Estonia hosts global Summer School to strengthen cyber diplomacy
If cybercrime were a country, its economy would be the third largest in the world. That comparison, shared by experts during the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School, reflects how urgent and complex today’s cyber threats have become. As digital technologies transform societies, the risks and responsibilities are growing just as fast. This is where cyber diplomacy plays a vital role – helping countries build common ground, shape global norms, and respond to threats with coordination and clarity.
The sixth edition of the Summer School brought together 60 diplomats and experts from 54 countries for a high-level programme exploring the foundations, frameworks, and future of international cyber cooperation.
The week-long programme provided participants with a unique platform for learning, exchanging, and building lasting trust networks, from international law and responsible state behaviour to the governance of emerging technologies like AI. Interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and a real-life tabletop exercise helped participants understand how diplomacy can reduce risks and strengthen cyber stability.
“Cyber diplomacy is no longer a niche concern – it is a core pillar of international security and cooperation,’’ said Margus Tsahkna, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. “As one of the first nations to experience the true impact of state-sponsored cyber-attacks, Estonia has transformed that challenge into global leadership, shaping international norms and partnerships in cyberspace. The war in Ukraine has made it clear: real cyber attacks are part of the ongoing war. This is why initiatives like the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School are vital, building the next generation of cyber diplomats to protect our digital future. Estonia remains committed to advancing cyber resilience and ensuring an open, secure, and rules-based cyberspace for all.”
With its strong experience in digital governance and cyber policy, Estonia is a natural place to host these global discussions. The Summer School also showed how important it is to bring different regions and perspectives together — especially now when cyber diplomacy is becoming a key part of international cooperation.
“Cybersecurity has become a defining issue of our time. It touches every sector, every society, and every citizen,” said Hannes Astok, Executive Director of the e-Governance Academy. “We’re proud to host this global forum in Estonia, which has long championed secure and inclusive digital governance. The Summer School reflects our commitment to building international partnerships and strengthening cyber diplomacy worldwide.”
The programme also included a tabletop exercise designed to simulate the diplomatic challenges posed by real-world cyber incidents. This is a crucial experience in an era where hybrid threats can escalate across borders at the speed of a click.
“The rapid development of the digital world and the related cybersecurity risks affect us all nowadays, and countries must find ways to work together to ensure each other’s security. The Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School and the accompanying tabletop exercise are an excellent opportunity for diplomats to learn together, share experiences, and discuss how well-coordinated cyber cooperation helps prevent cyberattacks and, if necessary, respond to them. This kind of cooperation and learning from each other is more important now than ever,” said Andres Ääremaa, ESTDEV’s Programme Manager for Cybersecurity and E-Governance.
The Summer School is part of the EU-funded Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Programme and contributes to the EU’s vision of a secure, open, and inclusive digital future built on international cooperation.
As cyber challenges become more complex, initiatives like this help build the shared understanding and trusted networks the world needs. The conversations launched in Tallinn won’t end here. They will continue through strategies, partnerships, and diplomacy, shaping our collective digital future.
The Summer School is co-organised by the European Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, the e-Governance Academy, and the Estonian Centre for International Development – ESTDEV.
