Cybersecurity as an international developmental imperative has, at last, become a globally recognized topic, with the collective acknowledgment that a secure Internet is crucial to sustainable digital development. Cybersecurity is now finally being viewed as foundational rather than supplementary. In today’s world, enabling access to the opportunities the digital ecosystem brings—and being able to navigate those opportunities safely—is critical to economic and social viability and progress.
Initiatives like the 2023 Accra Call for Cyber Resilient Development, the “Accra Call,” marked a significant step forward by calling upon global organizations to embed cybersecurity into broader development frameworks and international cooperation strategies.
This week, the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) 2025 in Geneva is poised to be a pivotal moment to evaluate progress, share experiences, and reinforce global commitments to cyber resilience.
“As digital transformation accelerates globally, the need for a high-level platform that brings cyber capacity building to the forefront of governance and development agendas has never been more urgent. GC3B responds to this call by convening leaders and stakeholders from across sectors and regions to drive forward cyber resilient development. After all, in a world increasingly shaped by digital interconnectedness, we are only as strong as our weakest link. The GC3B advances the priorities outlined in the Accra Call, which sets forth a shared, action-oriented framework to embed cyber resilience into development strategies and align support where it is most needed. Through constructive dialogue and strategic collaboration, the GC3B 2025 seeks to mobilize political will, strengthen partnerships, and unlock the resources and expertise required to close the global cyber capacity gap. The GFCE is proud to work alongside committed partners like the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) to transform these collective commitments into sustained, real-world impact that helps build a secure and open digital future,” said David van Duren, GFCE Director.
GCA’s Endorsement and Commitment to the Accra Call
The Global Cyber Alliance endorsed the Accra Call because it aligns closely with GCA’s core mission: improving the Internet and helping people and organizations be more secure online. GCA actively works with global communities, addressing systemic digital vulnerabilities to mitigate online risks.
Through Common Good Cyber, a collaborative initiative involving multiple stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as civil society, GCA strives to build sustainable cybersecurity ecosystems through funding, tools, and partnerships. Furthermore, this initiative also coincides with three calls to action of the Accra Call:
- Promote public-private partnerships as well as inclusive and equitable market incentives to enhance cyber resilience
- Utilize existing platforms to better coordinate and deconflict cyber capacity building financing and actions
Identify and employ the full range of financial streams available to weave sustainability into the financing of national cyber resilience activities;
Following a March 2025 event in London, co-hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), GCA issued a call to action for entities to support the Common Good Cyber Fund.
Ten governments and a number of philanthropic and private sector entities were represented at the event and GCA is in advanced discussions surrounding a contribution to the Common Good Cyber Fund with a soft launch set by mid-2025 with pilot funding and a full launch of the fund by March 2026.
Advancing GC3B 2025’s Three Pillars
The Global Cyber Alliance’s initiatives directly contribute to the advancement of GC3B 2025’s three pillars: Rethink, Evolve, and Anticipate.
Rethink – Cyber in and for Development
GCA advocates cybersecurity as a foundational element in digital investments and inclusive economic development. Through Common Good Cyber, cybersecurity measures are integrated into broader digital and international development agendas, strengthening local cybersecurity capabilities to enhance economic resilience and sustainable development.
Evolve – Next Generation Cyber Capacity Building
GCA is committed to responsive and inclusive cyber capacity-building approaches that are designed for long-term impact. This commitment is reflected in its active participation in multi-stakeholder dialogues, such as Chief Business Officer Komal Bazaz Smith’s panel appearance at GC3B 2025’s session on “Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in Cyber-Resilient Development” alongside NetHope and Deloitte.
Additionally, Bazaz Smith will be featured with Stéphane Duguin, CEO of the CyberPeace Institute, during the spotlight session: Building Cyber Resilience for the Common Good: Pathways, People, and Partnerships.
These engagements reinforce GCA’s dedication to continuous learning and local empowerment. They also provide insight into how complementary initiatives like Beyond125 and Common Good Cyber contribute to the Accra Call Framework.
Anticipate – New Tech Frontiers for Capacity Building
Emerging technologies pose new challenges and vulnerabilities in cyber resilience. GCA recognizes the fact that scaling cybersecurity capacity building is of critical importance and is leveraging its considerable expertise in this area to find scalable solutions that accomplish this, such as generative AI and automated solutions.
This proactive support of partners through strategic resources, training, and essential skills is vital to equip communities to address evolving technological landscapes and future digital threats.
Looking Ahead: From Geneva Forward
GC3B 2025 will serve as an essential checkpoint for tangible progress, reinforce commitments, and align international efforts. GCA and Common Good Cyber are textbook examples of how global pledges can translate into impactful, sustainable actions driving multi-stakeholder communities to collective action. Encouraging ongoing commitment from international stakeholders, GCA advocates sustained prioritization of cyber resilience as integral to achieving inclusive, long-term digital development.
Ultimately, as cyber risks evolve, ongoing international cooperation and innovative cybersecurity capacity-building remain critical. Stakeholders across sectors must continue collaborating to secure a trusted digital future that enables social and economic progress for all.
