Around 90 countries will gather in Seoul to discuss cyberspace issues including coping with growing cyber threats and enhancing capacity among developing nations.

The Seoul Conference on Cyberspace 2013 is set to kick off its two-day run on October 17.


Following London and Budapest, Seoul is the third host of this conference originally initiated by the UK government in 2011.

The Seoul Conference will offer a platform for approximately 800 delegates from more than 90 countries including the personnel from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), major international organizations such as the OECD, and global information and communications enterprises, to find common ground on cyberspace-related issues including economic and social benefits of the Internet, cyber security, and crimes.

This year’s conference will also be an opportunity to listen to the voices of ASEAN member countries who are participating for the first time, which will forge a broader consensus on related issues.

Under the main theme “Global Prosperity through an Open and Secure Cyberspace - Opportunities, Threats, and Cooperation,” the conference will focus on six areas: economic growth and development, social and cultural benefits, cyber security, international security, cyber crime, and capacity building.


Korea.net recently sat down with Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul to hear more about the upcoming Seoul Conference.

Q1. Can you give us a brief background on the Seoul Conference on Cyberspace 2013?

The rapid development of cyberspace has brought forth unprecedented economic, social, and cultural benefits across the globe. We are, at the same time, increasingly facing challenges in cyberspace that transcend national boundaries, notably cyber crime. Therefore, the need for global cooperation and international norms is gaining greater importance to collectively recognize and address cyber threats, while fully realizing the benefits of the digital revolution.

In this context, the Seoul Conference on Cyberspace 2013 aims to provide the platform not only for governments, but also international organizations, businesses, and civil society to engage in constructive discussions on cyberspace issues, building political momentum to advance international dialogue on this important area.

The conference will be composed of plenary sessions, panel discussions, and an ICT exhibition. We are also holding a series of preparatory workshops and a Youth Forum in the lead-up to the conference. The Youth Forum, which will be held on September 2 at Yonsei University in Seoul, will provide the opportunity for the younger generation to learn more about the issues related to cyberspace and discuss the challenges and opportunities it will provide.

Q2. What is the origin of the Conference on Cyberspace?

Cyberspace issues have been rapidly gaining prominence around the world, grabbing headlines and topping the agendas of bilateral summits. Yet there has not been any international forum to discuss the broad range of cyberspace issues, from international security and cyber crime to the economic and social benefits of the Internet in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

Against this backdrop, the British government initiated the Conference on Cyberspace in 2011 in an effort to seek minimum common ground across countries on major issues related to cyberspace.

Q3. What are some of the social and cultural benefits that the Seoul conference will touch upon?

Social media in cyberspace, including social networking services (SNS), are empowering users with greater access to information, freedom of expression, and an opportunity to participate in the policy-making processes. Users can also easily share and get access to cultural content via the Internet, paving the way for a greater mutual understanding among the diverse cultures across the world.

At the Seoul Conference, participants are expected to discuss ways to expand these social and cultural benefits as well as the fundamental values such as freedom of expression that can promote such benefits.

Q4. How can we pursue the two seemingly conflicting values, security and freedom, simultaneously?

Countries differ in their views on the degree of freedom that can be enjoyed by users in cyberspace. Some countries are of the view that individual freedom in cyberspace can be constrained to the extent of protecting national sovereignty and security. Other countries believe that government regulations should be kept to a bare minimum to maintain an open and free cyberspace.

Given the growing number of cyber threats and attacks, it would be difficult to say that governments should categorically recognize users’ freedom in cyberspace. I am of the view that efforts should be made to strengthen cyber security, while respecting individuals’ rights to freedom to the fullest extent possible. I hope that the Seoul Conference will provide an opportunity for the participants to discuss what would be the right balance between security and freedom.

For more information about the Seoul Conference on Cyberspace 2013, please click the official website, Facebook, and Twitter below.
☞ www.seoulcyber2013.kr
☞ www.facebook.com/seoulcyber2013
☞ www.twitter.com/seoulcyber2013

*Source: Korea.net (Wi Tack-whan and Sohn Ji-ae, Korea.net Staff Writers)