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GC3B 2025 Press Release

 

 

PRESS RELEASE 

 

Second Edition of Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) Gathers Global Leaders, Policymakers and Experts to Elevate Cyber Capacity Building Discussions onto the Global Governance and Development Agendas, in Support of SDGs 

 

Geneva, 14 May 2025 – On 13 and 14 May, as part of the Geneva Cyber Week, the second edition of the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) took place. Hosted by Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and organized by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), the conference gathered more than 700 people, including representatives of states from all regions of the world, international and regional organizations, the private sector, NGOs, research institutions, and cybersecurity experts. By bringing together these communities, the GC3B elevates cyber resilience across international and national development agendas, supporting broader development goals and effectively serving the needs of developing countries. 

This edition was focused on taking stock of the Accra Call progress, the action framework that was announced at the 2023 edition. 

The second edition of the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, on 13-14 May 2025, in Geneva, gathered global leaders, policy makers and experts from across the globe to elevate cyber resilience across international and national development agendas, supporting broader development goals and effectively serving the needs of developing countries. Credits: Violaine Martin. 

 

Enhancing global cooperation in cyber capacity building 

In a world increasingly reliant on digital technologies and facing ever-evolving cyber threats, the need for robust cyber capacity has never been greater. International collaboration and collective investments in resources, knowledge and skills are key to building free, resilient and sustainable digital societies across the globe, where no country is left behind in their digital transition. Featuring dynamic keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, the 2025 edition aims to drive resource mobilization and deliver actionable insights to enhance global cooperation in cyber capacity building.  

 

Building on the Accra Call  

Building on the momentum of the first GC3B in 2023, which resulted in the Accra Call for Cyber Resilient Development —a blueprint outlining concrete actions to advance cyber capacity building, endorsed by over 70 governments and organizations— this second edition focuses on reviewing progress, identifying lessons learned and defining next steps to enhance global cyber resilience. Participants convene to coordinate strategies, share best practices and resources to support countries in strengthening their digital foundations and pursue the objectives of the Accra Call through their own internal processes and mandates. The GC3B also provides a venue for taking stock of the Accra Call pledges and (through its subsequent editions) will periodically bring stakeholders together to assess progress and set the path forward. 

 

GFCE’s 10th anniversary 

As part of the GC3B program, the GFCE celebrated its 10th anniversary. Together with several stakeholders from the community, GFCE Directors Marjo Baayen and David van Duren, reflected on the past decade, which has grown from 42 members and partners in 2015 to over 250 organizations that have joined the GFCE today. In addition, the significant impact of the GFCE – both on a global and regional level – was demonstrated, concluded by an outlook towards the future of community-driven cyber capacity building around the world.   

   

  

At the GC3B, GFCE Directors David van Duren and Marjo Baayen celebrated the GFCEs 10th anniversary, involving several stakeholders from the GFCE community. Credits: Violaine Martin. 

 

Additional information: 

 

 

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End of press release 

 

Note for media (not for publication)
If you have any questions about the GC3B, or if you interested in having an interview with the GFCE, please contact: 

 

Eline Badoux 

E: Eline.badoux@thegfce.org 

 

Or  

 

Laura Morales Nuez 

E: laura-morales.nuez@thegfce.org