The UK Government's Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) has unveiled its 2022 to 2023 Annual Report, highlighting its significant expansion in global initiatives. The CSSF, led by the Cabinet Office, focuses on addressing threats to UK national security originating from overseas, particularly conflict, transnational threats, and hostile state activities. The fund has more than doubled spending on cybersecurity programs in the past year, with a noteworthy allocation of £25.5 million directed towards cybersecurity initiatives. The CSSF has played a crucial role in fortifying the cybersecurity capabilities of international partners, including funding cyber exercises in the Indo-Pacific region and conducting tests in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan. The CSSF has also provided support to Ukraine, with funding for the Ukraine Cyber Programme set to increase by up to £25 million. The CSSF's expansive reach is evident in its allocations across different regions, with Eastern Europe and Central Asia receiving approximately 14% of CSSF funding and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for nearly 12%. The CSSF will transition into the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) in April 2024, aligning with the Integrated Review Refresh and aiming to integrate domestic and overseas security efforts more effectively. The ISF will export the UK's expertise to international partners and enhance the nation's capacity to tackle global challenges. The CSSF operates as a collaborative effort, bringing together various government departments, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) being the single biggest spender. In addition, the UK government has awarded a £150 million contract to Computacenter to modernize and enhance digital services within the defense sector, specifically addressing cyber threats. The comprehensive deal covers over 220,000 devices used by MOD personnel globally and is projected to result in a substantial reduction of operating costs. These initiatives are a response to the challenges the UK has faced in recent years.
The UK government is also seeking bids for projects under its Integrated Security Fund (ISF) programme in Manila. The five-year programme (2020-2025) aims to support the Bangsamoro peace process and includes elements such as supporting the political track of the peace process, promoting active civic engagement, and supporting the normalization track. Bids are being sought for projects related to confidence-building measures, security, socio-economic aspects, and transitional justice. The bids must have government buy-in and be in Pounds Sterling (GBP) with a limit of £481,500. The project proposals will be evaluated based on financial and operational capacity, value for money, and the ability to achieve measurable outcomes. Successful applicants will implement their projects from June 2024 to March 2025. [ac8def62]