UNGA80 First Committee, Other Disarmament Measures and International Security cluster debate
Statement delivered by Ott Laido, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Estonia to the UN
New York, 27 October 2025
Thank you, Chair.
Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. In addition, we would like to highlight the following points in our national capacity.
We welcome the consensus reached in July 2025, the final report of the Open-Ended Working Group on “Security of and in the Use of ICTs 2021-2025”, and the establishment of the Global Mechanism, as the new permanent United Nations forum to continue this important work.
The relevance and value of the Global Mechanism will depend on our ability to candidly explore and address the threats — both existing and emerging — that have serious implications for international peace and security in cyberspace. As these threats evolve, we must rely on our agreed framework to guide practical action, engage with stakeholders including the private sector, and, strengthen our collective resilience.
Chair,
Over the past five years, we have made real progress in identifying areas of agreement on key issues through substantive discussions. We must now build on this momentum and further elaborate emerging areas of convergence between States on how international law applies in cyberspace.
International law’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in cyberspace can only be fully realized when States implement and adhere to their international legal obligations.
The law of State’s responsibility, the application of international humanitarian law, and the application of human rights law – in the context of new technologies – are areas where we can build upon the considerable progress achieved in the OEWG, and, which should be further studied within the framework of the Global Mechanism.
The ongoing war of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has made this painfully clear. Cyber operations have accompanied missile strikes and disinformation campaigns, targeting energy systems, public services and communication networks. These are deliberate attempts to destabilize a sovereign state and harm civilians.
These unprovoked actions are a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are also in violation of Russia’s obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
Estonia stands in full solidarity with Ukraine. Accountability must be at the core of our collective response. Those who use cyber means to attack civilians or critical infrastructure, must face consequences. Impunity in cyberspace only fuels further aggression and undermines international law.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our societies and international security. It must always be developed and used responsibly, in line with international law and human rights. AI must remain human-centric, with people accountable for decisions made or assisted by machines.
Estonia welcomes the initiative by the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands to bring the use of military AI and international security to the UN Security Council, which underscored the need for transparency, human oversight and global cooperation.
Chair,
The security of the digital domain depends on rules, responsibility and accountability. Estonia will continue to work with all partners to uphold these principles and to ensure that technology serves peace, not conflict.
I thank you.