Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School brought together experts from 33 countries in Bangkok

“As a digital nation, it is important for Estonia that international cooperation in cybersecurity becomes even more effective,” said Helen Popp, Ambassador for Digital and Cyber Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. “In the current geopolitical environment, it is essential to maintain connections, strengthen international networks of cyber diplomats, and share experiences in order to collectively respond to increasingly complex cyber threats.”

Discussions focused on cybersecurity developments in Southeast Asia and across the wider Asian region, as well as regional risks. Participants explored how cyber incidents can be addressed through diplomatic and policy tools, the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and ways to strengthen national resilience in an increasingly complex cyber environment. The programme also highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation among governments, the private sector, and experts, as well as international mechanisms to ensure accountability for malicious cyber activities.

According to Air Vice Marshal Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary-General of Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), cyber threats do not respect national borders and addressing them requires close cooperation between countries. He noted that what distinguishes the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School from many other cybersecurity events is the bringing together of different professional perspectives. “Cyber problems are often approached from a purely technical perspective, but in reality, they also require political and diplomatic solutions. Meetings like this help bring together different viewpoints and allow us to find solutions together,” said Chomchoey.

“Cyber diplomacy has become a central part of international relations,” said Hannes Astok, Executive Director of the e-Governance Academy. “The strength of the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy programme lies not only in training, but in the community we are building together – an international network of experts and diplomats who exchange experiences and help strengthen a trustworthy and functioning cyberspace in their respective countries. Maintaining and developing such an environment requires sustained investment and close cooperation between partners.”

In addition to the Winter School, the Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Summer School takes place every summer in Tallinn. To date, the programme has brought together 168 cyber experts from 88 countries. Both the Winter and Summer Schools are part of the EU-funded Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy programme, which supports the European Union’s goal of promoting a secure, open, and inclusive digital future through international cooperation.

The 2026 Cyber Diplomacy Winter School was organised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the e-Governance Academy, Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency, and the European Commission.