Location: Republic of Korea

Date: October 7-8, 2019

This working group will address ways states can strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and enhance regional cyber stability.  The working group will continue building support for the established framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace and promote cooperative mechanisms for deterring and responding to cyber incidents.  It will also serve as a forum to enhance regional cybersecurity capacity by exchanging best practices on issues such as incident response, indicator sharing, cyber strategy development, and combatting cybercrime.

Location: United States

Date: October 10-11, 2019

This working group seeks to promote an increased role for women in preventing and sustainably resolving conflict in the region.  Deadly conflicts are mitigated and resolved, and peace sustained over time, when women are fully involved and consulted in efforts to build peace and security.  The working group will drive greater implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls on states to promote the meaningful participation and protection of women and girls in countries affected by crisis and conflict. The working group will emphasize the need for participating states to consider adopting, implementing, and adequately resourcing National Action Plans in these areas.  The working group will also welcome commitments from states to increase the role of women in decision-making positions within key security and political institutions dealing with conflict and reconciliation.           

Location: Bahrain

Date: October 21-22, 2019

This working group will focus on ways states can promote maritime and aviation security in the region, with an emphasis on steps states can take to interdict and prevent illicit weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related shipments. To this end, the working group will focus on two primary pillars. The first relates to building national capacity to conduct interdictions as it relates to the Proliferation Security Initiative’s (PSI) Statement of Interdiction Principles. The second focuses on how states can increase subscription to existing international arrangements that establish critical standards for curbing shipments of WMD-related items of proliferation concern. 

Location: Poland

Date: October 24-25, 2019

This working group will expand on existing areas of cooperation on critical energy infrastructure protection (CEIP), supply chain integrity of petroleum products and diversification of sources and energy transit that will enhance the security of the region, simultaneously stabilizing the international markets.  It will examine how to protect energy infrastructure from natural, physical and technological threats to energy production, and risks that emerge when malign actors gain control over and exploit energy resources to fund illicit activities.  Additionally, the working group will seek to increase the supply chain integrity of petroleum products to thwart smuggling and illicit petroleum sales.  It will also asses diversification options through introduction of new technologies, including Renewable Energy Sources that can optimize the utilization of natural resources, attract new investment and strengthen regional economies.

Location: Romania

Date: November 14-15, 2019

This working group will examine the problem of missile proliferation in the region as well as its impact on regional instability. It will work to identify steps that states in the region can take to address proliferation concerns, with an emphasis on those that reinforce existing international nonproliferation norms, improve transparency, and promote regional confidence building measures. 

Location: Brazil

Date: February 4-6, 2020

The Working Group on Humanitarian and Refugee Issues aims to support ongoing regional and national efforts, including those coordinated with UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, to protect children and youth in armed conflicts as well as to ensure access to quality education during displacement. The respect, protection and promotion of the rights of children represent corner stones for the full and harmonious development of every society.