Security and transparency in cyberspace: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter attends Global Conference on Cyberspace in The Hague

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On Thursday the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, will represent Switzerland at this year's Global Conference on Cyberspace (GCCS 2015) in The Hague, the capital of the Netherlands. The GCCS 2015 is the most important cyberspace event this year, and will be devoted to the whole spectrum of issues related to cyberspace. High-ranking representatives of governments from around the world, as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society will be attending.

Switzerland's national strategy for the protection of Switzerland against cyber risks was adopted by the Federal Council in 2012, containing measures that allow the early detection of threats and dangers in cyberspace, increase the resilience of critical infrastructure and contribute to the effective reduction of cyber risks.

At the international level, Switzerland is particularly committed to building and ensuring an open, free and secure cyberspace which serves to boost human rights and economic development. It must be ensured that in cyberspace existing rules of international law are applied and respected, and in particular the protection of privacy is guaranteed. Switzerland is also working to ensure the right measures are taken so as to promote greater trust in cyberspace and improve transparency between the various actors. In his statement in The Hague Mr Burkhalter will outline and emphasise these Swiss objectives.