29 October 2025 — The Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on behalf of the CICA Chairmanship of the Republic of Azerbaijan, organized an online Forum on Strengthening Data Protection Across CICA Member States on 28–29 October 2025. The two-day event, conducted as a confidence building measure within the priority area of ICT security, brought together officials and experts from CICA Member States to exchange knowledge and best practices on data control and protection.
In his welcoming remarks, CICA Deputy Secretary General Mr. Farid Damirli commended the Republic of Azerbaijan for organizing another confidence building event under the ICT security priority area, introduced to the CICA framework in 2021 and reaffirmed in the 2022 CICA Leaders’ Statement on International Information Security. He noted that amid rapid digital transformation and advances in AI, protecting data has become integral to national and international stability. Referring to recent UN initiatives such as the Convention against Cybercrime and the Global Mechanism on ICTs, he emphasized CICA’s capacity to contribute to global dialogue and strengthen Member States’ preparedness to counter emerging ICT-related threats.
Several panels of the Forum focused on national experience and capabilities in data protection, dealing with cross-border data flows, enhancing cyber hygiene and raising public awareness, as well as on global and regionals standards and their harmonization with national policies. Experts also discussed such issues as data ethics, responsible use of emerging technologies, including AI, accountability and compliance of international companies and social media.
Azerbaijan also emphasized the need for further technical cooperation, policy convergence and relevant trainings among the CICA Member States. The Chairmanship encouraged regular exchanges of best practices and model laws on data protection and the implementation of joint capacity-building initiatives. Moreover, Azerbaijan proposed exploring the establishment of a CICA Data Protection Network or a contact group of national focal points to further institutionalize cooperation and strengthen coordination among Member States.
