Secretary-General’s Activities in Viet Nam on 24-25 October
On October 24, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in a significant event marking the opening for signature of the UN Convention against Cybercrime. This groundbreaking treaty, adopted by the General Assembly in December 2024, represents the first comprehensive global framework aimed at combating cybercrime, equipping nations with essential tools for prevention and enforcement. Guterres engaged in various diplomatic activities during his visit, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats.
High-Level Meetings and Ceremonies
Upon his arrival in Hanoi, Secretary-General Guterres held a bilateral meeting with Luong Cuong, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This meeting was part of a busy schedule that included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of Heroes and Martyrs, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Following this, he visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a site of great historical significance in Vietnam. In the evening, Guterres attended an official dinner hosted by the President of Vietnam, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the UN and Vietnam.
Later that night, he participated in a Security Council session commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Addressing the Council via video link from Hanoi, Guterres highlighted the Security Council’s critical role in global governance while also stressing the need for reform. He called for an expansion of the Council’s membership to enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing future challenges.
Launch of the UN Convention against Cybercrime
On October 25, Guterres took part in the high-level event that officially opened the UN Convention against Cybercrime for signature. In his speech, he described the convention as a powerful, legally binding instrument designed to bolster collective defenses against cybercrime. He emphasized that the convention also serves as a commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights, including privacy, dignity, and safety, both online and offline.
The event saw a remarkable turnout, with 72 signatories joining the convention over the course of October 25 and 26. According to the Office of Legal Affairs’ Treaty section, this is one of the most significant multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General in the past decade. The convention is set to enter into force 90 days after the deposit of the fortieth instrument of ratification, marking a pivotal step in international efforts to combat cybercrime.
Calls for Action and Support for Implementation
In a joint press conference with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Guterres urged member states to transform their signatures into concrete actions. He stressed the urgency of ratifying the convention, fully implementing its provisions, and ensuring adequate support through funding, training, and technology, particularly for developing nations. Guterres assured that the United Nations would assist in the implementation process through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering global cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
During his visit, Guterres also engaged in bilateral discussions with several key Vietnamese leaders, including Tô Lâm, the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and Tran Thanh Man, the Chairman of the National Assembly. He met with the UN country team and participated in an interview with Vietnam TV and News Agency, further promoting the UN’s initiatives and objectives in the region. Guterres concluded his visit to Vietnam on the evening of October 25, leaving behind a strengthened partnership in the fight against cyber threats.
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