The First International Forum on Critical Infrastructure Protection Held in Kyiv
CRDF Global in Ukraine, together with the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, hosted the Kyiv International Critical Infrastructure Protection Forum.
The forum not only provided an opportunity for experience sharing but also served as a coordination platform for deeper cooperation among key stakeholders and the establishment of new international partnerships.
The event brought together around 500 participants.
“This Forum lays the foundation for proactive and preventive responses to emerging threats by enabling all stakeholders to engage directly, share perspectives, and strengthen coordination. Each of us here today bears responsibility for protecting critical infrastructure, as we are all elements of one interconnected system that must function in a coordinated and efficient way,” said Michael Dignam, CEO of CRDF Global, in his opening remarks.
Over two days, more than 40 expert speakers discussed critical infrastructure (CI) protection across all dimensions. Key topics included:
🔹 CI resilience in the face of hybrid threats
🔹 Security challenge analytics
🔹 Cyber protection of CI facilities
🔹 Countering negative information influences
“We all understand that Ukraine’s resilience and our invaluable experience have come at an extremely high price. In the context of military aggression, our country has faced threats no other nation has ever faced. Since February 2022, Russia has been conducting an operation to destroy our fuel and energy complex and attacking other critical infrastructure, using all possible means to cause blackouts,” said Oleksandr Potii, Head of the State Special Communications Service.
Strengthening the skills of specialists directly involved in protecting critical infrastructure across various domains remains one of CRDF Global’s key priorities in Ukraine. That’s why the Forum featured a CTF competition for both current CI employees and specialized students — the next generation of professionals in the field.
“The idea to organize such a forum emerged long ago. We wanted to highlight the many issues related to critical infrastructure protection, focus on regional challenges, and draw the donor community’s attention to this topic. I’d like to note that CRDF implements projects not only in cybersecurity but also in critical infrastructure — a topic that is particularly relevant today, as the enemy constantly changes its tactics. I’m confident that what was discussed and heard during this event will benefit the future work of all participants,” emphasized Mykhailo Verych, Regional Director of CRDF Global in Ukraine.
The CRDF Global team sincerely thanks all partners for their fruitful cooperation and congratulates the winners of the CTF competition. Together, we continue to strengthen the country’s security!
