Mr. Chair,
The Open-ended Working Group has more than proved its worth. It has achieved concrete results with the agreement of all States. It must continue to do so as it approaches its final session. Only a joint outcome would contribute to its global application.
While cyber threats that undermine the sovereignty of States and directly interfere in their internal affairs are not new, they are becoming more regular and complex as a result of the dizzying pace of technological progress. For example, the increasing use of artificial intelligence in sophisticated cyber attacks can threaten the functioning of critical infrastructure and society at large.
We therefore consider it increasingly urgent to reject the use of information and communication technologies as a pretext for war and interventionism.
At the same time, we must explicitly reject the use of ICTs and digital platforms for disinformation campaigns and political manipulation.
We must also protect our nations from the notion that the use of force is a legitimate response to a cyber attack. To this end, the exclusively peaceful use of ICTs must be established as a global commitment in order to privilege their potential for social and economic development. The militarization of cyberspace and offensive cyber operations should also be prohibited.
As we move toward the final report, we emphasize that it is critical that such a document explicitly reflect these maxims as principles or collective commitments. It is the duty of all states to ensure that cyberspace does not become a battleground, but is preserved as a resource for the common good.
In addition, among cooperative measures to address threats, the final report of the OEWG could also reflect the intention of states to work together to establish a common terminology for identifying and responding to cyber incidents, which would facilitate sharing, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
Another critical issue that requires our attention is the significant technology gap faced by developing countries, which limits their ability to address current and potential threats. It is essential that the final report of the OEWG includes commitments to help reduce this gap through the provision of technical assistance and the transfer of technology and equipment to developing countries that will enable them to enhance security in the use of information and communication technologies.
These initiatives must be accompanied by a firm commitment to eliminate unilateral coercive measures that impede the ability of the countries to which they are applied to create a secure cyber environment.
The above measures can contribute to a more secure environment for the use of ICTs. However, we reiterate our belief that the most effective way to identify and collectively address cyber threats is through the adoption of a legally binding international instrument that establishes clear obligations for all States. Progress must be made in this direction.
Thank you