Session
Organizer 1: Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 1: Jaakko Wallenius, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Sandra Maximiano , Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Hisham Ibrahim, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 4: Maarit Palovirta, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Sandra Maximiano , Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Hisham Ibrahim, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 4: Maarit Palovirta, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The Round Table format is the most suitable to facilitate a multistakeholder, global interaction, and would be most conducive to a deeper exchange on the issue. Other formats could pose barriers to dialogue, where we would prefer an open environment that allows for all panellists and interested participants to engage effectively. The session would be 60 minutes, and would also allow for a Q&A to bring in views from the audience.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The Round Table format is the most suitable to facilitate a multistakeholder, global interaction, and would be most conducive to a deeper exchange on the issue. Other formats could pose barriers to dialogue, where we would prefer an open environment that allows for all panellists and interested participants to engage effectively. The session would be 60 minutes, and would also allow for a Q&A to bring in views from the audience.
Policy Question(s)
- How can multistakeholder cooperation benefit subsea cable resilience?
- How can we find more common ground on improving subsea cable security?
- What role can international actors play (i.e. the EU, the ITU) in this context?
What will participants gain from attending this session? The workshop will deepen participants' understanding of different strategies and approaches towards making submarine cable infrastructure more resilient. Participants will gain an overview of the technological and operational aspects as well as the geopolitical context surrounding the topic from the experts who are involved first-hand. Speakers will bring their diverse experiences forward, highlighting the value of a cross-sectoral exchange on this issue. They will provide overviews of best practices, existing initiatives, and expectations for the future, Those participating will be given the opportunity to exchange with speakers, offering the opportunity to bring different voices into the conversation.
SDGs
Description:
Submarine cable infrastructure is an essential part of international communication, as it carries most international data traffic. Submarine cables are also considered to be part of the core infrastructures ensuring that the internet is globally available. In a dynamic geopolitical world, their critical role can also mark them as a target for harm, and disruptions to submarine cable connections have the potential to create major issues for the provision of connectivity and internet services. Aside from purposeful attacks, submarine cables can be damaged naturally, and repairing the infrastructure can be costly and difficult. A recent string of incidents where cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea has further drawn attention to the potential problems damage can cause. Previously, incidents for example in the Suez Canal have led to serious disruptions. These developments have resulted in regional and international efforts to improve submarine cable resilience. European policymakers have launched actions to help finance cable infrastructure and rollout protection technologies. On an international level, a US-led joint statement on undersea cables was endorsed at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, setting out recommendations for selecting low-risk submarine cable suppliers and following good cybersecurity practices. An International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience was also established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the goal of improving collaboration on global communications and the digital economy. Considering this context, this session will bring global experts together to exchange on strategies for improving the resilience of submarine cable infrastructure and of the internet. Tackling this issue is global in nature, and requires strong cooperation across borders. Building on an international interest to ensure this infrastructure remains resilience and secure, the session will dissect the best ways forward for improving submarine cable resilience.
Submarine cable infrastructure is an essential part of international communication, as it carries most international data traffic. Submarine cables are also considered to be part of the core infrastructures ensuring that the internet is globally available. In a dynamic geopolitical world, their critical role can also mark them as a target for harm, and disruptions to submarine cable connections have the potential to create major issues for the provision of connectivity and internet services. Aside from purposeful attacks, submarine cables can be damaged naturally, and repairing the infrastructure can be costly and difficult. A recent string of incidents where cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea has further drawn attention to the potential problems damage can cause. Previously, incidents for example in the Suez Canal have led to serious disruptions. These developments have resulted in regional and international efforts to improve submarine cable resilience. European policymakers have launched actions to help finance cable infrastructure and rollout protection technologies. On an international level, a US-led joint statement on undersea cables was endorsed at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, setting out recommendations for selecting low-risk submarine cable suppliers and following good cybersecurity practices. An International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience was also established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the goal of improving collaboration on global communications and the digital economy. Considering this context, this session will bring global experts together to exchange on strategies for improving the resilience of submarine cable infrastructure and of the internet. Tackling this issue is global in nature, and requires strong cooperation across borders. Building on an international interest to ensure this infrastructure remains resilience and secure, the session will dissect the best ways forward for improving submarine cable resilience.
Expected Outcomes
The session will provide different global perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to submarine cable resilience in today’s geopolitical context. Speakers will offer their expertise and insights on what is needed from global actors going forward. The goal of the session is to foster new discussions on this topic, and to generate helpful takeaways for the different stakeholders involved based on the discussion.
Hybrid Format: The session moderator will coordinate onsite and online speakers and attendees’ interactions throughout the session. The online chat will be closely monitored, and the moderator will facilitate bringing in online comments, to ensure all can adequately participate in the session.
A preparatory call will be organized for speakers ahead of the session, to ensure coordination and to get all on the same page for the event. Organizers will ensure that all speakers are brought into the discussion in an active way, and make adequate time for a Q&A.
The session will be promoted by the organizers via social media channels, and the session page on the IGF website will be kept up to date with relevant information.