Australia is supporting Papua New Guinea to strengthen its understanding and application of international law in cyberspace.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Dr Cate Rogers joined National Information Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) Chairman Brian Riches to officially open the International Law Applicable in Cyberspace course in Port Moresby yesterday.
The week-long program is facilitated by Australia through Cyber Law International, in partnership with NICTA, and brings together senior national government officials to enhance PNG’s capacity to assess the legal implications of cyber activity, align national policies, and contribute effectively to international cyber law discussions.
Cyber Law International is a Europe-based organisation that works with governments, international organisations, non-government organisations and technology companies to strengthen understanding of the legal frameworks governing cyberspace. It provides expert advice, specialised research, policy papers, and delivers professional training through its academy to support informed and lawful decision-making in the digital space. Its trainers include senior figures from the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and leading experts from the Council of Europe’s cybercrime institutions.
The course is delivered by three globally recognised experts: Ms Liis Vihul, an internationally renowned cyber law expert and Ambassador at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence; Professor Marko Milanovic, a leading authority in public international law who advises major international courts and organisations; and Mr Alexander Seger, Executive Secretary of the Cybercrime Convention Committee of the Council of Europe.
Speaking at the opening, NICTA Chairman Brian Riches said Papua New Guinea must strengthen its legal readiness and coordination so that when complex cyber incidents occur, the country’s response is lawful, credible and practical.
Dr Rogers said Australia was pleased to be working closely with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific to advance a shared understanding of international law and its application to cyberspace.
“Australia’s cyber cooperation efforts under the Southeast Asia and Pacific Cyber Program (SEA-PAC Cyber) will support enduring cyber resilience in the Pacific, ensuring regional governments are better positioned to prevent and respond to cyber incidents,” she said.
Australia looks forward to continuing to work side by side with PNG and Pacific partners to advance these discussions, including through the new United Nations Global Mechanism on Cyber.