Columbia University Conference on Internet Governance & Cyber-security 2015

The Conference on Internet Governance and Cyber-Security, held on May 14-15, 2015, was organized by Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in collaboration with the Global Commission on Internet Governance (GCIG). This inaugural event aimed to address critical issues related to internet governance and cyber-security, bringing together over 40 thought leaders from various sectors, including academia, government, industry, and civil society.

The conference featured nine panels covering a range of pressing topics. Day one focused on internet governance, discussing subjects such as the future of the open and universal internet, multi-stakeholder governance, human rights and freedom of expression online, international trade and cross-border data flows, privacy and big data, and innovation in the digital age. Day two shifted to cyber-security, addressing issues like mitigating cyber-risks in critical infrastructure, the dynamics between nuclear and cyber conflicts, and the security challenges posed by the Internet of Things.

Notable speakers included Vinton Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google; Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Kevin Mandia, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President at FireEye. The event also featured a fireside chat with Microsoft Executive Vice President and General Counsel Brad Smith, who discussed U.S. and international law and public policy affecting the internet. The conference provided opportunities for networking among policymakers, entrepreneurs, legal experts, technologists, and corporate executives from around the world.

The conference was designed for a diverse audience, including policymakers, legal experts, technologists, corporate executives, and academics interested in the evolving landscape of internet governance and cyber-security. Attendees gained insights into the latest developments and challenges in these fields, contributing to the development of effective policy frameworks and research agendas.