Statement by the Republic of Estonia
Delivered by Ms. Kristel Lõuk, Deputy Permanent Representative of Estonia
UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on cyber security
4 April 2024, New York
Mister/Madame Chair,
We welcome today’s discussion and thank the briefers for their valuable insight. Estonia aligns with the Statement delivered by the European Union.
Mister/Madame Chair,
Since Estonia introduced the topic of cyber security to the Council three years ago, the security and stability of cyberspace has remained of great concern to us. We are reminded daily that open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment cannot be taken for granted and is not separate from the physical world.
We are increasingly alarmed by the sheer amount as well as the damage caused by cyber threats carried out by both State and non-State actors. We see how Russia’s kinetic aggression against Ukraine is accompanied by malicious cyber operations and how this combined warfare paves the way for the future conflicts. In other cases, cyber operations have been so severe that they resulted in the declaration of a state of national emergency. Thus, there are clear implications on international peace and security, calling for the attention of the Security Council.
Importantly, we call for the strengthening of the international rules-based order. We need to hold accountable the actors responsible for malicious operations in cyberspace and adhere to international commitments.
Mister/Madame Chair,
States need to invest in cyber resilience long before malicious cyber operations take place. National strategies are a prime tool for identifying domestic roles and responsibilities, outlining national priorities and challenges, offering a comprehensive approach to awareness raising and education as well as mapping relevant international processes.
Equally, Estonia believes that security comes from information sharing and international cooperation. We invite States be open about threats and vulnerabilities, actors and their capabilities. Typically, the consequences of the vulnerabilities depend on the speed with which we act – whether we are aware and able to patch them before criminals manage to exploit them.
Mister/Madame Chair,
In conclusion, the Security Council should continue to exchange views on existing and potential cyber threats and thereby raise awareness of the strategic implications of these security challenges. Deepening these discussions and developing a comprehensive approach to enhancing cyber resilience will support States in taking appropriate technical, legal, policy and other measures to protect their systems.
Thank you
