Statement at 1C thematic debate on ICTs

UNGA 78th Session of the First Committee

Thematic Debate of Other Disarmament Measures and International Security

Statement by the Republic of Estonia, delivered by Mr Mattias Varem, Third Secretary

New York, 24 October 2023

 

Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. In addition, we would like to highlight the following points in our national capacity.

Mr Chair,

Preventing and managing threats to international peace and security, including threats deriving from malicious use of cyberspace, is of utmost importance to Estonia.

Threats in the use of ICTs are evolving and intensifying, stressing the increasing concerns for national and international security. Malicious cyber incidents may result in negative effects on economic and social development, target critical infrastructure as well as bring along direct implications on international stability.

In particular, Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion against Ukraine has showcased how cyber operations are employed to support military objectives and have become part of the modern armed conflict. During Russia’s aggression, Ukrainian governmental authorities, critical infrastructure, local governments, the security and defence sector, and companies have been targeted in cyberspace. The malicious cyber operations have also demonstrated a dangerous spill-over effect, underlining the cross-border character of cyber threats.

Estonia strongly condemns such malicious cyber operations. We underline that international law – including the UN Charter in its entirety, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law – is fully applicable to State behaviour in cyberspace. The UN Member States need to join forces to strengthen the international rules-based order and adhere to it also in cyberspace. We recall that any use of ICTs by States in a manner inconsistent with their obligations under the framework of responsible State behaviour, undermines international peace and security, trust and stability between States.

Estonia values highly the work of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) and welcomes the agreement on the Annual Progress Report in July 2023. Despite the challenging geopolitical situation, the consensus report underscores the increasing interest of the UN Member States to deepen the discussions on the framework of responsible State behaviour. Estonia has found the deliberations on threats, norms, international law, capacity building and future institutional dialogue very useful for clarifying national and regional perspectives and building the global commitment towards cyber stability.

In order to anchor clarity and predictability, the UN Member States have repeatedly called for a permanent UN mechanism on cyber issues in the context of international security. Estonia continues to support the establishment of an inclusive, single-track and action-oriented Programme of Action (PoA) after the end of the current OEWG in 2025, as outlined in the respective UNGA resolution. We appreciate that the upcoming OEWG meetings will offer additional options for collectively shaping the PoA.

Finally, we would like to reiterate the importance of harnessing the expertise of the multistakeholder community. We value the opportunities for the meaningful, regular and substantial participation of the private sector, civil society and academia during OEWG discussions.

Estonia invites States as well as other stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive exchanges, to share and to listen, and to work towards enhanced global cyber resilience.

I thank you.