1. Background 

1.1 Cyber security talent development is a global issue, and international cooperation is critical to building and sustaining a cyber security workforce that is consistently understood and clear to navigate. Presently, there is no established international forum in support of a common language and taxonomy, to help drive consistency and coherent measures for domestic cyber security workforce developments.  

1.2 A coalition of countries and multilateral representatives can drive tangible international coordination and cooperation on skills frameworks and professional standards by working with and bringing together global governments, important NGOs, and certification bodies to coordinate a common approach. 

2. Purpose 

2.1. This International Coalition on Cyber Security Workforces will bring countries and key multilateral international unions to support cyber security workforce development.  

3. Membership 

3.1. Participation is exclusive to national government representatives or organisations that are multilateral internation unions that are responsible for working across cyber security education and workforce development efforts. However, relevant private sector organisations (particularly certification bodies) and NGOs will be involved and invited to the relevant meetings as determined by the Coalition.  

3.2. The membership of the Coalition will consist of nominated representatives from each of the participating countries and multilateral international unions.  

Definition 

A. Member: National government representatives or multilateral international unions who participate in the Coalition. 

B. Contributor: Certification bodies and similar entities that provide expertise and support to the Coalition. 

3.3. The Coalition may engage with stakeholders outside the group membership as required.  

3.4. Once established and launched, requests from additional countries or multilateral international unions to join the group can be decided by a vote that demonstrates a majority consent among the present membership. 

4. Chair rotation 

4.1. The Coalition will adopt a co-chair approach to leadership, with each co-chair serving a two-year term. Terms will be staggered to ensure continuity, with one co-chair’s term beginning as the other’s ends. This overlapping term structure will facilitate a smooth transition and maintain leadership continuity, with each year having an outgoing and incoming senior chair to provide mentorship and support. The UK will act as the permanent secretariat. 

5. Scope 

5.1. This Coalition will focus on cyber security workforce standards and frameworks. 

6. Objectives

6.1. The core objectives of the coalition will consist of: 

6.1.1. Enhance cyber security workforce quality. Driving consensus on terms and approaches for cyber security workforce frameworks and standards to ensure that there is a common international terminology; 

6.1.2. Facilitate knowledge sharing. Sharing workforce and research findings; 

6.1.3. Promote and foster international cooperation through mutual recognition, where applicable. Progressing towards mutual recognition between the international frameworks and a promise to work towards mutual recognition of professional standards where these are being built. 

6.1.4. Explore opportunities for joint development of roles and resources. In order to enhance coordination and collaboration; 

6.1.5. Encourage global collaboration. Motivate public and private organisations to work toward the common goal of sustaining and developing the quality of the cyber workforce.  

7. Frequency of meeting 

7.1. Meetings will take place on a quarterly basis and as required. Outside of scheduled meetings, by consent issues may be considered and recommendations decided through a written procedure. 

7.2. Meetings will take place by audio and video conference. A yearly summit will be held along with occasional informal meetings that may take place at in-person or hybrid events.