During its presidency of the Security Council Estonia will organise a high-level open debate on cyber security on 29 June 2021.
The objective of this open debate is to contribute to a better understanding of the growing risks stemming from malicious activities in cyberspace and their impact on international peace and security as well as to address the global efforts to promote peace and stability in cyberspace. member states will have an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to international law and the framework of responsible state behaviour as key elements of conflict prevention and maintenance of peace and security in cyberspace.
Although the open debate will be the first time the security council addresses cybersecurity as a separate issue, the council has discussed the topic during several of its informal meetings and as part of a broader debate on international security. These meetings have demonstrated that for many countries cyber threats are a matter of concern and constitute a key security challenge.
Together with the growing dependence on the digital domain and the various benefits provided by digital transformation, there has unfortunately been a continuous rise in malicious cyber activities and growing systemic threats disrupting the functioning of critical infrastructure and digital services. This is why it is essential to address cyber security issues at a high level.
The debate will be chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia, Ms Kaja Kallas.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday 29 June via video conference at 8.00 AM (NYC time).There will be a statement by United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs H.E. Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu statement by United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs H.E. Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, followed by interventions from Security Council members. Other UN member states and observers are asked to share their statements in writing.
The meeting will be streamed live and is open to the public via UN WebTV, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.