About
The Cybersecurity Diplomacy online course aims to equip Geneva Dialogue partners and professionals with the knowledge and skills to understand global cybersecurity negotiations and act effectively to shape and implement international and regional cyber norms and confidence-building measures. The course will run from 24 November to 11 December 2025.
Context
The use of cyberattacks by states – and, more generally, the behaviour of states in cyberspace concerning the maintenance of international peace and security – is moving to the top of the international agenda. States are looking for ways to secure cyberspace, their societies and economies depend upon. Negotiations about cyberspace take place within the United Nations committees, the General Assembly and the Security Council, various regional organisations like the OSCE, OAS, AU and ASEAN, and multilateral fora like G7, G20, and the WTO. Within the UN, through the work of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (UN GGE) from 2004 to 2021, and the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) from 2019 to 2025, states have developed and agreed on the international framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace (visit here for more).
There is an increasing awareness and recognition among states that, to implement the agreed cyber norms, they should partner with relevant stakeholders and non-state actors: businesses, civil society, academia and the technical community. At the same time, these stakeholders are realising that they, too, need to play a role in shaping and implementing political decisions. Cyber(in)security is impacting international peace, sustainable development, digital cooperation, human rights and privacy, as well as the global digital business environment, and the stakes are getting higher for everyone: ministers, diplomats, business executives, civil society leaders, tech gurus, and researchers.
Eligibility and methodology
Partners and contributing organisations of the Geneva Dialogue, as well as the involved experts, are encouraged to attend the course. Participation costs are covered through the Geneva Dialogue.
- The participants will require a minimum of 3-4 hours of study time per week at their own pace (though they may be motivated to spend more due to the level and quality of the exchange among participants).
- Upon completing the course, participants will be awarded a certificate.
- The working language of the course is English.
Dates
The course will be launched on 24 November 2025, allowing a few days to get acquainted with the classroom, the learning methodology and the group. Learning activities will start on 28 November 2025 and conclude on 11 December 2025.
Geneva Dialogue
The Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace (Geneva Dialogue) is an international process established in 2018 to map the roles and responsibilities of non-state stakeholders – the private sector, civil society, academia, and technical community – in contributing to greater security and stability in cyberspace. It is led by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and implemented by DiploFoundation, with the support of the Republic and State of Geneva, C4DT, and UBS. To learn more, visit here.