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Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang with representatives of UNODC, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the seminar “Towards Hanoi: Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime” with European countries, held on March 26 at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. (Photo: Courtesy of the author)

Ambassador, could you share your assessment of the significance and importance of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, under the theme “Combating Cybercrime - Sharing Responsibility - Shaping the Future,” in the current international context?

In a world undergoing rapid and complex changes, non-traditional security issues, particularly cybercrime, have become one of the most prominent challenges facing all nations. The explosion of artificial intelligence, big data, and digital technologies has led to a surge in cybercrime in terms of scale, sophistication, and scope of impact, posing threats not only to national security but also directly affecting businesses and people’s daily lives.

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Against this backdrop, the Hanoi Convention emerges as the first global legal framework of the United Nations to prevent and combat cybercrime. It provides a comprehensive and equitable platform for cooperation among nations, including those with differing values and legal systems.

This Convention was adopted by consensus, following negotiations involving more than 150 countries and contributions from numerous leading global technology corporations and international organizations. It reflects the shared determination of the international community to address the growing challenges of cyber security.

What message does Vietnam’s hosting of the Convention’s signing ceremony in Hanoi, the City for Peace, send to the international community, Ambassador?

Vietnam’s selection as the host of the Convention’s signing ceremony is a great honour for the country. It also represents the United Nations’ and the international community’s important recognition of Vietnam’s stature, credibility, and organizational capacity.

Holding the signing ceremony in Hanoi, the City for Peace, carries profound symbolic meaning. It conveys a message of a peaceful, cooperative, proactive, and responsible Vietnam that actively contributes to shaping the international legal order for a safe, healthy, and human-centred cyberspace, serving sustainable development for all humankind.

At the same time, hosting this important event is a concrete step in implementing the major guidelines of the Party and the State, particularly Resolution No. 59 of the Politburo on international integration; Conclusion No. 125 of the Party Secretariat on enhancing the implementation of Directive No. 25 on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy by 2030; and Resolution No. 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang and Ms. Ghada Waly, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of UNODC, and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria. (Photo: Courtesy of the author)

Ambassador, could you share Vietnam’s recent efforts to promote international cooperation in combating cybercrime?

In recent years, Vietnam has made significant progress in strengthening international cooperation in the prevention and combat of cybercrime, demonstrated across various areas. The country has signed and implemented numerous cooperation agreements on cyber-security, digital transformation, and the fight against high-tech crime with Comprehensive Strategic Partners such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, France, and India. Vietnam has also closely coordinated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the ASEAN Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL), and other partners within the United Nations framework in this field.

Vietnam has been among the active participants in the negotiation process of the Convention, making substantial and constructive contributions from the very beginning. To ensure full compliance and effective implementation of its commitments once the Convention enters into force, Vietnam is urgently completing its national legal framework, strengthening specialized forces, and promoting the training of highly qualified cyber-security personnel.

These efforts have not only enhanced Vietnam’s national capacity in preventing and combating cybercrime but have also made practical contributions to the overall security and stability of the region and the world.

The Embassy of Vietnam in Austria and the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna highly appreciate and express sincere thanks for the close cooperation and active participation of the UNODC in the preparation and organization of the signing ceremony of the Convention against Cybercrime. The Mission also reaffirms its commitment to continuing to work closely with UNODC to promote the signing and ratification of the Convention, contributing to its early entry into force and effective implementation.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang with the inter-agency delegation at the seminar updating on the preparations for the Convention’s signing ceremony in Hanoi, held on March 26. (Photo: Courtesy of the author)

Ambassador, how do you assess the significance of this important multilateral milestone for Vietnam, especially in light of the country’s efforts to shift more strongly from “participation” to “proactive engagement,” thereby elevating its multilateral diplomacy in the new stage of national development?

The signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi marks a particularly significant multilateral milestone, reflecting a new stage in Vietnam’s diplomatic mindset and practice. While Vietnam previously focused on being an “active participant” in international processes, it now plays a proactive and central role, contributing to and helping shape new global norms. This represents a clear demonstration of Vietnam’s strong transformation in diplomatic thinking in the new era — one of confident integration, proactive contribution, and an increasingly prominent position within the international community.

Hosting this global event also demonstrates Vietnam’s growing prestige, capability, and role within multilateral frameworks, while reaffirming that Vietnam is a trusted destination for international initiatives. The “Hanoi Convention” will stand as a symbol of multilateralism and international cooperation in the digital era, contributing to expanding Vietnam’s partnership network in digital transformation, cyber security, and innovation, as well as strengthening the country’s capacity to safeguard national sovereignty in cyberspace.

It can be said that the Hanoi Convention is both an important international legal document and a strategic milestone in Vietnam’s diplomacy in the 21st century - a symbol of a proactive, dynamic, creative, and responsible Vietnam that contributes to global peace, security, and sustainable development, while reflecting the nation’s strong aspiration to rise and thrive in a new era of development.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

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