Cyber OEWG, through group readings, fireside chats with policy experts, and other interactive learning techniques.
With Diplo’s well-recognised, engaging, and interactive learning methodology, this cybersecurity training provides a space for exchanging experiences and views within s select group of professionals from around the world, as well as with lecturers who are among the top professionals and senior diplomats active in cybersecurity.
Join this practically oriented and intellectually inspiring course by registering from the form above.
This Cybersecurity Diplomacy course complements our longer and more intensive academic Cybersecurity course, which provides a much broader overview of cybersecurity policy, including combating cybercrime and terrorism, protecting critical infrastructure, national policies and international cooperation, and the interplay between cybersecurity, economic development and human rights.
To learn more about the two main UN cybersecurity processes (GGE and OEWG), visit our Digital Watch observatory.
With the support of:
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lecturers
Dr Katharina Höne
Director of Research
Dr Katharina (Kat) E Höne researches, writes, and teaches on a number of issues in the area of diplomacy, global governance, and the impact of technology on international relations. Over the last years, she has focused on research at the intersection of diplomacy and technology. She was part of a research project on Data Diplomacy: Updating diplomacy to the big data era and the lead researcher and author of Mapping the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence for the conduct of diplomacy report, both supported by the Ministry for Foreign of Affairs of Finland. In addition, she has more than 10 years of experience in teaching international relations at universities in the UK and Germany, and in delivering in-situ, blended, and online training to diplomatic practitioners. Kat holds an MA in Diplomatic Studies (University of Leicester, UK) and a PhD in International Politics (University of Aberystwyth, UK). In her work, she is driven by her aim to level the playing field at international negotiation tables through capacity development, and to provide out-of-the-box thinking and inspiration by drawing on her passion for science-fiction.
Ms Pavlina Ittelson
Senior Programme Officer
Ms Pavlina Ittelson joined Diplo in 2017 and currently serves as senior programme officer at Diplo US. She focuses on the legal aspects of internet governance in the fields of internet jurisdiction, cybersecurity, and alternative dispute resolution. She also curates the topics of Jurisdiction, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property Rights on the GIP Digital Watch observatory website.
Prior to joining Diplo, Pavlina practiced law as an attorney and a legal project manager in the fields of international business, science, and technology. Pavlina received her degree in Law from Comenius University, Bratislava, and her LLM in International Business Law from the Central European University, Budapest. A native of Slovakia, she now resides in the Washington, DC area.
Dr Jovan Kurbalija
Executive Director
Dr Jovan Kurbalija is the Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP). He was a member of the UN Working Group on Internet Governance (2004‒2005), special advisor to the Chairman of the UN Internet Governance Forum (2006‒2010), and a member of the High Level Multistakeholder Committee for NETmundial (2013‒2014). In 2018-2019, he served as co-Executive Director of the Secretariat of the United Nations (UN) High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation.
A former diplomat, Jovan has a professional and academic background in international law, diplomacy, and information technology. He has been a pioneer in the field of cyber diplomacy since 1992 when he established the Unit for Information Technology and Diplomacy at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta, and later, DiploFoundation.
Since 1997, Jovan’s research and articles on cyber diplomacy have shaped research and policy discussion on the impact of the Internet on diplomacy and international relations. His book, An Introduction to Internet Governance, has been translated into 9 languages and is used as a textbook for academic courses worldwide. He lectures on e-diplomacy and Internet governance in academic and training institutions in many countries, including Austria (Diplomatic Academy of Vienna), Belgium (College of Europe), Switzerland (University of St Gallen), Malta (University of Malta), and the United States (University of Southern California).
His publishes regular articles on DiploFoundation's blog, and the Huffington Post.
Ms Marília Maciel
Digital Policy Senior Researcher
Brazilian-born Ms Marília Maciel is currently based in Strasbourg, France. She is involved in several Internet- governance-related projects, notably on the fields of digital economy, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. She also curates the topics of e-commerce, Access and Digital Divide for the GIP Digital Watch Observatory and represents Diplo at various meetings.
Prior to joining Diplo, Ms Marília Maciel was a researcher and coordinator of the Center for Technology and Society of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (CTS/FGV) in Rio de Janeiro. She served as a councillor at ICANN´s Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) representing the Non-Commercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG). Marília is a former member of the Working Group on Improvements to the Internet Governance Forum (2011–2012), created under the auspices of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UN CSTD). She was also a member of the Multistakeholder Executive Committee of NETmundial and represented CTS/FGV in meetings of the Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). She served in the Consultative Chamber on Internet Security and Rights of the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br).
Marília is a PhD candidate at the University of Bordeaux Montaigne, on Information and Communication Sciences. She holds an MA in Latin American Integration from the Federal University of Santa Maria (2008) and a law degree from the Federal University of Pernambuco (2005), where she was awarded a research grant from the State of Pernambuco Research Foundation (FACEPE) to investigate issues related to taxation and electronic commerce.
