Singapore and UN Extend Cyber Programme to Build Global Cyber Resilience

SINGAPORE, October 21, 2025 – The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) have announced a three-year extension of the UN-Singapore Cyber Programme (UNSCP), reaffirming their joint commitment to help UN Member States strengthen cyber capacity and international cooperation in the face of evolving digital threats.

The renewed partnership, which will run from 2026 to 2028, builds on the programme’s success since its launch in 2018. The UNSCP delivers tailored capacity-building initiatives that equip States with the knowledge and skills to address emerging cybersecurity challenges, develop effective national policies, and participate meaningfully in multilateral cyber discussions.

Strengthening Global Cyber Capacity

Launched during the 3rd ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC), the UNSCP represents a cornerstone of international collaboration between Singapore and the UN in advancing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

“The extension of the UN-Singapore Cyber Programme reflects our shared vision of an open, secure, and stable digital environment,” said a CSA spokesperson. “Through this partnership, we aim to empower nations to better safeguard their citizens and economies against cyber threats.”

The UNSCP’s training curriculum combines the expertise of governments, academia, civil society, and industry to strengthen the cyber resilience of participating nations.

Flagship Initiatives Driving Global Engagement

The programme consists of two flagship initiatives:

1. UN-Singapore Cyber Fellowship (UNSCF)

The UNSCF is a high-level capacity-building fellowship hosted up to twice a year at the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE). It provides senior national authorities with insights into emerging cyber threats, policymaking frameworks, and operational and diplomatic approaches to cybersecurity.

Since 2022, the fellowship has trained 140 participants from 97 UN Member States, promoting peer learning and cross-border collaboration. The programme will soon launch a digital portal to help fellows continue exchanging insights and networking after their training — creating a sustained global community of cyber policymakers and practitioners.

2. Cyber Diplomacy E-Learning Course

Developed in 2018 under the UNSCP and hosted on the UNODA Disarmament Education Dashboard, this online course offers a comprehensive overview of the voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible state behaviour in the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs), as endorsed by the UN General Assembly.

The course will soon be updated to incorporate new content on the UN Global Mechanism, which supports responsible state conduct in cyberspace, as well as a new module focusing on the intersection of emerging technologies — such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and cybersecurity.

Addressing Emerging Threats Through Collaboration

The next phase of the UNSCP will emphasise the nexus between cybersecurity and emerging technologies. New ASEAN-focused workshops on AI, quantum threats, and online scams are being developed jointly by CSA and UNODA, in collaboration with other UN agencies, member states, and private sector stakeholders.

UNODA and CSA underscored the importance of these initiatives in helping States address complex and transnational cyber challenges. “As the global threat landscape evolves, so must our cooperation,” the organisations said in a joint statement. “The UNSCP complements the UN Global Mechanism by helping countries translate international principles into national capabilities.”

Advancing Global Digital Stability

Since its inception, the UN-Singapore Cyber Programme has been a key platform for advancing cyber diplomacy, enhancing state-level technical capacity, and promoting a rules-based approach to digital security. Its continuation signals Singapore’s ongoing leadership in shaping international norms and building cyber resilience among developing economies.

With the extension through 2028, the UNSCP is expected to expand its reach and impact — helping more countries strengthen their cybersecurity posture, foster regional partnerships, and contribute to a safer, more secure digital future for all.