OAS

In 2017, OAS member states established a Working Group on Cyber Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) under CICTE. The Working Group was tasked with strengthening cooperation, transparency, predictability, and stability in cyberspace across the region, while also supporting the implementation of relevant global commitments.

Since then, member states have adopted 11 cyber CBMs. Unlike many traditional confidence-building measures, which focus primarily on reducing the risk of interstate conflict, OAS cyber CBMs place particular emphasis on dialogue, cooperation, capacity-building, and engagement in regional and global cyber policy processes.

A distinctive feature of the OAS approach is its strong connection to international discussions on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The Working Group regularly incorporates developments from UN processes into its activities and seeks to translate global commitments into practical regional action. This has positioned the OAS as an important bridge between regional implementation efforts and global cyber diplomacy discussions.

Implementation of cyber CBMs within the OAS remains a work in progress, but significant foundations have been established in recent years. A central feature of the OAS approach is its strong focus on capacity-building, reflecting the diverse levels of cyber maturity across the region.

Through CICTE, member states receive political, technical, and operational support in areas such as cybersecurity strategy development, incident response capabilities, cyber diplomacy, and institutional capacity-building. Many implementation activities therefore serve a dual purpose: advancing cyber CBMs while simultaneously strengthening national cybersecurity capacities.

The CICTE Secretariat plays a central role in coordinating implementation efforts. It supports member states through awareness-raising, training programmes, experience-sharing, technical assistance, and the development of practical implementation tools. Recent initiatives include the OAS Cyber CBM Portal and the Cyber Diplomacy Training Program, both of which support the implementation of multiple cyber CBMs simultaneously.

Another notable characteristic of the OAS approach is the emphasis on collaboration and peer learning. Member states regularly exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore shared solutions to strengthen regional cyber resilience and cooperation.

Implementation within the OAS is still at a relatively early stage. Nevertheless, member states have made steady progress in moving from political commitments towards practical implementation.

Recognising that implementation is a long-term process, member states have agreed to prioritise the implementation of existing cyber CBMs rather than negotiate new ones. Current efforts focus on clarifying implementation requirements, developing practical tools, improving transparency, and monitoring progress over time.

The OAS experience demonstrates the importance of capacity-building as a foundation for cyber CBM implementation. It also highlights the value of regional organisations in translating global cyber diplomacy commitments into practical activities that respond to local needs and priorities.

• CICTE serves as the primary driver of cyber CBM implementation through training, technical assistance, and coordination activities.

• Capacity-building is a central enabler of implementation and underpins many cyber CBM activities across the region.

• The OAS plays an important bridging role between regional implementation efforts and global cyber diplomacy processes.

• While implementation remains at an early stage, member states have established strong foundations and are increasingly moving from planning to practice.