Amb. Asoke Mukerji
Former Indian Ambassador
Ambassador Asoke Mukerji’s diplomatic career spans 37 years, from 1978-2015. As India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (2013-2015) he oversaw India’s negotiations on Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development, focusing on prioritising the use of technology for achieving the SDGs. He represented India in the inter-governmental negotiations that recommended a text-based outcome for UN Security Council Reforms in September 2015. He led India’s successful initiative in the UN General Assembly in 2014 for adopting a resolution to declare 21 June every year as the International Day of Yoga.
Ambassador Mukerji was India’s Delegate to the World Trade Organization in Geneva (1995-1998). He was Deputy High Commissioner of India in the UK (2007-2010); India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan (2005-2007); Deputy Chief of India’s Mission in the Russian Federation (2001-2005); and India’s first resident Charge d’affaires in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He headed India’s largest consular post in Dubai (UAE) as Consul General from 1998-2001 and was India’s last Consul General to Soviet Central Asia.
As Special Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, he oversaw Indian foreign policy planning and review, India’s policies in international organizations, and led Indian delegations participating in joint working groups on countering terrorism. He initiated India’s first international cyber dialogues with the USA, the UK, the Russian Federation, Japan, and the EU. He worked as Chef de Cabinet of India’s Minister of State for External Affairs (1993-95) and as Private Secretary to India’s Minister of External Affairs (1985-86).
Ambassador Mukerji chaired a multi-stakeholder working group under India’s National Security Council Secretariat to recommend cyber norms for India (2017-2018). He has addressed audiences at seminars and conferences in India and abroad, including the Global Conferences on Cyber Space at London (2011) and New Delhi (2017). He lectures regularly on multilateral issues to Indian and foreign diplomats at India’s Foreign Service Institute.
Ambassador Mukerji has published articles and book chapters in Indian and foreign publications on India’s foreign policy, as well as several books. He obtained a BA (Honours) and MA degree from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. In July 2018, he was awarded a Doctor of Civil Law (honoris causa) degree by the University of East Anglia (UK) for his contributions to diplomacy.
Mr Vladimir Radunović
Cybersecurity and E-diplomacy Programmes Director
Serbian-born Mr Vladimir (Vlada) Radunović is a lecturer in cybersecurity policy, Internet governance, and e-diplomacy on postgraduate and professional courses. He also serves as an expert with the Geneva Internet Platform. He served as a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) from 2016 to 2020, and a member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from 2012 to 2014. Vlada has been a lecturer, speaker, and resource person on a number of educational and training programmes and events worldwide, including within the WSIS and IGF processes. His professional and research focus is on Internet governance, broadband policy and net neutrality, cybersecurity and cyber-diplomacy, e-diplomacy, and capacity development. He holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Belgrade and a Master’s in Contemporary Diplomacy from the University of Malta. He is currently working on his PhD in cybersecurity. Vlada is currently member of the Board of Directors of Diplo US.
Interested in how the security aspects of digital technology shape geopolitics - international peace and stability, and social and economic development? Do you want to learn how to contribute to various processes that shape the global cybersecurity environment? Then this online cybersecurity course is for you.
Diplo’s Cybersecurity Diplomacy course is for ‘hands-on’ practitioners such as:
- Diplomats
- Business and civil society delegates for digital policy and governmental relations
- Decision makers, executives, and leaders from various sectors
You don’t need to be a tech or policy expert to attend the course. All technical, legal, diplomatic, and policy aspects will be explained in this cybersecurity training in a clear, easier to understand, and appealing manner. The unique value of the course lies in the exchange of experiences and knowledge within a network of professionals from various backgrounds, as well as a well-crafted learning approach designed and facilitated by seasoned diplomats and experts.
The knowledge, insights, and contacts gained in this course are applicable in: deliberations of international and regional organisations, government policy decisions, strategic planning and governance relations for businesses, academic research and education, civil society advocacy work, and raising public awareness via media.
Scope
Understanding the geopolitical aspects of cybersecurity and preparing for influencing and taking part in the global negotiations and processes.
Learning objectives
By the end of this cybersecurity diplomacy course you should be able to:
- Explain the impact of (in)security of digital technologies on geopolitics and social and economic development;
- Understand cybersecurity issues on the diplomatic agenda and their impact on geopolitics;
- Identify multilateral and multistakeholder political processes that shape global and regional cybersecurity agendas;
- Explain the roles that stakeholder (states, companies, emergency responders, civil society, and academia) should play in achieving cyber-stability;
- Identify steps to prepare an institution to take part in those processes;
- Take an active role in international processes around strategic digital/cyber policy.
Guest lecturers
The course will involve number of guest lecturers, among others:
Ambassador Jürg Lauber, former Chair of the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Developments in the Field of ICTs in the Context of International Security, and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and other Organizations in Geneva
Ambassador Amr Aljowaily, former Vice Chair of the UN Disarmament Commission and Rapporteur of the United Nations’ Special Committee on Peacekeeping, and Ambassador of Egypt to Serbia
Mr Ljupčo Jivan Gjorgjinski, former Chair of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), and Senior Advisor for Multilateral Affairs at the MFA of North Macedonia
Mr Chris Painter, former Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the US Department of State, President of the GFCE Foundation
Course outline
- Explaining the strategic impact of cyber(in)security on the political, social and economic environment. Analysis of landmark cases, such as the SolarWinds hack.
