25th Bonn Dialogue for Cybersecurity: Digital Sovereignty

Digital sovereignty is not merely a technical requirement; it embodies a delicate balance between autonomy, security, and dependence on global digital infrastructures. On October 6, 2026, experts from science, industry, politics, and public administration will convene in Bonn to discuss how Germany can effectively navigate this digital challenge. The anniversary event will provide a platform to address critical vulnerabilities, assess open-source alternatives, and explore strategic solutions for standardizing secure technologies.

Regional Commitment and Political Perspectives

The evening begins with welcoming remarks from Dr. Ursula Sautter, Mayor of Bonn, emphasizing the strategic importance of digital self-determination at both regional and societal levels. Following this, Isabell Weiß, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Schleswig-Holstein, presents a keynote address on public sector initiatives. Drawing from her operational experience, she discusses the implementation of Schleswig-Holstein’s open-source strategy, highlighting practical achievements and systemic challenges in moving governance software away from proprietary dependencies.

Bridging Research, Industry and Society

A multi-perspective panel discussion unites diverse viewpoints to address key aspects of digital resilience. Isabell Weiß presents the administrative perspective, while developer and digital strategist Bianca Kastl offers a societal lens. Daniel Kästle, CISO at IONOS, shares insights from corporate practice. The session is moderated by Prof. Dr. Michael Meier, Lamarr Principal Investigator in Trustworthy AI, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Bonn and Head of the Cyber Security Department at Fraunhofer FKIE.

Digital sovereignty is not merely a technical issue—it arises from the interplay of research, application, administration and politics. The Bonn Dialogue on Cybersecurity promotes precisely this important exchange.

Prof. Dr. Michael Meier
Principal Investigator
Trustworthy AI

About the Bonn Dialogue for Cybersecurity

Experts from the cybersecurity community engage in discussions on current issues and challenges. This established, free event format is supported by partners including the City of Bonn, Deutsche Telekom, Fraunhofer FKIE, the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Alliance for Cybersecurity, the University of Bonn, HiSolutions AG, and Cyber Security Cluster Bonn e.V. It also promotes local and regional networking.