Session
University of West Bohemia
Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group Susan, Cyber Peace Zambia, African Group Gregory John Simons, Uppsala University, Asia-Pacific Dr. Khouzeifi doud, Cyber Security Resecher, African Group
Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group Susan, Cyber Peace Zambia, African Group Gregory John Simons, Uppsala University, Asia-Pacific Dr. Khouzeifi doud, Cyber Security Resecher, African Group
Organization's Website
Speakers
Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group
Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group
Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group
Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Susan, Cyber Peace Zambia, African Group
Gregory John Simons, Uppsala University, Asia-Pacific
Dr. Khouzeifi doud, Cyber Security Resecher, African Group
Onsite Moderator
Manish Jaiswal
Rapporteur
Gregory John Simons
SDGs
9.1
9.2
9.b
Targets: This session contributes directly to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, particularly the following targets: SDG 9.1: "Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all." Link to Session: By addressing how critical internet infrastructure can be safeguarded during crises, the session will explore how to build resilient digital infrastructure that supports economic and social development, even in times of disruption. This supports the long-term goal of ensuring that internet infrastructure remains robust and reliable, ensuring economic continuity and well-being for all, especially in crises. SDG 9.2: "Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and expand access to information and communications technology." Link to Session: This session will emphasize the importance of securing digital infrastructure to support industries in the face of disruptions, allowing for the continued growth and development of industries, especially during crises. It will address the importance of enabling all sectors to have reliable access to digital tools and services during times of crisis, which is critical for sustainable industrialization. SDG 9.b: "Support domestic technology development, research, and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities." Link to Session: This session will highlight how developing countries can improve their internet infrastructure resilience through domestic policy, collaboration, and technology development. It will explore how emerging technologies can be deployed to safeguard critical infrastructure during crises, fostering innovation and technology transfer, particularly to the Global South. By focusing on these SDG targets, the session will help identify practical solutions for building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive digital infrastructure that can withstand crises and serve global communities effectively.
9.2
9.b
Targets: This session contributes directly to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, particularly the following targets: SDG 9.1: "Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all." Link to Session: By addressing how critical internet infrastructure can be safeguarded during crises, the session will explore how to build resilient digital infrastructure that supports economic and social development, even in times of disruption. This supports the long-term goal of ensuring that internet infrastructure remains robust and reliable, ensuring economic continuity and well-being for all, especially in crises. SDG 9.2: "Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and expand access to information and communications technology." Link to Session: This session will emphasize the importance of securing digital infrastructure to support industries in the face of disruptions, allowing for the continued growth and development of industries, especially during crises. It will address the importance of enabling all sectors to have reliable access to digital tools and services during times of crisis, which is critical for sustainable industrialization. SDG 9.b: "Support domestic technology development, research, and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities." Link to Session: This session will highlight how developing countries can improve their internet infrastructure resilience through domestic policy, collaboration, and technology development. It will explore how emerging technologies can be deployed to safeguard critical infrastructure during crises, fostering innovation and technology transfer, particularly to the Global South. By focusing on these SDG targets, the session will help identify practical solutions for building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive digital infrastructure that can withstand crises and serve global communities effectively.
Format
This session will be conducted as a hybrid panel discussion with a variety of speakers, including representatives from government bodies, international organizations, the private sector, cybersecurity experts, and academics. The format will be as follows:
Introduction : The moderator will introduce the importance of safeguarding critical internet infrastructure during crisis situations, including an overview of the current challenges faced by global internet systems in emergencies.
Panel Discussion : Panelists will provide their perspectives on protecting critical infrastructure, focusing on:
Security measures and technological solutions to enhance resilience.
International and national collaboration strategies.
The role of regulation and policy in maintaining digital infrastructure during crises.
Innovative practices and case studies from around the world.
Audience Q&A : A dedicated Q&A session for both online and onsite participants to ask questions, share their experiences, and engage in direct dialogue with the panelists.
Closing Remarks : The moderator will summarize the key takeaways, action points, and next steps, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to safeguard critical infrastructure in crisis situations.
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
In today's increasingly connected world, the protection of internet critical infrastructure during crisis situations is vital for ensuring the continuity of communication, governance, economic activities, and emergency response. This session will explore the various dimensions of safeguarding internet infrastructure in times of crisis, whether it be natural disasters, political unrest, cyberattacks, or other disruptions that threaten the availability and stability of the internet.
The session will cover key areas, such as:
Resilience and Security: How governments, businesses, and international organizations can collaborate to build resilient infrastructures that withstand crises.
Public-Private Partnerships: The role of private sector actors, such as telecom providers and cloud service companies, in securing critical infrastructure during emergencies.
Regulatory and Legal Frameworks: The need for clear policies, frameworks, and international cooperation to manage and protect critical digital infrastructure during crisis situations.
Technological Solutions: How innovation and advanced technologies (such as AI, blockchain, and decentralized networks) can support infrastructure resilience in emergencies.
Case Studies: Real-world examples of infrastructure protection in crisis scenarios, focusing on lessons learned from past events (e.g., natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other disruptions).
This session links to key IGF 2025 issue areas such as Cybersecurity, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Digital Resilience, and Public-Private Cooperation.
Interactive Q&A: The session will be used for real-time Q&A. Online attendees can submit questions and comments, which the moderator will address during the Q&A portion. Onsite participants will also be encouraged to use their devices to engage with online attendees, ensuring equal participation. Integrated Breakouts: Online participants will be included via Zoom or Microsoft Teams will be used to facilitate virtual group discussions, ensuring all attendees can contribute regardless of their location. Live Streaming and Moderation: The session will be streamed live, with a dedicated moderator ensuring that online and onsite participants have equal opportunities to ask questions, share insights, and engage in discussions. This hybrid format will encourage inclusivity by allowing contributions from all attendees.
Interactive Q&A: The session will be used for real-time Q&A. Online attendees can submit questions and comments, which the moderator will address during the Q&A portion. Onsite participants will also be encouraged to use their devices to engage with online attendees, ensuring equal participation. Integrated Breakouts: Online participants will be included via Zoom or Microsoft Teams will be used to facilitate virtual group discussions, ensuring all attendees can contribute regardless of their location. Live Streaming and Moderation: The session will be streamed live, with a dedicated moderator ensuring that online and onsite participants have equal opportunities to ask questions, share insights, and engage in discussions. This hybrid format will encourage inclusivity by allowing contributions from all attendees.