Cyberspace and the digital economy are rapidly shifting around the world, both in engineering and in terms of policies. Many countries are rushing to adopt or implement new cyber strategies and laws to address the increasingly complex threat landscape, as well as greater demands from citizens for privacy protections. These changes are quickly creating new requirements for businesses, NGOs, and government agencies. Many experts have issued new calls to action for the international development community to mainstream cybersecurity, by incorporating it into their normal operations and joining forces with the cybersecurity capacity-building community.

CIPE’s Tim Ridout and Morgan Frost will lead a roundtable discussion about new challenges and how organizations need to adapt. Featured speakers include New America’s Senior Policy Analyst Robert Morgus, who will give a strategic overview and share his recently published recommendations. Capacity-building will be the focus of remarks by Belisario Contreras, Cyber Security Program Manager at the Organization of American States’ Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism. The group will also address the difficult balancing act that comes with enhancing security and privacy, including potential impact on business models and human rights.

Attendees are encouraged to read Morgus’ article, think about how it applies to their work, and come with questions and ideas on how to address growing cybersecurity issues. This discussion will be held under Chatham House Rule in order to facilitate dialogue. Lunch will be provided.

Panelists:

Robert Morgus, Sr. Policy Analyst, Cybersecurity Initiative and Deputy Director, FIU-New America C2B Partnership
Belisario Contreras, Cyber Security Program Manager at the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE), Organization of American States (OAS)
Tim Ridout, CIPE Program Officer, Latin America & the Caribbean
Morgan Frost, CIPE Assistant Program Officer, Global Programs

Full speaker bios are available on the CIPE website.

Mainstreaming Cybersecurity in International Development: How Do We Need to Adapt?