OSCE hosts inter-regional exchange on cyber/ICT security in Vienna

The OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department organized a series of events dedicated to cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures (CBMs), which took place on 1 and 2 June 2026 in Vienna. The events brought together representatives from Australia, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, as well as representatives from the African Union Commission, the European Union and the Organization of American States to strengthen co-operation in the field of international cyber/ICT security.

Organized within the framework of the OSCE’s work on confidence-building measures, the events provided a platform for participants to share good practices on the development and implementation of confidence-building measures in cyberspace and exchange regional perspectives on these processes. The programme focused on practical co-ordination, crisis management and the development of trusted channels of communication, all of which are essential to reducing risks and preventing misunderstandings in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

“Confidence-building measures help build trust before crises happen. This applies to all regions, which is why this exchange with our Asian partners is so valuable,” said John Schabedoth, Coordination of Cyber Foreign Policy and Security Risks of New Technologies at the German Federal Foreign Office. 

On 1 June, participants joined an interactive workshop on cyber/ICT security designed to strengthen their understanding of OSCE cyber CBMs and share good implementation practices of OSCE participating States. This meeting also provided a platform for participants to discuss how States can improve inter-regional co-operation and communication, reflecting the fact that the OSCE is no longer the only regional organization to develop measures to strengthen the stability of cyberspace. 

In the afternoon, participants were invited to join the plenary meeting of the annual meeting of the OSCE national cyber points of contact nominated in line with CBM No. 8. The focus of this meeting was to bridge the gap between technical and policy communities in cyber/ICT security. It also discussed the new UN global mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security, as well as ongoing efforts to advance responsible State behaviour in cyberspace. The OSCE point-of-contact network is a flagship initiative that encourages participating States to nominate contact points in order to facilitate communication and co-operation, particularly in situations where timely exchange of information can help reduce tensions and avoid escalation.

On 2 June, participants observed a meeting of the Informal Working Group established by Permanent Council Decision No. 1039, the OSCE’s main cyber diplomacy process. They gained first-hand insight into how participating States exchange views, share national practices and advance discussions on CBMs.

The event was organized under the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Activities and Customized Support for the Implementation of OSCE Cyber/ICT Security Confidence-Building Measures”, with financial support from Germany.