„Daniel Stauffacher is a former Swiss Ambassador and Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council, recognized for his pioneering global efforts at the intersection of technology and diplomacy. With a career spanning decades, Stauffacher’s work has focused on leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including AI and Quantum Technology to address global challenges and promote peace, security and human rights and sustainable economic and social development.
Stauffacher’s legacy of leadership is marked by his pivotal role as the Swiss Government’s Representative in organizing the first ever UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva in 2003. His leadership helped shape a landmark event that laid the groundwork for global discussions on harnessing technology for social and economic progress.
In 2003, Stauffacher made history by launching the first ICT4Peace project, recognizing the transformative potential of ICTs in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and human rights. His visionary leadership paved the way for innovative initiatives integrating technology into peace and humanitarian operations and human rights efforts, culminating in the development of the first ever UN Crisis Information Strategy (CIMS), endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
As a member of Kofi Annan’s UN ICT Task Force and Co-Chair of the UN Global Alliance for ICT4D, Stauffacher spearheaded initiatives to bridge the digital divide and promote technology for peace and security and sustainable development worldwide.
In view of drastically increasing cyber-attacks also among states, he was one of the first in advocating in 2011 for a Global Code of Conduct for States in cyberspace, including norms of responsible state behaviour and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), lobbying the global powers for an open, free and secure cyberspace. He supported the work of the UN GGE and subsequently the UN OEWG in this regard, demanding the applicability of International Law and International Humanitarian Law to the Cyberspace, proposing CBMs, the accountability of States and Tech Industry and emphasizing the need for a human-centric approach to security, international cooperation and capacity building, especially in developing countries.
Stauffacher’s contributions extended also to counterterrorism in cyberspace in co-operation with the UN Security Council, and the identifyication and countering mis-, disinformation and hate speech online. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding AI, Lethal Autonomous Weapons systems (LAWS) and peace time threats, advocating for ethical and responsible uses of technology in the context of international security.
Stauffacher’s commitment to ethical technology diplomacy also led him to serve as a founding Trustee of Tim Berners-Lee’s Web Foundation in Geneva, championing initiatives for equitable web access and digital rights.
Recognized for his contributions at the intersection of technology, peace and security, human rights and governance for the benefit of society, Stauffacher has been an affiliate of the Harvard Berkman Klein Center.
In essence, Daniel Stauffacher emerges as a champion of global peace and security, bridging technology and diplomacy for the common good. His visionary leadership and collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark, inspiring meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world in the digital age.“
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Dr. Daniel Stauffacher + Partner is a consulting firm based in Switzerland that helps governments, international organisations and private-sector entities communicate with a common language, thus enabling them to reach the appropriate level of mutual understanding. It is specialised in the design, promotion and implementation of strategies and policies for innovation – especially in the fields of sustainable development, information and communication technologies for development, crisis management and peace-building, as well as cyber-security and internet governance.
Dr. Daniel Stauffacher + Partner is able to assist these various and diverse partners, particularly in identifying the challenges of globalisation issues and in developing relevant international responses and appropriate policies.
