Cyber Diplomacy Rewound. Episode 2
In the ever-evolving landscape of international cybersecurity, two voices stand out as beacons of insight and expertise. Jim Lewis and Chris Painter, renowned figures in tech policy and cybersecurity respectively, continue to host the podcast "CEPA's Inside Cyber Diplomacy Redux". This engaging podcast can be found on popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
In their latest episode, the hosts delve into the outcomes of the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) meeting on the use of information and communications technologies for cybersecurity. This meeting, held in July 2025, brought together representatives from all UN Member States, relevant multistakeholder communities, and various non-governmental organizations with ECOSOC status. Civil society actors involved in side events also participated, making it a truly global discussion.
The key outcomes of the OEWG session were significant. The establishment of a permanent UN Global Mechanism with two Dedicated Thematic Groups—one focusing on specific challenges and the other on capacity building—was agreed upon. The group confirmed the applicability of international law, especially the UN Charter, to cyberspace and recognised capacity building as a core pillar.
The group prioritised implementing existing confidence-building measures (CBMs) over adopting new ones, deferred contentious proposals like a UN Voluntary Fund and fellowship program, and agreed on formal mechanisms for stakeholder participation and regular plenary and review sessions for the Global Mechanism.
The decisions made by the UN OEWG have far-reaching implications for the future of international cybersecurity. As the body that sets standards and rules for the digital domain and the use of information technologies, its decisions shape the way nations interact and collaborate in the cyber realm.
The podcast provides valuable insights into this complex and rapidly changing environment, offering listeners a unique perspective on international cybersecurity policy discussions. With each episode, Jim Lewis and Chris Painter engage experts, innovators, and leaders from around the globe, fostering a global dialogue on this critical issue.
Jim Lewis, a Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, focuses on tech policy, while Chris Painter, the Founding Partner at The Cyber Policy Group, brings his extensive experience in cybersecurity to the table. Together, they make for an informative and thought-provoking podcast that is not to be missed.
