The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) marked a pivotal moment in global diplomacy and security, reflecting a stark and urgent reality. This year, the discussions were not just about military conflicts but also about the new and evolving threats to democracy, cybersecurity, and global stability. The G100 Delegation was honored to be part of this transformative dialogue, bringing diverse perspectives to the table and advocating for inclusive security strategies.

The G100 Delegation, which I had the pleasure to coordinate, was composed of professionals from diverse backgrounds who actively engaged in discussions and side events, ensuring that gender, civil society, and youth perspectives were represented in the debate. At a time when security concerns extend beyond traditional military conflicts, our presence highlighted the necessity of inclusive and forward-thinking security policies.

A blatant aspect of MSC 2025 was the underrepresentation of women, young professionals, civil society organizations, and academia in security dialogues. Security is no longer just a matter of “peace or war”—it now encompasses cyber threats, disinformation, and AI-driven attacks. The G100 Delegation advocated for a broader and more inclusive approach to security, one that recognizes the evolving nature of conflict and prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations from emerging threats.

New Battlefields: Cybersecurity and Disinformation

Today’s conflicts are no longer confined to physical battlegrounds. Cybercriminals, often acting as proxies for larger state or non-state actors, weaponize data and information to undermine democracies. Personal health data, financial records, and even critical infrastructure systems are now targets of cyber warfare. These threats raise urgent questions: Are public institutions equipped to combat these evolving dangers? Do we have the expertise to address cybersecurity challenges at the governmental level? How can private-sector collaboration strengthen national and international security?

Public-Private Cooperation: A Necessity, Not a Choice

One of the key discussions at MSC 2025 revolved around the collaboration between the military and private sector in intelligence and data-sharing. With private companies operating most of the world’s logistics, transport, and communication systems, their role in national security is more critical than ever. The Foreign Policy Emerging Threats Forum and the “Catch Me If You Can: Cyber Edition” discussion at Amerikahaus explored whether such cooperation is feasible and how it can be implemented effectively.

Lieutenant General Michael Vetter, Director General and Chief Information Officer at the German Federal Ministry of Defense, emphasized that military-private sector cooperation is not just an option—it is a necessity. The reliance on private companies for critical infrastructure, particularly in sectors like connected vehicles and telecommunications, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and collaborative strategies.

Challenges to Global Democracy

With 68 democracies now outnumbered by 74 autocracies worldwide (Bertelsmann Report), MSC 2025 highlighted an urgent shift in the global order. As Dr. Nathalie Tocci, Director of Istituto Affari Internazionali, pointed out, the world is no longer facing a simple division between democratic and autocratic regimes. Instead, hybrid “autocratic democracies” are challenging the rule of law and redefining governance norms.

The protests on the streets of Munich during the conference also reflected this tension. While some groups demonstrated against NATO and the arms industry, others rallied in support of Ukraine, demanding continued military and financial aid for Kyiv. These events underscored the complexity of modern security challenges and the need for unified international responses.

A Call for Action

The G100 Delegation’s participation in MSC 2025 reinforced our commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative, and cooperative solutions to global security challenges. We extend our gratitude to Priscilla Schelp for facilitating our engagement and to Amerikahaus for hosting critical discussions on cybersecurity and emerging threats.

As we move forward, the G100 remains dedicated to ensuring that security policies reflect the diverse realities of today’s world. The future of global security depends on collaboration, adaptability, and inclusive leadership—values that the G100 proudly champions.

A special thank you to Priscilla Schelp for making the presence of the G100 Delegation possible and to Amerikahaus for welcoming us!

 

Convenor: 

Lucia de Luca

Global Chair 

G100 Pay Parity & Corporate Transformation Wing