Strengthening Cyber Diplomacy Capacity in Panama

Co-organised with the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative contributed to Panama’s efforts to promote an open, secure, stable and multilateral cyberspace, while protecting users’ rights and advancing national diplomatic priorities.

As cyber threats and the malicious use of information and communication technologies continue to grow, cybersecurity has become a central element of international relations and geopolitical stability. Digital technologies increasingly shape social, economic and security developments, requiring governments to strengthen their diplomatic engagement in global cyber processes.

The training enabled participants to examine the main multilateral and multi-stakeholder processes shaping global cyberspace governance and to better understand key actors and evolving priorities in the international cyber diplomacy agenda.

Training focus

Led by EU CyberNet experts, the programme combined theoretical modules with interactive exercises to strengthen applied skills and institutional preparedness.

Core topics included:

• The international cyber threat landscape
• National cybersecurity governance frameworks
• Coordination between diplomatic and operational cybersecurity communities
• The application of international law, norms and confidence-building measures in cyberspace
• Attribution, deterrence and incident response options
• International cooperation mechanisms in cybersecurity

Participants also discussed best practices for establishing dedicated cyber diplomacy functions within government structures. A representative of the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG) presented recent developments in Panama’s cybersecurity landscape, facilitating dialogue and coordination among national stakeholders.

EU support to cyber resilience

Through practical exercises and scenario-based discussions, participants strengthened their ability to:

• Define national cyber diplomacy positions
• Prepare institutions for participation in international negotiations
• Foster coordination across ministries and agencies
• Align national cybersecurity strategies with foreign policy objectives

The workshop contributed to building a more coherent and coordinated national approach to cybersecurity diplomacy. It also reflects the EU’s continued commitment, through projects like LAC4, to strengthening regional cyber resilience and supporting close cooperation with partner countries.

Learn more about the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre project  here.