Techsec - Technology And Security Initiative

The Technology and Security (TechSec) Initiative is the latest student-led initiative of the Graduate Institute Student Association (GISA). The idea behind TechSec is to initiate conversations around the domains of cybersecurity and governance. Apart from bringing youth perspectives into the fore, we aim to engage various other stakeholders through our activities and activism. We aspire to spread awareness through dialogues with policymakers, academics and experts in the field, along with initiating conversations about the concerns of the youth. The TechSec Initiative is built on the following core pillars: Awareness Activism Networking Our research imperatives include data rights and regulation, surveillance and privacy, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cyber competition and allied emerging technologies. Our activism includes (but is not limited to) securing individual data rights and privacy, minimizing citizen surveillance and integrating ethics into advancements in artificial intelligence. To this end, we aim to leverage professional networks to influence relevant policymakers and audiences through working papers, draft reports and policy briefs. We will also organize interactive events throughout the year that encourage student engagement with our imperatives. Through promoting research, fostering debates and discussions, and stimulating student participation at the Graduate Institute (IHEID) and beyond, we seek to bridge the gap between academia and professionals. Engaging with a younger audience interested in cyber peace and governance, we aim to bring to the fore pressing issues relating to technology and security across the cyber domain.