Digital International Geneva: working together for a secure cyberspace
Geneva is positioning itself as a global centre for the digital future: at the second Geneva Cyber Week, participants exchanged views on advancing global cooperation in cyberspace. In this interview, State Secretary Alexandre Fasel explains the opportunities and risks associated with digitalisation, the importance of non-state actors and how Digital International Geneva is intended to promote cooperation in cyberspace.
Mr Fasel, the theme of this year's Geneva Cyber Week was advancing global cooperation in cyberspace. How can Geneva help to put this cooperation into practice?
Geneva is ideally placed to advance cooperation at a global level. The city is best known to the public as the European headquarters of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. But the city's influence goes far beyond this: Geneva is home to numerous organisations, institutions and companies active in the governance of cyberspace and digital technologies, such as Proton, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and Infomaniak. These actors are specifically looking for an environment in which they can voice their concerns and advocate a peaceful cyberspace. This is exactly what Geneva offers: the cyber sector is growing rapidly, and the geographical proximity of the various stakeholders fosters particularly dynamic collaboration. The FDFA supports this collaborative approach by funding and supporting initiatives in Geneva.
You took part in the fireside chat on Digital International Geneva. What does this expression mean?
Digitalisation is one of the most important global drivers of growth today. It is fundamentally changing diplomacy and the work of organisations in International Geneva. Digital technologies are also crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and enabling progress in the areas of health, education and poverty reduction. At the same time, there are risks: cyberconflicts are a reality today, and the misuse of digital technologies is unavoidable.
The central question is therefore how states and the international community deal with digitalisation – what we are prepared to accept and where the boundaries lie. Geneva has always been a place for challenging debates. What is new is that information and communication technologies are largely owned and operated by non-state actors, who must be included in this debate. Digital International Geneva brings together all stakeholders to leverage the opportunities presented by digitalisation and limit its risks.
Geneva should be the global place where digitalisation is shaped for the benefit of humanity.
Switzerland is taking a leading role in shaping Digital International Geneva. What is your vision for it?
Geneva should be the global place where digitalisation for the benefit of humanity is discussed – with the involvement of all stakeholders: small and large states, humanitarian organisations, civil society, academia and the private sector. It is not about telling others what is right or wrong, but about defining and implementing shared values. One example is the Geneva Dialogue initiated by Switzerland, in which non-state actors discuss their responsibility in cyberspace. This was the catalyst for the Geneva Manual, which serves as a basis for further discussions between states. At the same time, we are strengthening the digital framework conditions in Geneva, for example by creating a Cybersecurity Centre for international organisations and NGOs as well as the International Geneva AI Innovation Programme (IGAIP) to promote AI projects for organisations in International Geneva. We also support organisations in modernising their digital infrastructures. These measures enable the stakeholders in Geneva to work efficiently and effectively.
International cooperation and continuous knowledge-sharing are crucial for cybersecurity.
What opportunities and risks associated with digitalisation did the participants discuss this week?
For the cybersecurity community, the boundaries are clear: some risks are similar to those in the physical world, others are specifically digital – such as cyberattacks or data leaks. Vulnerable population groups are particularly at risk if systems and users are inadequately prepared, for example when protecting sensitive data in hospitals.
At the same time, secure infrastructures, a clear legal framework and a national dialogue on cybersecurity offer great opportunities. Cooperation between governments, experts and companies enables more efficient systems, mutual trust, simplified communication and better access to information. The general consensus is therefore that international cooperation and a continuous exchange of information in the area of cybersecurity are crucial.
Trust between states is the basis for a secure and stable digital environment.
Switzerland is not only committed through the Geneva Cyber Week: the topic is also a priority of the OSCE chairpersonship...
Switzerland is committed to an open, secure and free cyberspace at international level – with a clear focus on cooperation, stability and resilience. This commitment is evident both within the framework of the OSCE chairpersonship and during Geneva Cyber Week. However, the rapid digital transformation has increased the risk of misperceptions, misjudgements and conflicts between states. Building trust in the area of cybersecurity is therefore crucial, as this forms the basis for a secure and stable digital environment. Switzerland wants to actively contribute to this, not only through Geneva Cyber Week, but also during its chairpersonship of the OSCE: at the end of September, we are organising an OSCE cybersecurity conference in Zug on de-escalation in cyberspace.
What topics and priorities will shape the agenda of Geneva Cyber Week in the coming years?
Geneva Cyber Week continues to pursue the central goal of strengthening cooperation and resilience in global cyberspace. In the coming years, we want to firmly establish Geneva Cyber Week on the international agenda as a leading platform where all stakeholders can discuss solutions to the challenges of digitalisation together. Our aim is not to reduce cyberspace to individual aspects, but to take a holistic approach.
Of course, Cyber Week does not exist in a vacuum: we seek to establish long-term partnerships with similar events. We would like the next Geneva cyber weeks to build continuity with the other cyber weeks worldwide.
Geneva Cyber Week
The Geneva Cyber Week is organised by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the FDFA and is supported by the wider digital and cybersecurity community in Geneva. 1,000 participants – decision-makers, industry leaders, researchers and civil society representatives from various countries took part in the second edition of Geneva Cyber Week on the theme of advancing global cooperation in cyberspace.
Contact
General Secretariat GS-FDFA
Federal Palace West
3003 Bern