© UNODC CSU
Vienna (Austria) – 24 June 2024. Cybercrime poses an escalating global threat, ranging from ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure to sophisticated phishing scams targeting sensitive data. As digital interconnectedness deepens, the urgency of addressing cyber threats intensifies. In the dynamic landscape of cyber threats, civil society plays a crucial role as a valuable ally, offering unique perspectives and grassroots connections essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by cybercrime. Recognizing this significance, the UNODC Civil Society Unit (CSU) acts to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, UN experts, and Member States.
The CSU and the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice hosted a virtual pan-regional Cybercrime Stakeholder Consultation with over 70 participants from civil society, the private tech sector, and governments. This consultation was part of the Cybercrime Stakeholder Engagement Initiative, which leverages diverse expertise to shape international responses to cyber threats. Moderated by Anders Frantzen from UNODC, discussions focused on the final stages of the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering Cybercrime (AHC), set to conclude in New York in August, and strategies to enhance public-private partnerships in combating cybercrime. Experts shared insights from studies that included questionnaires and focus group interviews civil society, private sector and international experts, while the AHC Secretariat outlined the next steps in the negotiations process of the new UN treaty on cybercrime.
The progress of the UN cybercrime convention development was outlined by His Excellency Mr. Claudio Peguero Castillo, Ambassador and Advisor on Cyber Issues at the Ministry of External Relations, Dominican Republic, and Vice-Chair of the AHC, who expressed the committee’s aim to reach consensus during the initial week of its two-week session of the AHC in late July, amidst critical discussions on the draft convention. Success hinges largely on all parties' readiness to negotiate compromise positions. This is vital for fostering cooperation in cybercrime and digital connectivity exchanges.
Further, Mr. Terlumun George-Maria Tyendezwa, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria, and Vice-Chair of the AHC, emphasized that the Committee has included provisions to ensure the active involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society. The committee's objective is to finalize regulations on cooperation, describe covered offenses, and define procedural powers. Private sector perspectives was presented by Mr. Nemanja Malisevic from Microsoft, who expressed appreciation of the inclusive approach taken in these negotiations, but at the same time voiced Microsoft’s concern over the current treaty draft, stressing the need for more robust cooperation to address cyber threats comprehensively.
Finally, the initial findings of a report on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to combat cybercrime was presented, showcasing how collaboration between NGOs, governments, and private companies is already proving to be an effective tool. The upcoming report will feature best practices and successful partnerships catered to capacity building, policy development and awareness raising on cybercrime. Regional case studies will also provide valuable insights into how to possibly promote effective PPP strategies. “Acting as a focal point, the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice amplifies civil society voices in the processes," explained Tobias Krachler, a programme coordinator from the Alliance."Beyond conventions, initiatives like the Cybercrime Stakeholder Engagement present opportunities for public-private partnerships. With partners worldwide, we facilitate international cooperation."
The Cybercrime Stakeholder Engagement Initiative was launched with the aim to enhance the involvement of non-governmental stakeholders in global discussions on cybercrime, including in the ongoing negotiations of the Ad Hoc Committee on 'Cybercrime'.
