Speaking at the 2021 GoTech World Conference, NATO’s Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoaña stressed the importance of cybersecurity at a time when new technology is transforming the world at record speed. “Our ability to keep our people safe in this more competitive and uncertain world will be defined as much by bytes and big data, as by bullets and battleships” said the Deputy Secretary General while opening the cybersecurity stage on 11 November.
“Allies are committed to protecting one another in space and in cyber space, as effectively as we do on land, at sea, and in the air” added Mr. Geoaña. Last October, NATO Defense Ministers launched the NATO Innovation fund to invest in cutting edge technologies and established a Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, DIANA. Both “will ensure that we retain the all-important interoperability that enables us to continue to work effectively together, also in the realm of new technology” stressed the Deputy Secretary General.
NATO Defence Ministers also agreed on the Alliance’s first Artificial Intelligence strategy. “We want to set the standard when it comes to the safe and responsible use of data and AI. Unlike other actors who develop and deploy new technologies with little or no regard for human rights and international law, NATO is also in the business of setting norms of responsible use” said the Deputy Secretary General.
Mr. Geoaña congratulated GoTech World on its tenth anniversary. “Over the last decade, you have brought together tens of thousands of experts, companies and distinguished participants to support the digital transformation of our region in Central and Eastern Europe. GoTech World’s mission is totally in line with what we are doing here at NATO. Finding common solutions to harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks of new technologies” said the Deputy Secretary General.