As the world’s dependence on information and communications technologies (ICTs) continues to increase, the responsible behaviour of States in the use of ICTs has become of vital importance to the maintenance of international peace and security. Pursuant to its mandate contained in General Assembly resolution 73/266, the 2019–2021 Group of Governmental Experts on Advancing Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace in the Context of International Security has continued to study, with a view to promoting common understandings and effective implementation, possible cooperative measures to address existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security.
The present report contains the Group’s findings on existing and emerging threats; norms, rules and principles for the responsible behaviour of States; international law; confidence-building measures; and international cooperation and assistance in ICT security and capacity-building. On each of these topics, the report adds a layer of understanding to the findings and recommendations of previous Groups of Governmental Experts.
The UN Secretary-General issues the Our Common Agenda report, outlining his vision on the future of global cooperation. Among other elements, the Secretary-General envisions the adoption of a Global Digital Compact (GDC) to ‘outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all’. The GDC is to be agreed up during a Summit of the Future, planned for September 2024.
Reaffirmation of the results of the previous reports of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), as well as that international law, and in particular the Charter of the UN, is applicable to cyberspace
Norms do not replace or alter states’ obligations or rights under international law – which are binding – but rather provide additional and specific guidance on what constitutes responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs
Recommendation that states voluntarily identify and consider CBMs
Recommends that appropriate to their specific contexts, and cooperate with other states on their implementation
Comprehensive capacity building measures in the field of ICT security
Reaffirmation of the results of the previous reports of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), as well as that international law, and in particular the Charter of the UN, is applicable to cyberspace
Norms do not replace or alter states’ obligations or rights under international law – which are binding – but rather provide additional and specific guidance on what constitutes responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs
Recommendation that states voluntarily identify and consider CBMs
Recommends that appropriate to their specific contexts, and cooperate with other states on their implementation
Comprehensive capacity building measures in the field of ICT security
The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology is established following the Secretary-General’s appointment of his inaugural Envoy on Technology. Responsibilities of the Office include: leading the implementation of the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation; facilitating dialogue on the recommendations of the Roadmap and related parts of the Our Common Agenda report; and serving as an advocate and focal point for digital cooperation.
Starting July 2022, the position of Envoy on Technology has been held by Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill.
The renewal of the OEWG for a period of five years – 2021 to 2025, with the same mandate
The organisational session of the new OEWG be held in 2021 and includes the establishment of thematic subgroups, allowing interaction with other stakeholders.
The group is to provide an annual progress report and a final report to the 80th UNGA, starting in autumn 2025.
The renewal of the OEWG for a period of five years – 2021 to 2025, with the same mandate
The organisational session of the new OEWG be held in 2021 and includes the establishment of thematic subgroups, allowing interaction with other stakeholders.
The group is to provide an annual progress report and a final report to the 80th UNGA, starting in autumn 2025.
The UN Secretary-General presents the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, building upon the recommendations outlined in the report of the High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. The Roadmap indicates the main signposts ahead of us and proposes practical policy actions around the following key areas: connectivity, digital public goods, digital inclusion, digital capacity building, digital human rights, digital trust and security, critical infrastructure, and global digital cooperation.
