First substantive session of the UN Global Mechanism on cybersecurity

The first substantive session of the Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs will be held on 20-24 July.

This session marks the start of the substantive work of the Global Mechanism, a new single-track, permanent forum on ICT security under UN auspices. 

Within this framework, states will advance discussions across the five established pillars of responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs, covering existing and potential threats, rules, norms and principles, the application of international law, confidence-building measures, and capacity-building efforts. 

The Global Mechanism will convene in different formats.

It will hold substantive plenary sessions once a year during each biennial cycle, the first being scheduled for July 2026.

It will hold two dedicated thematic groups—one addressing general substantive issues and one focused on capacity building—intended to enable more in-depth discussions, building on the outcomes of the plenary. In 2026, the dedicated thematic groups are scheduled to take place from 7 to 11 December.

In addition, the mechanism will convene a review conference every five years to assess progress and guide its future direction.