In recognition that the ever-increasing resilience on information and communication technologies comes with potential vulnerabilities, the EU’s Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace has included cybercrime and cyber security as one of its priority areas. Consequently, the European Commission wishes to expand its knowledge of the actions required to strengthen international Networks Enhancing the Economy, Development and Security (NEEDS).

The conference aims to contribute to the cataloguing cyber of needs around the world and to take stock of other national and international initiatives to that effect. The outcome of the conference will therefore directly inform the decision-making process with regard to EU’s future efforts in this field.

The conference will explore concrete ways in which cyber capacity building can further stimulate global economic and social development. In other words, the event will aim to identify crucial resources required for strengthening international Networks Enhancing the Economy, Development and Security (NEEDS).

The discussion will focus on three main areas for cyber capacity building: cybercrime and justice, protection and resilience of critical infrastructure, and e‑development. These topics will be further explored along three specific dimensions: human resource development (i.e. skills and access to knowledge, training), institutional and legal development (i.e. legislative processes, oversight) and organisational development (i.e. management structures, organisation of relationships between various actors).

IN EACH OF THESE DIMENSIONS WE WILL FOCUS ON TWO SETS OF QUESTIONS CONCERNING:

• Methods

How do different actors (i.e. states, regional and international organisations, companies) assess their cyber needs?

• Needs

What needs have been identified so far? In what areas does the international community perform well and where does it lag behind?