Yesterday, Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand introduced the role of technology in the development of the Estonian state at the cyber-themed discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Kaljurand also stressed the importance of international dialogue in regulating behaviour in cyberspace.

“Estonia is one of those countries for which cyberspace is a matter of successful operation and development of the state and society. In building an e-government, we must take into account the fact that more we use IT, the more vulnerable we are,” Kaljurand noted.

The Foreign Minister added that it is important that countries abide by their obligations under international law and clearly condemn violations of international law, both in cyberspace, as well as in the “physical world”.

“We see an opportunity and need for cooperation between countries, academia and the private sector in mapping out and studying cyberspace-related international law and the practice of states in depth,” Kaljurand said.

Following the Minister’s speech, a discussion took place regarding the UN Working Group’s (UNGGE) achievements, next steps and cooperation possibilities for contributing to stability and security in cyberspace. In addition to the Minister, also participating in the debate were U.S. State Department’s Coordinator for Cyber Issues Chris Painter, Director of Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy at Microsoft, Angela McKay, Director of New America's Cybersecurity Initiative Ian Wallace, Associate Director of the Institute for Law, Science and Global Security at Georgetown University, Catherine Lotrionte and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace new cyber policy initiative expert Tim Maurer.

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/albums/721576625...

 

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