Hà Nội to host landmark UN Cybercrime Convention in 2025

The UN General Assembly's meeting to adopt the convention on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

NEW YORK — The signing ceremony for the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime will take place in Hà Nội in 2025, according to official information from the United Nations (UN).

The UN General Assembly adopted the convention on Tuesday, concluding nearly five years of negotiations. This groundbreaking international agreement aims to enhance cooperation among nations in tackling cybercrime and protecting societies from digital risks.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated the treaty's adoption, highlighting its significance as the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in over two decades.

“This treaty is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times and reflects the collective will of Member States to promote international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

The agreement is anticipated to pave the way for unprecedented cooperation in evidence sharing, victim protection and crime prevention, while ensuring the preservation of human rights online.

The treaty’s adoption comes amid alarming increases in cybercrime, which caused global economic losses estimated at US$8 trillion in 2023, with projections climbing to $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Crimes such as online child exploitation, elaborate cyber scams and financial fraud underline the urgent need for coordinated global action.

Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the treaty as a “major victory” for international cooperation and confirmed the UNODC’s commitment to aiding nations in adopting and implementing the agreement.

The Convention addresses critical threats posed by the misuse of information and communication technologies (ICT), targeting crimes ranging from terrorism and human trafficking to drug smuggling.

It prioritises justice for victims, particularly vulnerable populations, and emphasises the importance of technical support and capacity-building to enhance global resilience against cybercrime.

The choice of Hà Nội as the venue for the signing ceremony underscores Việt Nam’s rising profile on the international stage and its active role during the treaty’s negotiation process.

The event also marks a milestone in Việt Nam’s nearly five-decade-long partnership with the UN. This is the first instance of a location in Việt Nam being associated with a global multilateral treaty, reflecting the nation’s commitment to being a proactive and responsible global participant.

Referred to as the 'Hanoi Convention', the convention will come into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory. — VNS

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