Belisario Contreras

Senior Director, Global Security and Technology Strategy
Belisario Contreras

Belisario Contreras is a recognized and thoughtful contributor to information technology and cybersecurity. Belisario’s work has involved a careful balance between understanding international policymaking and its practical applications. He has approached his collaborations by providing critical thinking and expertise to high-level government officials, executives in the private sector, and civil society representatives to foster synergies that have incrementally advanced cybersecurity practices globally.

In his role at the Organization of American States (OAS) as manager and head of the cybersecurity program, Belisario applied his skills and experience to substantively raise the organization's influence in the cyber domain. He was instrumental in formulating numerous National Cybersecurity Strategies, establishing a network of National Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), and producing a wealth of knowledge publications. His efforts have contributed to building cyber capacity across the Americas, serving as an example for similar initiatives worldwide.

Belisario's experience is recognized by top-tier organizations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), where he was invited to serve on the Advisory Board of the Centre for Cybersecurity (C4C) and to co-chair the Global Future Council of Cybersecurity, among other notable roles. At the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, he provided strategic guidance as part of the FinCyber Initiative High-Level Advisory Group. Currently, as the coordinator of the Digi Americas Alliance and a member of the advisory boards at Duke University and (ISC)² LATAM, he continues to contribute to shaping the global cybersecurity agenda.

Belisario Contreras is a trusted advisor whose commitment to cybersecurity is matched by his proactive engagement and ability to inspire trust through collaboration, leading initiatives that safeguard our digital future.

Insights

Credentials
+

Education

  • M.A. Latin American Studies, Government and Security Georgetown University 2012
  • B.A. Business Administration Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander 2007

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Oxford Martin fellow, University of Oxford
  • Former member, High-Level Advisory Group, FinCyber Initiative, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
  • Former member, Advisory Board, Centre for Cybersecurity (C4C), World Economic Forum (WEF)
  • Former co-chair, Global Future Council on Cybersecurity, World Economic Forum (WEF)