Subsea communications cables underpin the global digital ecosystem, carrying over 99% of intercontinental data. Yet, as geopolitical tensions intensify and cyber capabilities evolve, these vital systems face growing risks and vulnerabilities—at sea, on land, and in cyberspace. Recent incidents have underscored the urgent need for coordinated international action to safeguard these vital links. This session, co-organized between the Norwegian Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), focuses specifically on exchanging best practices and strengthening global efforts to enhance the security and resilience of subsea cables—a growing priority on the global agenda.
Format:The session will take place in two parts, combining national perspectives with multi-stakeholder insights: Part 1: Ministerial Dialogue – National Perspectives on Subsea Cable Protection (40 minutes) Ministers and senior officials will explore the strategic importance of safeguarding subsea cable systems within their national contexts. This dialogue offers a platform to showcase national regulatory frameworks and highlight the role of regional and international cooperation. The panel discussion will focus on: • National policy priorities and regulatory frameworks aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of subsea cables; • Avenues for regional and international cooperation, including through political declarations, regional initiatives, and the development of norms and standards; • The need for information-sharing, multi-stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and confidence-building measures. Part 2: Expert Panel – A Multi-stakeholder Approach to Subsea Cable Resilience (50 minutes) Experts from industry, academia, civil society, and international organizations will provide diverse perspectives on the evolving threat landscape and actionable measures to protect subsea cable infrastructure. The panel discussion will focus on: • Current and emerging threat landscape affecting subsea cables and related infrastructure, including both physical and cyber risks; • Vulnerabilities in the digital systems that monitor, manage, and secure subsea cable networks; • Applicable international law, voluntary norms, and emerging best practices relevant to subsea cable protection; • Recommendations for strengthening subsea cable security through technical, policy, and legal mechanisms, including the role of public-private partnerships.
Speakers:- Karianne Tung, Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Norway
- Jarno Syrjälä, Under-secretary of State for International Trade, Finland, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria
- Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs; Estland
- Camino Kavanagh, Expert and Research Fellow, UNIDIR
- Steinar Bjørnstad, Strategic competence and research manager, Tampnet
- Evijs Taube, Member of the Management Board, Latvia State Radio and Television Center
- Kent Bressie, Legal Adviser at International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC)
- Tupou Baravilala, Director-General of Digital Government Transformation, Government of Fiji
- Sandra Maximiano, Board of Director Anacom and Co-chair ITU board for securing submarine cables Anacom
Moderator/Chair:
- Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of the Security and Technology Programme, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
Open Zoom
