International Security and Cyberspace at the UN
In December 2018, the United National General Assembly (UNGA) established two processes to discuss responsible state behaviour in cyberspace: an inaugural Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) (A/Res/73/27); and, a sixth Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) ((A/Res/73/266). The groups present an important opportunity to generate a meaningful impact on international peace and stability. Australia is a member of both groups.
Read about our Public Consultation on Responsible state behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security at the United Nations.
Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace
UN Cyber Norms: resources for download.
Cumulatively the 2010, 2013 and 2015 GGE outcome reports affirm that existing international law — and in particular, the charter of the United Nations in its entirety — is applicable and essential to maintaining peace and stability and promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. The reports also articulate voluntary non-binding norms of responsible state behaviour, while recognising the need for confidence building measures (CBMs), and coordinated capacity building. Combined, these measures (international law, norms, CBMs and capacity building) are often referred to as a Framework for Responsible State Behaviour (the Framework). Every UN member state has endorsed – by consensus – the reports of the 2010, 2013 and 2015 GGE. These reports provide the foundation for the work of the inaugural OEWG and the sixth GGE.
Australia reaffirms its commitment to act in accordance with the cumulative GGE reports from 2010, 2013 and 2015 (A/65/201; A/68/98; A/70/174). Recalling that in 2015 the UNGA called on all UN Members states 'to be guided in their use of information and communications technologies by the [GGE's] 2015 report' (A/RES/70/237), the links below provide an overview of how Australia observes and implements the four key pillars of the 2015 GGE Report.
