The FBI Hosts First-Ever Five Eyes Summit to Bolster Innovation Security Against Intelligence Threats
In an unprecedented collaborative event, leaders from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — converged in Silicon Valley, California upon the invitation of FBI Director Christopher Wray.
This historic gathering marks the inauguration of the Emerging Technology and Securing Innovation Security Summit. Beyond the Five Eyes members, the summit convenes a diverse assembly of business magnates, entrepreneurs, government dignitaries, and academics.
“The Summit is an unprecedented response to an unprecedented threat. The fact the Five Eyes security services are gathering in Silicon Valley speaks to the nature of the threat and our collective resolve to counter it.”
“This summit will raise awareness of the threat, and help the technology sector understand, identify and manage the risks.”
Australian Security Intelligence Organization Director-General Mike Burgess
Their collective mission: to delve into the challenges posed to innovation, anticipate forthcoming trends in the utilization and potential exploitation of emerging technologies, and explore collaborative strategies to promote economic security and public safety.
From left: Mike Burgess ASIO, CSIS David Vigneault CSIS, Christopher Wray FBI, Andrew Hampton NZSIS, and Ken McCallum MI5 during the Emerging Technology and Securing Innovation Summit in Palo Alto, California, on October 16, 2023.
The summit kicks off with a fireside chat, hosted by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, in which all five intelligence leaders engage in discussions. During this session, the intelligence chiefs will elucidate the present threats and trends impacting private sector organizations within their respective nations.
Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing
Coincidentally on the same day, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China is taking steps to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with participating countries.
China is establishing pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, entering into free trade agreements and investment protection treaties with more countries, and removing all restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the BRI links very well with the development of integration projects in regions across the world, while Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed the hope that development synergies under the BRI will continue.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the relevance of the BRI is undeniable in the midst of the challenges facing the world today.
Five Eyes engages private sector
“Emerging technologies are essential to our economic and national security, and America’s role as a leading economic power, but they also present new and evolving threats. The FBI is committed to working with our Five Eyes and industry partners to continue to protect emerging technologies both from those who would steal them and those who would exploit them for malicious purposes.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray
These leaders will engage in profound dialogues with private sector executives, aimed at expanding and fortifying public-private partnerships to enhance the safeguarding of innovation and the collective security of their nations and their citizens.
“The UK is seeing a sharp rise in aggressive attempts by other states to steal competitive advantage. It’s the same across all five of our countries. The stakes are now incredibly high on emerging technologies; states which lead the way in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology will have the power to shape all our futures.”
“We all need to be aware, and respond, before it’s too late.”
MI5 Director General Ken McCallum
The Five Eyes coalition comprises the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This alliance’s roots trace back to the 1946 BRUSA agreement, established shortly after World War II to facilitate intelligence sharing and synchronize security efforts. These member nations boast a lengthy history of trust and collaboration, united by a shared commitment to common values.
Over the past seven decades, this partnership has played a pivotal role in global security, strengthening the exchange of intelligence and fostering cooperation among its member nations to defend their national security and mutual interests. Their security services focus on countering a broad spectrum of threats, encompassing terrorism, cybersecurity, arms proliferation, organized crime, and state-sponsored espionage and interference.
“Emerging technologies bring many benefits to New Zealand, not least the potential to drive economic growth. At the same time, these same technologies in the wrong hands can be used in dangerous or illicit ways. The NZSIS is pleased to be working with our Five Eyes intelligence partners along with the private sector on this most critical of challenges.”
Director-General of Security and Chief Executive, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Andrew Hampton
Related Stories
Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group speech by AFP Commissioner, Reece Kershaw
FBI Top Ten Art Crimes, FBI Art Crimes Team – Updated
FBI Foils Geronimo’s Headdress Sale
