Tallinn welcomes cyber diplomats worldwide to tackle global cybersecurity challenges
“Given the interconnected nature and ever complicating landscape of cybersecurity, Cyber Diplomats now play a more prominent role in ensuring an open, safe, free and secure cyberspace,” stated Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. This week, Estonia hosts the fifth edition of the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School, gathering cyber diplomacy experts to address the complexities of cybersecurity and international cooperation.
Held from November 11–15, Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School provides a unique platform for diplomats and policymakers to delve into key issues such as cyber norms, international law in cyberspace, and the impacts of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, to name a few. This global event is organised by Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, e-Governance Academy (eGA), and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), and supported by the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
“Cybersecurity field is becoming more intense due to new technological advances as well as state sponsored, non-state actors and cyber criminals taking advantage of vulnerabilities faster than ever before,” Tsahkna continued. “One of the examples being Russia´s illegal and unprovoked invasion against Ukraine, which has clearly illustrated that cyberattacks have become an integral part of modern armed conflict.”
To equip participants with practical tools for these realities, the event will also feature a hands-on cybersecurity exercise led by Estonia’s top cyber experts, offering real-world experience in handling international cyber incidents. Additionally, participants will visit key cybersecurity institutions, including the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.
“Estonia’s journey in building a resilient digital government has shown us that securing digital progress requires both strong practices and global cooperation,” said Hannes Astok, Director of the e-Governance Academy. “At the Summer School, we’re eager to share Estonia’s insights alongside international experts, equipping cyber diplomats with the tools they need to build a safer digital world.”
“Rapid digital development around the world and the associated cyber security risks concern us all. Countries need to work together to find ways to improve security for everyone. The Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School is an opportunity for diplomats to learn together, share experiences, and discuss cyber threat prevention and how to act responsibly. This kind of cooperation and peer learning is more important now than ever before,” said Andres Ääremaa, programme manager for Digital Transformation at ESTDEV.
With delegates from over 40 different countries, Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School highlights Estonia’s role in shaping global cybersecurity policy. This event represents a truly international collaboration, bringing together cyber diplomats from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas to build a safer and more resilient digital world.
More pictures can be found in Flickr.