Ukraine and Azerbaijan deepen cooperation in cybersecurity

International events dedicated to critical infrastructure protection and cyber resilience development were held in Baku: the Critical Infrastructure Defense Challenge 2025 (CIDC-2025) conference and the Women in Cyber – Eastern Partnership regional brunch.

Ukraine was represented at these events by Natalia Tkachuk, Secretary of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center at the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Service of the NSDC of Ukraine.

During her speech at the CIDC-2025 conference, she presented Ukraine's experience in developing a cyber resilience system amid ongoing armed aggression by the Russian Federation.

"Today, Ukraine is an example of a country that, despite being under constant cyber pressure, has managed to create an effective cybersecurity system and ensure the continuity of critical infrastructure. Our experience proves that only the combined efforts of the state, business, and international partners can yield real results in countering modern threats," said Natalia Tkachuk.

The visit also included meetings with Azerbaijani partners, during which they discussed expanding cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, exchanging experience, and joint initiatives to protect critical infrastructure.

The following day, the NCSCC secretary spoke at the Women in Cyber – Eastern Partnership regional brunch, which brought together around 300 female professionals from Eastern Partnership countries. The event was organized by the non-governmental organization Femmes Digitales with the support of the EU as part of the Improving Cyber Resilience in the Eastern Partnership Countries 2.0 initiative, which is being implemented by the e-Governance Academy (eGA).

In her speech, Nataliia Tkachuk emphasized the importance of women's participation in shaping national cyber policy and developing digital security: “Cyber resilience is not only about technology, but above all about people, knowledge, and trust. Women in cyberspace are a powerful driver of innovation and partnership that strengthens the security of our states.”

She also added that Ukraine is currently implementing a national initiative aimed at strengthening the role of women in cybersecurity as one of the priority areas of state policy in the field of gender equality.