National cyber diplomacy workshop for North Macedonia

The National Cyber Diplomacy Workshop for North Macedonia brought together around 50 diplomats and key national stakeholders to explore the growing geopolitical significance of cyberspace and its impact on foreign and security policy.

As digitalisation and emerging technologies – particularly AI – reshape global politics, states are increasingly required to strengthen their capacity to address cybersecurity and digital governance as core elements of international engagement. Cyber diplomacy has become a critical tool for advancing national interests, participating effectively in international negotiations, and promoting stability and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

The workshop examined the geopolitical implications of cyberspace, infrastructure – including cables and data centres, AI realities and governance of opportunities and challenges, and cybersecurity risks to international peace and security. It has also reflected on the UN framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and the upcoming negotiations within the newly established permanent UN Global Mechanism.

Designed as an interactive capacity-building event, the workshop combined expert presentations with facilitated discussions, fostering dialogue among diplomats and officials involved in national cybersecurity policy and strategy development. The event aimed to strengthen national awareness, coordination, and engagement in international cyber and digital policy processes.

The training was delivered by Diplo, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the German Federal Foreign Office, as part of their Western Balkans Cyber Diplomacy Network initiative.

Related actors: DiploFoundation