Hanoi Convention: A declaration of global cooperation in the digital era
WVR - On October 26, at the National Convention Center, within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime Signing Ceremony (Hanoi Convention), a high-level discussion on international cooperation in combating cybercrime continued under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung and Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu.
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| Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung, and Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu chaired the high-level discussion within the framework of the Hanoi Convention Signing Ceremony, on October 26. (Photo: Gia Vu) |
In an open and constructive dialogue, ministers, ambassadors, and representatives from countries, international organizations, and businesses shared their views, clarified the role and significance of the Convention, and proposed solutions for its implementation.
All speeches continued to highly appreciate the Convention as a significant milestone in multilateral cooperation, marking a victory for multilateralism and international law. The adoption of the Convention – the first global legal framework to address cross-border threats in cyberspace – demonstrates the consensus and effectiveness of the multilateral system and heralds a new chapter in global digital governance.
The opinions emphasized the core values of the Convention: Firstly, in the context of increasing cybercrime in both quantity and complexity worldwide, countries highlighted the Convention's role as a global legal framework for cooperation in combating crime through information sharing, promoting effective and transparent investigation and prosecution, including particularly concerning crimes such as online fraud and child sexual exploitation.
Secondly, the Convention provides essential tools to protect human rights in the digital environment.
Thirdly, the Convention serves as a legal basis for capacity-building activities and technical support for developing countries in combating cybercrime, especially in protecting children and vulnerable individuals.
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| Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu chaired the discussion on October 26. (Photo: Gia Vu) |
Regarding the future implementation of the Convention, countries emphasized the need to harmonize national laws in accordance with the Convention's obligations and to implement specific national measures. They also saw this as an opportunity to update national legal frameworks, aiming for a fair and humane digital ecosystem. Many countries shared their national experiences in combating cybercrime, such as establishing centers to respond to online fraud and harmful activities, setting up hotlines, creating specialized agencies, reforming criminal law, and issuing national cybersecurity strategies in line with the Convention's spirit, while expediting procedures to prepare for its ratification.
Developing countries noted that to ensure the Convention's sustainable and long-term implementation, it is essential to invest in and allocate resources for capacity building, technical support, and technology transfer. Many countries affirmed their commitment to cooperation and technical support for developing nations, emphasizing the need to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms in implementing the Convention.
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| Overview of the discussion session on the morning of October 26. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The discussion also acknowledged the active participation of international organizations, tech companies, and NGOs with specific proposals for support, coordination with countries in prevention, awareness, education, and public-private collaboration in implementing the Convention.
Over the two days of October 25 and 26, nearly 80 countries and international organizations spoke at the discussion session. From their opinions, it is clear that the Hanoi Convention is not just a legal document but a “declaration of global cooperation in the digital era”.
The Signing Ceremony marks the beginning of the journey to bring the Convention into real life. The success of the Convention will be measured by its effectiveness, enforcement, ability to protect individuals, maintain digital trust, and promote sustainable development. Hanoi – the city for peace – is once again marked as the starting point for new alliances in protecting global cyberspace.
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| Delegates attending the discussion session. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
