Partnership Between CyberPeace Institute and PEP Den Haag Enhances Digital Security for Civil Society Organisations

The CyberPeace Institute and PEP Den Haag have launched a unique partnership with the support of the Municipality of The Hague. Over the next two years, they will strengthen the digital resilience of 200 non-profit organisations in The Hague and their volunteers. The two foundations are combining their expertise: the CyberPeace Institute provides international cybersecurity expertise and practical support, while PEP Den Haag leverages its strong network within the voluntary and community sector to engage and support organisations throughout the city. By connecting civil society organisations with businesses and local authorities, the programme enhances both the cybersecurity of individual organisations and The Hague’s overall digital resilience. In addition, the programme also complements and expands the HSD ecosystem.

The partnership is entirely focused on strengthening the digital foundations of civil society organisations in The Hague, covering everything from training and awareness-building to detecting vulnerabilities and offering guidance in the event of an incident.

Despite operating with constrained resources, many organisations handle sensitive information and provide vital support to vulnerable groups. Through this collaboration, they gain access to expertise that would otherwise often be out of reach. Following an initial scoping phase, 19 non-profit organisations have already expressed interest in taking part in the programme.

Connecting Businesses and Civil Society Organisations in The Hague

In addition, work is underway to develop a sustainable partnership model, actively seeking to build connections with businesses and philanthropic funds in The Hague that wish to contribute to the city. This will enable the approach, following its initial start-up phase, to be scaled up to reach the more than 3,000 civil society organisations and 185,000 volunteers that The Hague is home to. Companies in The Hague with well-established ICT and cybersecurity departments can support the initiative, in line with their corporate social responsibility objectives, by making skilled volunteers available.

The partnership builds on the Beyond 125 Conference, held in September 2024 at the Peace Palace to mark 125 years of The Hague as the City of Peace and Justice. During the conference, international leaders from non-profits, governments and businesses came together and launched an action plan to substantially strengthen the digital resilience of non-profits worldwide in the years ahead. This new collaboration in The Hague actively contributes to that ambition.

Supporting The Hague’s Organisations

Saskia Bruines (Alderman Economic Development):
“Non-profits in The Hague form the social heart of our city. They are supported by thousands of volunteers and play a crucial role in our community. Through this partnership with PEP Den Haag and the CyberPeace Institute, we are ensuring that these organisations are better protected against digital threats. This is not only essential in today’s world, but also aligns with The Hague’s identity as an international City of Peace and Justice.”

The initiative aligns perfectly with the wider ambition of the Municipality of The Hague to help civil society organisations strengthen their defences against digital threats. In an informal, facilitating role, the municipality promotes a Digitally Safe The Hague by connecting stakeholders and providing financial support for the start-up phase of new initiatives. In a previous collaboration between the municipality, the CyberPeace Institute, and the Humanity Hub, 150 humanitarian NGOs were reached.

The CyberPeace Institute supports vulnerable civil society organisations worldwide, offering practical cybersecurity assistance through programmes such as CyberPeace Builders. This programme matches cybersecurity professionals with under-resourced non-profits and has already helped over 600 organisations, supported by a network of more than 1,400 volunteers and community partners.

PEP Den Haag plays a central role as a connecting hub between civil society organisations, volunteers, and the business sector. PEP strengthens organisations through advice, training, and by linking them into relevant networks and collaborations. At the same time, PEP helps companies fulfil their social responsibility and SROI obligations by connecting them to community initiatives. This creates sustainable partnerships that leverage knowledge, human resources, and funding for the benefit of the city.

Organisations interested in participating can register via pepdenhaag.nl/cyber. 

Source: Denhaag.nl