© UNODC CSU
Vienna (Austria), 13 May 2024 - As delegates gathered for the 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, more than 50 participants from civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector and government representatives converged to discuss best practices for combating cybercrime during the side event: "Fostering Joint Stakeholder Actions Against Cybercrime Through Inclusive Partnerships”. The event was co-sponsored by Access Now, UNODC Civil Society Unit (CSU), Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC), the Alliance of NGOs, Microsoft, the United States, and the Dominican Republic.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for collaborative efforts to combat cybercrime has never been more pressing. In this context civil society plays a pivotal role, offering unique insights and grassroots connections essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by cybercrime.
The discussion, facilitated by Anders Frantzen of UNODC's Civil Society Unit, delved into topics such as vulnerability disclosure, best practices, incentivizing positive behaviour in cybersecurity, and the importance of digital literacy and training. Participants recognized the need for a multi-layered governance involving both top-down and bottom-up approaches, and industry collaboration.
Addressing the participants Thomas Lohninger, representing Access Now, underlined how civil society “acts as the immune system of a government”, bringing to light the crucial role of civil society in achieving a balanced solution within the "Cybercrime Convention’s" framework.
Ludmila Georgieva, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy of Google Austria provided insights into the forecasted cybercrime trends for 2024, including the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in aiding defenders.
Livia Wagner, Head of Governance of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime detailed the relevance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in combating tech-facilitated crimes such as human trafficking. She emphasized the need to move away from siloed debates and towards an ecosystem-wide response, acknowledging the intertwined nature of technology and criminal activities.
Christine Cline, representing the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. stressed the human cost of cybercrime, such as ransomware, as well as technology-facilitated crimes, such as money laundering, darknet sales of illicit drugs and other online exploitation. To respond to these threats, the US government employs a whole-of-government approach.
The conversations underscored the imperative for inclusive partnerships and innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges posed by cyber threats, while safeguarding human rights and the interests of vulnerable communities.
UNODC Civil Society Unit engagement on cybercrime
The UNODC Civil Society Unit (CSU) works to enhance capacities and strategic engagement with UNODC substantive offices and Member States for non-governmental actors, including civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.
Aligned with this mission, the CSU has initiated the Cybercrime Stakeholder Engagement Initiative, aiming to bolster the involvement of non-governmental stakeholders in multilateral discussions on cybercrimes. This initiative focuses particularly on enhancing participation within the ongoing negotiation process of the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes, commonly referred to as the "Cybercrime Convention."
Currently, the CSU is carrying on online consultations, together with the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, to expand the knowledge base and enhance the constructive capacity of PPPs related to countering cybercrime, particularly in relevance to the AHC process. The survey is accessible at the following link: Cybercrime Stakeholder Initiative Survey.
