June 1, 2023
United States Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden visited Tallinn, May 29-June 1, to discuss international cooperation on cyber issues with Estonian government officials and to participate in the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence’s (CCDCOE) CyCon conference. During her visit, Acting National Cyber Director Walden met with Estonian Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Diplomacy Tanel Sepp, Ambassador-at-Large for Digital Affairs Nele Leosk, Undersecretary for Defense Policy Tuuli Duneton, Undersecretary for Digital Development Luukas Ilves, RIA Director General Margus Noormaa, and eGovernance Academy Executive Director Hannes Astok. While in Tallinn, Acting National Cyber Director Walden also visited the Memorial to the Victims of Communism where she laid flowers in remembrance of the victims.
“It’s been a pleasure to participate in CyCon, an important venue for the exchange of ideas and best practices among NATO Allies and partners around the world,” Acting National Cyber Director Walden said. “I am grateful to our hosts – Estonia is a global leader and a strong partner on cyber issues. And it has been an incredible opportunity to learn from Estonian officials about their eGovernment solutions while discussing our shared cyber goals.”
During her keynote remarks to CyCon on May 31, the U.S. Acting National Cyber Director highlighted the importance of international partnerships: “We must continue to foster international partnerships to ensure a world where responsible state behavior in cyberspace is expected and reinforced and where irresponsible behavior is isolating and costly. The United States is committed to working with our allies and partners on this important issue.”
Acting National Cyber Director Walden is part of a delegation of more than 40 U.S. cyber officials visiting Tallinn this week to participate in a series of cyber conferences and dialogues. Her visit demonstrates the United States’ commitment to continued cooperation with Estonia and other partners as we work together to defend against cyber threats and ensure a secure, reliable, and trustworthy digital ecosystem.
