On 17 January 2026, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram participated as a Keynote Speaker in the International Online Conference titled “Securing Cyberspace Sovereignty for a Peaceful, Inclusive, and Sustainable Global Community of a Shared Future”, organized by the East African Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Tanzania. The conference brought together experts from various countries to discuss important issues surrounding cyberspace sovereignty.

His Excellency Ambassador Lazaro Nyalandu, Presidential Advisor on Diplomatic Affairs, United Republic of Tanzania, graced the conference as Guest of Honor, while the opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Peter Mataba, Dean of the School of Communication Studies, St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). The conference was moderated by Dr. David Haruna Mrisho, Deputy Director of EARCCSF and Head of the Department of Public Relations and Marketing at SAUT, with Dr. Janeth Mushi serving as Conference Secretariat and Co-Moderator of the online sessions.

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram delivered a keynote speech titled “Cyberspace Sovereignty, Security, and Sustainable Peace in a Multipolar World.” He emphasized that cyberspace has become central to national security, economic development, and global peace. He highlighted cyberspace sovereignty as a foundation for stability and inclusive digital governance, stressing that cybersecurity must be built on cooperation rather than confrontation. He concluded that respect for sovereignty and strengthened multilateral cooperation are essential for sustainable peace and a shared digital future.

Other distinguished speakers included:

• Prof. Zhang Yanqiu, Deputy Dean, Institute for Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, spoke on “Media and Digital Cooperation in Building a Community with a Shared Future: Chinese Experience and Global Implications.” She highlighted China’s approach to digital media cooperation as a means of promoting mutual understanding and trust, emphasizing inclusive communication frameworks for shared global digital responsibility.
• Dr. Chin Yee Mun, Associate Professor, Faculty of Creative Industries, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia, and Director of the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies and the ASEAN Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, delivered a presentation titled “Securing Digital Sovereignty in the Cyber World: The Malaysian Experience.” He discussed Malaysia’s policy framework for balancing digital openness with national sovereignty and stressed the importance of regional cooperation and capacity-building for cyber resilience in ASEAN.
• Dr. Dennis Ikachoi, Lecturer at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), addressed the growing cyber threats faced by developing countries in the digital age. He emphasized the importance of institutional preparedness and knowledge-sharing mechanisms to safeguard critical digital infrastructure.
• Dr. Adeline Mpuya, Department of Public Relations and Advertising, School of Communication Studies, SAUT, highlighted the importance of digital ethics, media responsibility, and youth engagement in shaping a shared and sustainable digital future.
• Dr. Castor Mfugale, Lecturer at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), focused on cybersecurity governance from an African perspective. He stressed the need for context-specific digital policies that align technological advancement with social stability and national priorities.
• Dr. Dotto Bulendu, Radio Director at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), discussed the ethical dimensions of cyberspace governance, emphasizing trust, transparency, and inclusivity as essential principles for a peaceful digital future.

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Silvester Jotta, Director of Quality Assurance, SAUT, who commended the depth of discussions and the strong international participation. He reaffirmed the importance of sustained scholarly and policy-oriented dialogue on cyberspace sovereignty and global digital cooperation.

With over 140 participants from around the world, the conference evolved into a vibrant and interactive exchange of ideas. Insightful questions and active engagement reflected strong interest in the theme. Overall, the conference successfully provided a dynamic platform for dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, contributing meaningfully to global discussions on cybersecurity, digital governance, and the promotion of a peaceful, inclusive global community of a shared future.