PH Calls for More Proactive Role for UN Security Council in Addressing Cyber Threats to International Peace and Security

At the UN Security Council open debate on cybersecurity, Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo delivers national statement on cybersecurity in the context of international peace and security at the UN Security Council Chamber, UN Headquarters in New York. (Photo Credit: United Nations Photo Library).

NEW YORK 26 June 2024 – As cyber threats continue to rise and threaten international peace and security, Philippine Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo, underscored the pivotal role of the UN Security Council in addressing these threats. 

“Criminal activities in cyberspace exacerbate existing challenges to international peace and security. The Philippines has witnessed how cyberattacks can serve as significant threat multipliers, complicating efforts to maintain stability and peace. The transnational nature of cyberspace means that no state is immune, and our collective security is only as strong as its weakest link,” said Permanent Representative Lagdameo as he addressed the Security Council in a high-level open debate on cybersecurity. 

To this end, the Ambassador urged the Security Council to reinforce the agreed normative framework of responsible State behavior in cyberspace and convene annually to review the cyberthreat landscape. He also suggested that the Council lead on information gathering as well as on studying specific threats or incidents for the guidance and reference of Member States. 

Having experienced firsthand the devastating impact of cyberattacks on national security and public trust, including the recent incidents such as the defacement of government websites, data breaches targeting critical institutions, and large-scale theft of personal information, Permanent Representative Lagdameo called for continued cooperation, capacity-building efforts, and support mechanisms, including a regular trust fund under the auspices of the UN, to assist developing countries in addressing cyber threats. 

The Security Council high-level open debate is a signature event of the Republic of Korea (ROK) as a non-permanent member and President of the Council for the month of June. The debate was chaired by ROK’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul. Briefers at the debate were UN Secretary-General António Guterres; Stéphane Duguin, Chief Executive of the CyberPeace Institute; and Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo, Professor of Law and Technology at Leeds Beckett University and Vice Chair of the African Union Cyber Security Experts Group. 

Prior to the debate, the Philippines also joined a group of cross-regional States, composed of 63 states and the EU, in issuing a joint statement that encourages the UN Security Council to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the evolving threat landscape in cyber space – essential for the Council and the United Nations to remain agile and relevant in view of the rapidly evolving technology. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.