Prime Minister calls on '5 countries to step up' implementation of Hanoi Convention so that 'no one is left behind in the digital age'

On the afternoon of October 25, in Hanoi, within the framework of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a High-Level Discussion took place, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC; with the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, heads of State, Government and representatives of more than 110 countries; and many international and regional organizations.

In his opening remarks at the Discussion Session, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked the Secretary-General and representatives of UN member countries for attending the signing ceremony, including nearly 70 countries and organizations that signed the Convention, thereby promoting and supporting Vietnam in taking on the responsibility of organizing the signing ceremony, a historic event that begins a new phase in global cooperation in combating cybercrime.

Believing that the unprecedented achievements of science and technology have fundamentally changed the structure of the global economy, production methods and social governance, the Prime Minister emphasized that digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend and objective requirement, but also a strategic choice and top priority for every country to develop rapidly and sustainably. However, it also comes with unprecedented risks such as cybercrime and cyberattacks.

"This is a common challenge for all humanity, comprehensive, all-people, and global: Without strong cyber security, there will be no safe digital society!". In that context, the Prime Minister affirmed that ensuring cyber security and preventing and combating cybercrime is not only a matter of each country and nation, but also a common responsibility of the entire international community.

The Prime Minister said that, deeply aware that ensuring cyber security and fighting cybercrime is the pillar and "backbone" of the national digital transformation, Vietnam has issued many strategies, laws, and action programs on fighting crime, shifting strategic thinking from "passive defense" to "proactive, active attack", building a "proactive, comprehensive, all-people cyber security posture", and gradually improving the capacity of "Self-reliance - Self-reliance - Self-strengthening - Self-confidence" in cyber security.

At the same time, realizing that "no country is strong enough to fight cybercrime alone", Vietnam always demonstrates a proactive and responsible spirit, always ready to contribute to the goal of ensuring global cyber security. Participating in, promoting and hosting the Hanoi Opening Ceremony is an important demonstration of this commitment and effort.

The Prime Minister called on countries to join hands in implementing the spirit of "5 pushes":

The first,Promote international cooperation and establish a close network of partnerships between countries, international organizations and large technology corporations.

Monday,promote the completion of the national legal framework in accordance with the Convention.

Tuesday,Promote investment cooperation in cybersecurity infrastructure.

Wednesday,Promote the development of specialized human resources, improve the capacity to investigate, respond to and handle cybercrime.

Thursday,promote participation in the international legal framework on cyberspace.

According to the Prime Minister, the spirit of "5 steps" will be a call for common action of the times so that the Hanoi Convention will truly become a source of inspiration for global cooperation, trust and common responsibility of humanity in protecting the digital future.

The Prime Minister highlighted the message of a nation that always loves peace and aspires to rise up, from a country that has gone through many wars, faced many difficulties and challenges in the development process but is always resilient, steadfast, confident, compassionate and humane: "Vietnam is ready to join international friends in building a safe, healthy and sustainable cyberspace, for the common interests of all nations, for the happiness of all people, and for the future of future generations". The Prime Minister strongly reaffirmed the commitment to fully and seriously implement all the obligations set out, and to accompany member countries in implementing the Convention so that "no one is left behind in the digital age".

Following the Prime Minister’s opening remarks, representatives from 18 countries delivered speeches. The countries highlighted the role of the Convention as an important step forward in building the first global legal framework to coordinate joint efforts to respond to cybercrime – a cross-border challenge that is increasing in number and complexity. All countries acknowledged the enormous challenge that cybercrime is affecting each economy as well as people’s lives.

Many opinions expressed national commitments to preventing and combating cybercrime, international cooperation in sharing information and evidence, building common standards on cyberspace management, capacity building and technical support. Countries highly appreciated Vietnam's leadership and guiding role through the initiative to host the signing ceremony; expressed determination to work together to bring the Convention into life, and to implement it effectively and fully.

Notably, in his message to the Discussion Session, the Russian President congratulated the United Nations members for their solidarity and consensus in adopting a universal international treaty on combating cybercrime, emphasizing that "Russia is always ready to cooperate most closely with the international community" in this field.

Ecuador's Vice President said that technological development needs to go hand in hand with promoting human security, human rights and humanity.

The strong development of digital technology, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies has opened up many opportunities for social and economic progress, while giving rise to new forms of crime, affecting the financial system, critical infrastructure, personal data and human rights, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Uzbekistan said, calling for cybersecurity to be an essential part of national security.

The Polish Deputy Prime Minister called on countries to continue maintaining consensus in building additional protocols, cooperating to enhance capacity, and supporting response to cybercrime in a spirit of responsibility, solidarity and based on the rule of law.

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister affirmed his commitment to building cybersecurity capacity, protecting citizens from cyber threats and cooperating with the private sector. Australia pledged $83.5 million to invest in the Cyber ​​Security Program in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.