- Understanding the cybersecurity issues on the diplomatic agenda and their impact on geopolitics (applicability of international law, norms and confidence building measures; particular concerns like protection of critical infrastructure and the supply chain, exploitation of vulnerabilities and the proliferation of malicious tools, challenges of attribution, etc; broader contexts like Internet governance, human rights and economic development).
- Discussing the roles that stakeholder should play for cyber-stability: states (and various national institutions, parliamentarians, etc), companies (and in particular the producers of digital products), incident responders (like CERT/CSIRT teams), the technical community, non-government organisations and advocacy groups, academia and the research community.
- Mapping multilateral processes (UN cyber GGE and OEWG, etc.) and multistakeholder processes (Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, Tech Accord, Charter of Trust, and Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace, etc.) that shape global cybersecurity agenda, work of regional organisations (ASEAN, OSCE, OAS, AU, SCO, etc.), and related discussions in other international and multilateral organisations and processes (UN Digital Cooperation, ITU, WTO, and SDGs process, etc.).
- ‘Understanding the specificities of diplomatic and political processes, and identifying steps to prepare an institution to take part in those processes (capacity building, diplomatic skills, developing foreign policy, etc.).
This course will be of interest to professionals from developed and developing countries, who want to follow and contribute to global negotiations on cybersecurity, and in particular:
- Diplomats and other practitioners involved in foreign relations (in ministries, international and regional organisations, etc.)
- Decision makers: officials in ministries, regulatory authorities, parliaments, etc.
- Business executives: corporate decision makers, strategic planning and government relations officers
- Civil society leaders in think-thanks, capacity building organisations, human rights advocacy groups, etc.
- Incident responders and technical community professionals such as executives of the CERT/CSIRT or SOC teams, standard-setting bodies, etc.
- Researchers and academics interested in digital technology, cybersecurity, and international relations.
Diplo’s Cybersecurity Diplomacy course is now open for applications.
Diplo’s Cybersecurity Diplomacy course is conducted online over a period of five weeks. Reading materials and tools for the interaction are provided through an online classroom. Each week, participants read lecture texts and watch videos, add their comments, references, and questions. Course lecturers and participants read and respond to these, creating asynchronous interaction. Throughout the week, participants complete additional activities (e.g. games, simulation exercises, and quizzes), and meet course lecturers at the end of the week for an hour-long session to discuss the week’s topic.
Courses are based on a collaborative approach to learning, involving a high level of interaction. This course requires a minimum of 3-4 hours of study time per week at their own pace, but may often lure participants to spend more due to the level and quality of the exchange among participants. Groups are limited to 25 participants.
At the end of the course, successful participants are awarded with a certificate of completion, and invited to join Diplo’s global Internet governance and cybersecurity online community of over 2000 members, with an option to attend thematic webinars and other events and activities.
All course materials, the e-learning platform, and the working language of the course is English. Applicants need to possess sufficient English reading and writing skills to follow postgraduate level materials and discussion.
Applicants for the certificate course should have:
- Interest in cybersecurity policy, international peace and stability, diplomacy, and multistakeholder approaches in international affairs.
- Sufficient English reading, writing and speaking skills to undertake postgraduate level studies (including reading texts, and discussing complex concepts with other course participants);
- Regular internet access (broadband is preferable);
- A minimum of 3-4 hours commitment per week, and the readiness to participate in hour-long class online sessions (once a week at specified times).
The 800€ fee includes:
- Tuition
- Access to all course materials online, via Diplo’s online classroom
- Personal interaction via the online classroom with course lecturers, staff and other participants
- Online technical support
- E-certificate issued by DiploFoundation on successful completion of course requirements (interaction and participation, all assignments) which can be printed or shared electronically via permanent link
Applicants must pay full fees upon official acceptance to the course.
Discounts
Alumni members are eligible for a 15% discount on course fees.
Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution.
Financial assistance
A limited scholarship fund is available for diplomats and others working in international relations from small and developing countries, through support from the governments of Malta and Switzerland.
A limited scholarship fund is also available for civil society applicants working in the field of digital policy, through the general support of the Ford Foundation.
To apply for a scholarship please upload:
- Your CV
- A motivation letter including:
- Details of your relevant professional and educational background.
- Reasons for your interest in Diplo’s Cyber Diplomacy course
- Why do you feel you should have a scholarship to participate in this course? How will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country?
As Diplo's ability to offer scholarship support is limited, candidates are strongly encouraged to seek scholarship funding directly from local or international institutions.
To apply, please fill in the application form above.
Cancellation Policy
Diplo reserves the right to cancel this course if enrollment is insufficient. In case of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may apply this fee towards another course or receive a refund.