Multilateral Engagement

DFAT engages in a range of multilateral processes and forums on cyber and critical technology issues. This engagement demonstrates our commitment to working with international partners in the multilateral system to ensure the design, development and use of critical technologies, including cyberspace, is consistent with international law and fosters a peaceful and stable international environment.

The ARF ICT Work Stream

Australia (DFAT) is an active member of the ASEAN Regional Forum’s (ARF) ICT work stream, comprised of the working level Open Ended Study Group on Confidence Building Measures and the senior officials level Inter-Sessional Meeting on Security of and in the use of Information and Communications Technologies. In 2019, Australia and Malaysia’s proposal for an ARF cyber points of contact directory was agreed by Ministers. The directory will facilitate near real time communication in the event of ICT security incidents of potential regional significance

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.

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Published on: 04 Nov 2020