Geneva, 26 September 2008- UNCTAD, in close collaboration with the Tunisian National Agency for Computer Security (NACS), will train 15 African specialists in cybersecurity issues from 6-17 October 2008.
The training session, to be held in Tunis, is the first to be staged in Tunisia under UNCTAD´s Network of Centres of Excellence. The programme will help 15 African information and communication technology (ICT) specialists and engineers upgrade their skills on the technical aspects of preventing cybercrime and enhancing computer security. It also will update them on broader cybersecurity challenges and related policies. The training session includes a visit to key Tunisian cybersecurity programmes, including the Tunisian technology pole promoting investment in information security, the National Computer Centre for e-Government, and the National Agency for Electronic Certification.
The training session will be opened by Lamia Chaffai Sghaier, Secretary of State for Information Technology, Internet and Open Source of Tunisia, and by Mongi Hamdi, Head of UNCTAD´s Science, Technology and ICT Branch.
UNCTAD´S Network of Centres of Excellence, established in 2005 and sponsored by the Government of Italy, links and supports technology and knowledge transfer among scientists and technology experts in developing countries. Based on the principle of South-South cooperation, the project works through collaboration with outstanding scientific and technological institutions in the developing world. These institutions serve as hubs of learning and training, and carry out advanced and basic courses in biotechnology and ICT for scientists and researchers from these countries.
NACS is the agency charged with implementation of Tunisia´s National Strategy for ICT Security. It has the only certified computer emergency response team in Africa.
The Tunis session will be the first course delivered in French under the Network of Centres of Excellence. For further information, please see the programme web site at www.unctad.org/noce.
