UN chief praises Vietnam as strong voice for global cooperation at cybercrime treaty signing

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the UN Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention, Guterres said Vietnam has shown leadership in technology and innovation and plays an important role in the global digital supply chain.

The opening for the signature of the Hanoi Convention in Vietnam carries deep meaning, Guterres told reporters after the event, thanking the host nation for its leadership and commitment to global collaboration.

The treaty, adopted earlier this year by the UN General Assembly, aims to strengthen international cooperation in combating cybercrime, including the cross-border sharing of digital evidence. 

It is also the first international agreement to criminalize the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, Guterres noted.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong called the convention "the beginning of a new era of global cooperation in cyberspace," adding that it reaffirms the resilience of multilateralism and the shared responsibility of nations to keep the digital space safe.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said ensuring cybersecurity and combating online crime require joint action, calling on countries to boost training, digital literacy, and international legal frameworks. 

He underlined Vietnam's commitment to fully implementing the Hanoi Convention and promoting dialogue and trust among nations.

Foreign officials, including Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi and Belarusian Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Kubrakov, also lauded Vietnam's role in hosting the event, saying the convention showed the international community's determination to safeguard the digital future despite global divisions.

During his visit, Guterres met Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. 

He commended Vietnam's development achievements and its contribution as a pillar of South-South cooperation, saying the UN would continue to support the country's next phase of growth.