Global Experts Gather in The Hague to Tackle Rising Cyber Threats
The Hague, Wednesday 16 September 2026
Next month’s ONE Conference in The Hague will unite global experts, featuring critical cybersecurity insights from Ukraine on defending national infrastructure against active, daily digital warfare.
A Strategic Convergence at the World Forum
Scheduled to take place on 6 and 7 October 2026 at the World Forum in The Hague, the ONE Conference 2026 stands as Europe’s premier summit for the international cybersecurity sector [1][2]. The two-day event is independently organised through a partnership between the National Cyber Security Centrum (NCSC), the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Municipality of The Hague [1][2]. By bringing together a diverse cohort of policymakers, technical specialists, researchers, and corporate leaders, the conference serves as a critical nexus for addressing the complex, borderless challenges of the digital age [1][2].
A Multidimensional Approach to Modern Cyber Defence
The summit’s comprehensive agenda is structured around six core thematic pillars: Core of Tech, Geopolitics, Future of Cyber, Cyber Governance, Critical Systems and Chain Security, and Human Impact [1][2]. This year’s programme places a pronounced emphasis on the intersection of national security and digital resilience [1][2]. Notably, representatives from Ukraine will share their direct operational experiences and strategic insights on defending critical national infrastructure against relentless, large-scale cyber threats [1][2].
Fostering European Sovereignty and Startup Capital
Beyond geopolitical discourse, the conference will address systemic technological trends including artificial intelligence (AI), ransomware mitigation, and the protection of critical supply chains [1][2]. To promote regional autonomy, the event features an exhibition themed ‘Made in Europe’ designed to champion European data sovereignty [1][2]. Furthermore, the conference integrates dedicated spaces for commercial and professional advancement: the Capital Area provides a platform for startups to secure venture interest, while the ONE Talent Hub focuses on attracting and retaining skilled professionals within the European cybersecurity sector [1][2].
Strengthening the Regional Innovation Ecosystem
The ONE Conference aligns with a broader, coordinated effort to bolster the digital and physical security infrastructure of the Netherlands [3]. Local innovation hubs, including Security Delta (HSD), Unknown Group, Campus@Sea, The Hague Tech, and The Hague Humanity Hub, have recently presented a joint action agenda to Alderman Richard de Mos [3]. This strategic roadmap outlines five key initiatives, including the establishment of an annual European Defence & Security Week starting in April 2027 and the development of secure, decentralised energy hubs that merge local energy solutions with advanced cybersecurity protocols [3].
Connecting Investors with Cutting-Edge Innovators
Immediately following the main summit, the investment landscape will take centre stage at the ECSO Cyber Investor Days on Thursday, 8 October 2026 [4]. Hosted at the HSD Campus in The Hague, this event is co-organised by organisations including Cyberhive EUROPE, the Woman4Cyber Foundation, Security Delta (HSD), Accenture, InnovationQuarter, and TIN Capital [4]. The afternoon will facilitate direct engagement between prominent European venture capitalists, corporate integrators, and promising cybersecurity startups and scale-ups pitching their latest scalable software and security solutions [4].
The Broader Digital Transformation Wave
This concentration of cybersecurity and investment activity in October 2026 occurs alongside a wider wave of digital transformation across the Dutch economy [5]. For instance, Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff ArenA hosted the DigiMarCon Europe & Netherlands and TECHSPO Amsterdam exhibitions from 17 to 18 September 2026, focusing on digital enterprise scalability [5]. As legacy industries continue to modernise, subsequent regional events—such as the conference on the Development, Implementation and Management of AI and ML Models scheduled for 28 and 29 September 2026 in Amsterdam—highlight the critical, ongoing demand for secure and scalable digital frameworks [5].