Introduction In accordance with the 2011 Vilnius MC Decision No. 9/11 on Strengthening Co-ordination and Coherence in the OSCE’s Efforts to Address Transnational Threats, the Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) became operational on 1 January 2012. Its purpose is to optimize the support provided to the Secretary General, the Chairmanship-in-Office and the participating States on matters related to transnational threats. Headed by the Co-ordinator of OSCE Activities to Address Transnational Threats, the main tasks of TNTD are to act as a focal point for Organization-wide programmatic activities that relate to countering transnational threats, and to ensure co-ordination and coherence of actions across all three OSCE dimensions, and amongst all OSCE executive structures, while ensuring their mandates are respected. TNTD is comprised of the Co-ordination Cell (TNTD/CC), the Action against Terrorism Unit (TNTD/ATU), the Border Security and Management Unit (TNTD/BSMU) and the Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD/SPMU). 2.1 TNTD/Co-ordination Cell Cyber/ICT Security Throughout 2017, TNTD’s Cyber Security Officer supported participating States with the implementation of OSCE confidence-building measures (CBMs) to reduce the risks of conflict stemming from the use of information and communication technologies. These included the adoption of MC.DEC/5/17, which includes a pledge by participating States to implement existing CBMs, while strengthening the OSCE’s work in this field and inviting Partners for Cooperation to enhance dialogue on efforts to reduce the risks of conflict stemming from the use of information and communication technologies. TNTD also contributed to four Informal Working Group meetings set up under PC.DEC/1039, as well as two Chairmanship events on the topics of critical infrastructure protection and practical ways to further implement CBMs 3, 4, 6 and 15. Moreover, two sub-regional trainings in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan further promoted the understanding on effective communication between participating States during significant cyber/ICT incidents. As part of promoting international coherence related to cyber/ICT security efforts and promoting pertinent OSCE efforts, TNTD organized an Inter-Regional Conference with the Republic of Korea, with the aim of promoting dialogue and co-operation between the OSCE and Asia related to reducing the likelihood of ICT-induced tensions among States. This was followed up by setting up an interregional network to link efforts by regional organizations in this field. As part of promoting international coherence related to cyber/ICT security efforts, TNTD continued 16 its engagement in the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), which brings together 50 States and organizations working jointly on practical initiatives to strengthen cyber/ ICT security, fight cybercrime, protect online data and support e-governance. In terms of internal co-ordination, the Cyber Security Officer organized training for the OSCE Cyber Focal Point Network on the topic of International Cyber Security Policy and Diplomacy. POLIS Online Information System In 2017, TNTD/CC extended and enhanced support for online and information system support to all OSCE executive structures through the POLIS online information management platform, thereby assisting in planning, coordinating and implementing TNTD activities. By the end of 2017, TNTD/CC migrated all of its Digital Library and Events Calendar content to a newly re-developed, modern Content Management System. TNTD/CC also introduced a new community collaboration platform and an e-learning management system. The exchange and sharing of up-to-date TNTrelated information and the transfer of know-how and lessons learned through the use of contemporary learning and communication methods remained the main priorities in improving services offered through the POLIS system and were delivered via e-learning courses, online discussions and collaboration.

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents