1 INTRODUCTION Cyberspace, which encompasses the internet and all forms of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), presents enormous opportunities for socioeconomic development across the world. It is therefore imperative to assure the safety, security and resilience of the infrastructure, of the information content that runs through it and of the users. However, the complexity of this vast and sometimes difficult to define network, along with the people involved, requires a cohesive approach involving a broad range of stakeholders that extend well beyond individual governments. National Cybersecurity strategies provide the framework to support such an allencompassing approach to protect the Cyberspace infrastructure, its content and users. It states national priorities and goals, assigns roles and responsibilities and resources. Indeed, an effective Cybersecurity strategy is critical for each country to engage fully in the increasingly Cyber-dependant trade and commerce. It enables individuals, companies and nations to realise the full potentials of the Cyberspace, without fear or reservation. It engages all parties in addressing the challenges and opportunities. Based on its mandate, the CTO has developed this proposed approach to serve as a guide for countries to develop their individual National Cybersecurity Strategies. The guide provides practical advice and proposes actions that can be adapted by countries to suit their individual circumstances. 2 THE COMMONWEALTH CYBERGOVERNANCE MODEL The world is witnessing the emergence of contrasting views and approaches on how to govern the Cyberspace. Mindful of the unique nature of Cyberspace and of the importance of maintaining it as a place that fosters interactions, innovation and entrepreneurship, the CTO embarked on a project to develop the Commonwealth Cybergovernance Model that draws on the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth as encompassed in the Commonwealth Charter. (http://thecommonwealth.org/our-charter). This initiative was launched at the 53rd Council meeting of the CTO in Abuja, Nigeria which was followed by a range of consultations with stakeholders. The Commonwealth Cybergovernance Model was adopted by the Commonwealth ICT Ministers at the meeting held in London on 3rd and 4th March 2014. The Model is a unique Commonwealth approach based on four key principles, each steeped in the Commonwealth values, set out in table 1. Page 3 of 33 www.cto.int