Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son: Cyber security crucial for peace, prosperity
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s online open discussion on maintaining international peace and security on cyberspace hosted by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, UNSC President for June 2021.
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| Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the event. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
In his speech, Son said the boom in information and communications technology has been creating strong and deep impacts on every aspect of life globally, contributing to promoting the exchange of human knowledge, increasing mutual understanding as well as sustainable development in each nation.
However, more and more terrorists and transnational criminals are taking advantage of technology to infiltrate banking and financial systems, destroy essential infrastructure, incite social disorder, spread extremist ideology and distorted information in the community, causing huge damage to the global economic development, seriously threatening sovereignty, security and development while eroding trust among nations.
In such circumstances, the Vietnamese FM affirmed that cybersecurity is crucial for peace, security, development and prosperity on national and global scales. The sovereignty and interest of each nation in cyberspace must be fully respected.
He suggested the international community establish a global framework with rules and a code of conduct on cyberspace based on consensus and the wide and full involvement of countries. Every activity on cyberspace should be in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, especially basic principles such as respecting nations' independence and sovereignty, not interfering in internal affairs, not using force, and settling disputes peacefully.
The minister expressed concern and objection to the use of harmful ICT technology to attack medical, electricity, water and food facilities. He called on all countries to actively engage in and contribute to enhancing international cooperation, building trust and ensuring security in cyberspace.
The explosive development of ICT technology is an irreversible trend that will be a launchpad for humans on the journey towards prosperity. Aware of that, Viet Nam has built a national digital transformation strategy and is striving to have its digital economy account for 30 percent of the gross domestic product by 2030, he said.
He added that in Southeast Asia, Viet Nam actively and proactively joined regional cybersecurity mechanisms, including the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy. The country also formed an effective partnership with many nations and international partners in the field.
Viet Nam is ready to work with partners to build a cyberspace of peace, stability and safety for the people and sustainable development, he stated.
Participants highlighted a need to uphold international law and the United Nations Charter in maintaining peace, security and stability in cyberspace, apart from measures to build trust, improve capacity and coordinate actions among countries.
(Source: VNA)
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