This extract is taken from the February 2019 issue of The digest, GPD’s flagship newsletter. Sign up here.
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While stakeholders await an announcement on membership of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) (expected in March or early April), administrative preparations for the GGE and the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) are moving forward.
Although the first formal meetings won’t take place until June 2019, our sources suggest that the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), which is providing secretariat support to both processes, is currently considering options for modalities for engaging non-members, including non-governmental stakeholders.
For the GGE, this will include input via relevant regional forums and informal consultations in the run up to GGE meetings, while the OEWG may consult non-members, subject to funding. The extent to which these processes end up being open, transparent and inclusive will ultimately depend on governments. In any case, March looks set to be a key month to influence their thinking and shape the modalities for stakeholder input. Brace yourself for a busy spring…
Further reading
- Read the UNODA’s overview of the GGE and OEWG processes– which includes a tentative timeline.
- Eneken Tikk offers her reflections on the relationship between global cyber norms and national cybersecurity strategies.