On December 24, the UN General Assembly in New York approved the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime and selected Vietnam as the location for its signing ceremony.

A landmark achievement

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted this as a "deserved achievement" after nearly five years of relentless negotiations by Vietnam and other UN member states.

As the first transnational crime-focused document adopted within the UN framework in two decades, the convention represents a new chapter in international cooperation.

The agreement provides a global legal framework for cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for collective action among nations to combat cybercrime.

It also aims to harmonize legal systems, establish a 24/7 specialized cooperation mechanism, and bridge gaps in global governance of technology.

Through a democratic and inclusive negotiation process, the convention reflects not only the perspectives of developed nations but also the interests of developing countries, which often face challenges in global technology management.

Deputy Prime Minister Son stressed that the convention reinforces the UN’s central role in coordinating international efforts to tackle cybercrime - a pressing issue in today’s interconnected world.

He also noted that it could serve as a model for future global frameworks on digital technology, such as artificial intelligence governance.

Vietnam’s proactive contributions

From the outset, Vietnam has shown strong support for the convention, actively participating in all eight sessions of the specialized committee responsible for drafting it.

Vietnam’s constructive contributions, characterized by its willingness to listen, share viewpoints, and seek common ground, earned widespread trust and recognition from the UN and international partners.

This trust led to Vietnam’s proposal to host the signing ceremony in 2025 being met with broad and enthusiastic support.

Deputy Prime Minister Son emphasized that Vietnam’s role as host reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation in combating transnational crime.

It also underscores Vietnam’s consistent stance of upholding international law and proactively contributing to global challenges through UN-led initiatives.

Hanoi: A symbol of international collaboration

UN member states unanimously selected Hanoi as the venue for the signing ceremony.

This decision cements Hanoi’s reputation as a center for global diplomacy and associates it with a pivotal legal instrument addressing one of the 21st century’s most significant challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister Son underlined the importance of this event, particularly as countries like Vietnam are advancing digital transformation initiatives tied to ensuring security and safety in the new era.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security and the UN, is preparing to organize this historic event, further solidifying Vietnam’s role in global governance and legal integration.

Tran Thuong