From April 13–17, 2026, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted the Senior Executive Forum: “Cybersecurity, Supply Chains, and the Digital Stack” in Washington, D.C. The five-day forum, organized by Course Director Professor Jeffrey Payne and Co-Director Mr. Fahad Malaikah, brought together 50 senior security professionals representing 35 countries to examine the national security implications of emerging technologies in an increasingly interconnected digital environment. 

The seminar focused on how innovations such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and digital infrastructure shape modern security challenges while simultaneously introducing new vulnerabilities across critical systems and global supply chains. Through expert-led panels, discussions, and interactive tabletop exercises, participants explored whole-of-society approaches to cybersecurity, the role of public‑private partnerships, and strategies for mitigating risks posed by state and non-state actors in the digital domain. 

Featuring perspectives from U.S. government officials, military leaders, academics, and private-sector experts, the program emphasized practical collaboration and policy-relevant outcomes. By engaging with real-world scenarios and comparative national experiences, participants reinforced international networks and shared best practices aimed at strengthening resilience and military effectiveness, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation among like-minded partners to address shared cyber and technological challenges.