Boris Miroshnikov: The National Association for International Information Security Forum – Compelling Topics, Sharp Debates, and Vigorous Discussions
In late September, Moscow hosted the XX International Forum "Partnership of the State, Business, and Civil Society in Ensuring International Information Security." The history and agenda of this event were discussed by Boris Miroshnikov, President of the National Association of International Information Security and Board Member of the Financial and Business Association of Euro-Asian Cooperation (FBA EAC), in an exclusive interview with International Affairs magazine.
As Boris Miroshnikov noted, the forum boasts a 20-year history. The inaugural event took place in 2007 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, laying the foundation for the "Garmisch Process." Since 2020, the forum has been held in Moscow at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Over this period, it has brought together representatives from up to 50 countries, as well as delegates from international organizations such as the UN, the CIS, the SCO, and INTERPOL.Speaking on the specific nature of NAMIB’s work, Boris Miroshnikov emphasized: "Compelling topics, sharp debates, vigorous discussions, and highly competent participants. We always strive to invite speakers with opposing viewpoints or from diverse fields of expertise. It is about examining a problem through the lens of a software engineer, a psychologist, a legal expert, and a business executive. As a result, these discussions are invariably productive and yield fascinating outcomes. Naturally, this is highly beneficial for those who currently make decisions and formulate strategic guidelines in the field of information security."
The President of NAMIB also highlighted the importance of intergenerational continuity, noting that at least three generations of specialists always gather around the discussion table. "This serves as a method for educating the youth, a way to engage young professionals in our compelling and vital field of information security, and a guarantee against conservatism and stagnation, ensuring a fresh perspective," the publication quotes him as saying.
The anniversary forum’s agenda featured a plenary session with regulatory authorities and six thematic roundtables. Key topics included combating crime in the ICT sector, the balance between digital sovereignty and global cooperation, and the promotion of domestic information security solutions in foreign markets.
As noted in the interview, last year NAMIB was designated as Russia’s BRICS contact point for scientific and academic coordination in the field of international information security. The Association was established in 2018 with the participation of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, and other leading institutions.
The full interview is available on the website of International Affairs magazine: https://interaffairs.ru/news/show/57091