A framework for sustainable cyber diplomacy capacity building

Cyber diplomacy capacity building has become an increasingly important mechanism for enabling states, particularly developing countries, to participate in international cyber governance processes. While existing initiatives have contributed to individual expertise, comparatively less attention has been paid to their sustainability and the ability to generate long-term organisational capacity. This article examines how cyber diplomacy capacity-building initiatives can move beyond individual skills development to support sustainable institutional capacity within governmental structures. Using a qualitative, mixed-methods research design combining a literature and policy review, stakeholder interviews and a mapping of 19 initiatives, the article analyses factors that enable or constrain the institutionalisation of acquired expertise. The findings identify recurring challenges related to knowledge transfer, institutional continuity, coordination, inclusion and long-term evaluation. Drawing on these findings, the article proposes a framework structured around three interdependent principles: institutionalisation, policy integration and adaptability. It identifies mechanisms for translating individual expertise into sustainable organisational capacity, including capacity multipliers, knowledge repositories, policy integration and regional cooperation. By shifting attention from training outcomes to sustainability and institutionalisation, the article contributes to the literature on cyber capacity building while offering practical insights for strengthening long-term engagement in cyber diplomacy.