The Cyber Security Summit 2025, held on 19–20 November at the Hills Congress Center in Sarajevo, brought together more than 400 participants from across the region, once again reaffirming its status as the largest and most influential regional event dedicated to digital security.
Over two dynamic conference days, leading experts, government representatives, international organisations, companies, and academia discussed the most pressing challenges — from EU regulations and new security standards to the impact of artificial intelligence on modern cyberattacks and defence.
This year’s Summit placed particular emphasis on the resilience of the digital economy, strengthening the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the role of education and continuous learning in building a cybersecurity culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A Strong Message From the Opening Session: “It is time for cybersecurity to become a priority, not a footnote.”
One of the most powerful moments of the conference was the message that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a community that exists, grows, and possesses the knowledge, energy, and determination to face digital risks.
The conference conclusions will be delivered to all relevant institutions, accompanied by a clear call to action: cybersecurity must become a strategic priority for the entire state, economy, and society.
Jens Elsner, Programme Director of GIZ’s Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion Programme (SEDEP) in BiH, highlighted the commitment of German development cooperation, in partnership with the European Union, to supporting rapid digital transformation — particularly in the field of cybersecurity. He emphasised that education and continuous learning are key to keeping pace with these fast-moving changes. Through our programmes, we strengthen the capacities of SMEs, public institutions, schools, and business-support organisations to successfully respond to the challenges of digital transition.
Cybersecurity Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs
One of the most valuable segments of the event was the specialised cybersecurity workshop for women entrepreneurs, designed to strengthen their digital skills and improve their understanding of cyber risks. Led by experts from domestic and international organisations, the workshop offered practical guidance on:
- secure management of business data,
- recognising and preventing cyberattacks,
- protecting a business with limited resources,
- the role of women leaders in building cyber resilience.
Participants emphasised that the workshop provided concrete tools they could immediately apply in their businesses, as well as motivation to build a stronger internal cybersecurity culture within their teams.
In addition to the workshop for women entrepreneurs, the conference hosted several parallel side events:
- OSCE Annual Cybersecurity Forum 2025
- SIGURNA ZONA Workshop for NGOs and Independent Media
- Closed Roundtable: Cybersecurity and Human Capital Development — Dialogue of Key Actors in BiH
- British Council: Women in Cybersecurity — Leadership and Resilience in Times of Crisis
Panel: How to Build an Economy Resilient to Cyber Threats?
The second day of the Summit featured a panel dedicated to strengthening the resilience of the digital economy, with representatives of chambers of commerce, the SME sector, and cybersecurity experts. The panel opened important questions such as:
- How can small and medium-sized enterprises establish basic security measures?
- What should institutions, chambers, and organisations do to provide better support?
- What are the most common threats for SMEs and how can they be effectively prevented?
- How can employee awareness be raised, and a security-focused organisational culture developed?
A special highlight was the presentation of the Cyber Security Education Program, through which hundreds of SMEs improved their understanding of digital risks.
Panelists agreed that education is the most important — and the most accessible — tool for strengthening the economic resilience of SMEs.
Conclusion: The Community Is Here — Moving Forward Even Stronger
The Cyber Security Summit 2025 closed with a powerful message of unity and determination.
Most importantly: the community exists.
There is knowledge, partnership, and the collective will to build a safer digital future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Throughout the two-day event, through keynotes, panels, and expert discussions, participants defined the top priorities for strengthening cybersecurity in our country and the wider region. Based on insights and recommendations shared during the Summit, conclusions have been formulated and will be delivered to all relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(The full list of conclusions can be found on the website of the e-Transformacija Association.)
The Cyber Security Summit is supported by the SEDEP Programme, co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union, and the Government of Switzerland. The organisation and content of this event are the sole responsibility of the e-Transformacija Association and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Germany, the Government of Switzerland, or the European Union.
