Building Global Cyber Resilience: Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School, funded by the EU, held in Dominican Republic

With cyber threats rising globally, nearly 80 cyber experts, policymakers, and diplomats from almost 40 countries gathered in Santo Domingo for the first-ever Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School. The event aimed to strengthen global cyber resilience and diplomacy, enhance regional cooperation, and equip participants with strategies to navigate today’s evolving cyber landscape.

A Region Facing Growing Cyber Challenges

Cyberattacks in Latin America are increasing, targeting financial institutions, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. The region remains vulnerable due to uneven cybersecurity policies and gaps in capacity-building. A 2024 Inter-American Development Bank and the Organisation of American States report found that while awareness has improved, most countries in the region still lack coordinated defences.

The Dominican Republic has also seen a rise in cyber incidents. These challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity governance, intelligence-sharing, global cooperation and cyber diplomacy as a bilateral and multilateral tool. Ambassador Claudio Peguero, Advisor on Cyber Matters at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the importance of working together: “Cyber threats do not recognise borders, and neither should our defences. The Dominican Republic is proud to host this Winter School, bringing together experts from across the world to strengthen cooperation, share knowledge, build resilience and kickstart an effective cyber-diplomats community.”

With this event, the Dominican Republic strengthens its position as a key player in the region in cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy, promoting a more secure and collaborative digital ecosystem.

Cyber Diplomacy as a Global Priority

As governments face AI-driven threats, hybrid warfare, and disinformation, cyber diplomacy has become crucial for global security. The Winter School focused on aligning regional efforts with international frameworks, sharing best practices, and strengthening global collaboration.

Andrea Leone, Team Leader for Digital Economy in International Partnerships at the European Commission, underlined the EU’s commitment: “A free, open, and secure digital space depends on international cooperation. Through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, we invest in secure digital infrastructure, capacity-building, and cyber resilience—ensuring that also Latin America and the Caribbean are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Ene Višnev, Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Program Director and Senior Cybersecurity Expert at the e-Governance Academy, emphasised the need for long-term engagement in cyber diplomacy: “The growing interdependence of digital infrastructure and the transnational nature of cyber threats make cyber diplomacy not just an option, but a necessity. Through the Winter School, we are strengthening a global network of cyber diplomats and cyber experts who can bridge policy and technical realities. By fostering personal connections and knowledge-sharing, we equip diplomats and policymakers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of cyberspace and advance a free, open, and secure digital world.”

Key Themes and Takeaways

The first-ever Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School brought together experts and alumni to explore three key areas shaping the future of cybersecurity and international cooperation:

• International Cyber Stability – Discussions centred on the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) process and how global norms can be implemented at the national and regional levels. Speakers emphasised the need for stronger alignment between international agreements and regional realities.
• Cyber Threats and Governance – Experts examined AI’s growing role in cybersecurity, the importance of intelligence-sharing, and the challenges of securing digital ecosystems. National CERTs and SOCs from the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Paraguay showcased how regional cybersecurity strategies are evolving.
• Cross-Border Cyber Dependencies – On the final day, a hands-on scenario-based workshop focused on crisis response and regional cooperation. Case studies from Costa Rica, OAS, and CARICOM demonstrated how multi-stakeholder collaboration strengthens cyber resilience.

Throughout the programme, speakers stressed that no country can tackle cyber threats alone. From state-backed cyber operations to AI-driven risks, the discussions underscored the urgency of adapting governance models, fostering trust between cyber and AI actors, and ensuring policies keep pace with emerging threats. The Winter School reinforced that cyber diplomacy is not just about dialogue—it is about action.

Looking Ahead

The Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School was another step toward strengthening the global cyber diplomacy network. In June, the next group of cyber diplomats and experts will gather in Tallinn for the 2025 Summer School, continuing efforts to enhance international cooperation in cybersecurity.

Co-organised by the European Commission (DG INTPA), the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the e-Governance Academy, and EU CyberNet, the EU-funded Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Program is a global initiative that fosters a free, open, stable, and secure cyberspace, rooted in EU values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Through its key components—Summer School, Winter School, Alumni Network, and Fellowship Program—the initiative equips diplomats, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals with the expertise and connections needed to shape international cyber policies.