Between 8-12 July 2024, Pugwash lead on cyber activities, Dr. Gian Piero Siroli (Bologna University and CERN), participated at the latest meeting of the UN Cyber Open Ended Working Group (OEWG, Open-ended working group on Information and Communication Technologies (2021) | United Nations, in short ICTs in the context of international security) held in New York City at the UNHQ.
After many discussions and informal contacts during the 5-day meeting at UNHQ, the most important outcome was the adoption, by consensus, of the 3rd Annual Progress Report (APR), a lengthy document which sets the current status and initiatives of the w/g and also plans for the future UN single track mechanism to drive ICT security, which should replace the cyber-OEWG at the end of its mandate in July 2025. Among the most interesting parts of the document are the bolded “Recommended next steps”. Pugwash will examine the next steps and consult with relevant parties to define future work in this area.
The main topics of this report are (with Annexes on each included in the report):
- Existing and Potential Threats
- Rules, Norms and Principles of Responsible State Behaviour
- International Law
- Confidence-Building Measures
- Capacity-Building
- Regular Institutional Dialogue
A Global Point of Contacts (POC) directory is currently in an advanced stage of operationalization. This directory includes technical and diplomatic contacts and serves as a confidence-building measure to foster capacity building and enhance communication between States also in the event of cyber incidents.
In his final wrap-up before closing the meeting, the OEWG Chair (Amb.Burhan Gafoor from Singapore) stated that, given the current challenging global geopolitical situation, the 3rd APR is an important step towards the future UN mechanism and a unique historic opportunity. He also urged national delegations and stakeholders to put forward ideas and proposals.
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