In a significant move highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity in international relations, a coalition of 65 countries and the European Union has issued a joint statement calling for the United Nations Security Council to take a more active role in addressing cyber threats to global peace and security. The statement, delivered by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, underscores the critical nature of cybersecurity in today's interconnected world and the need for a coordinated international response.
The joint statement begins by reaffirming the signatories' commitment to promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful Information and Communication Technologies environment in compliance with international law. This commitment reflects the growing recognition that cyberspace has become a crucial domain for international relations, commerce, and governance. The signatories acknowledge that malicious use of cyberspace poses significant challenges in today's digital age, where states rely heavily on digital infrastructure for various critical functions.
One of the key concerns highlighted in the statement is the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. The signatories note the increasing use of new malware and cyber techniques, as well as the exploitation of the dark web and cryptocurrency heists to support terrorist activities and the development of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. This evolution of cyber threats poses a direct challenge to international security and violates relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international law.
The statement expresses particular concern over malicious cyber activities targeting critical infrastructure. Such attacks can have cascading effects across borders and sectors, including healthcare, maritime, aviation, space, energy, and financial sectors. This interconnectedness of critical infrastructure highlights the potential for cyber attacks to cause widespread disruption and damage, making it a matter of international concern.
Another crucial aspect addressed in the statement is the disproportionate impact of cyber threats on vulnerable populations. The signatories note that women, children, people in vulnerable situations, and citizens of states with less capacity to address cyber threats may be more severely affected by malicious use of ICTs. This recognition underscores the need for capacity-building efforts in cybersecurity, with the United Nations playing an important role in this regard.
The statement also draws attention to the alarming trend of cyber threats acting as "threat multipliers," exacerbating existing conflicts and threats to international peace and security. This connection between cyber threats and international security forms the basis for the signatories' call for increased involvement of the UN Security Council in addressing these issues. They argue that the Security Council has a key role to play in addressing cyber threats as part of its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
To address these challenges, the signatories propose several actions for the UN Security Council. They suggest that the Council should raise its awareness and deepen its understanding of the evolving threat landscape in cyberspace through regular meetings and briefings. Additionally, they recommend a comprehensive, responsive, and evidence-based approach to cybersecurity that aligns with the Council's mandate and agenda. The statement also calls for the mainstreaming of cyber concerns in discussions of country-specific and thematic issues within the Council's purview.
