OSCE engages in regional consultations on the United Nations Programme of Action for cybersecurity

On 14 June, in co-operation with the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) held a regional consultation on the United Nations Programme of Action for cybersecurity. The consultations seek to advance responsible behaviour in the use of information and communications technologies in the context of international security.

The event is part of a series of consultations by UNODA, requested by the General Assembly, in collaboration with regional organizations, which will act as a platform for States to share views on the Programme of Action for cybersecurity proposal.

In her opening address, Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs said “We are facing extraordinary challenges to peace and security in cyberspace. In moments like these, we must recognize the critical importance of common norms, rules and principles of responsible state behaviour and redouble our efforts to ensure their effective implementation. I wholeheartedly welcome States’ consideration of action-oriented mechanisms for advancing the implementation of the normative framework and for supporting State capacities to implement it. The programme of action proposal fits squarely in this basket.”

OSCE participating States offered unique perspectives on the proposal, drawing on the work already undertaken by the OSCE in the region. A segment of the consultation was also dedicated to the views of regional non-state stakeholders, reflecting the OSCE’s multi-stakeholder approach when engaging with cybersecurity policy.

“We strongly believe that the regional perspective – especially from the largest regional security organization - has to be taken into account when discussing the scope, content and modalities of the UN Programme of Action on cybersecurity. I am convinced that the views expressed by participating States today will provide valuable input to the process,” said Marijan Pop-Angelov, Minister Counselor and Head of First Dimension, on behalf of the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia.  

Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, added “UN and OSCE efforts in cybersecurity are necessarily interlinked – we continue to be guided by UN-level agreements and support them through our expert knowledge and our independent activities.”

Participants underlined their commitment to continuing discussions on the Programme of Action proposal, with the next regional consultation taking place with EU Member States on 16 June.