STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS DELIVERED BY BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON CLUSTER FIVE: OTHER DISARMAMENT MEASURES AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE, 26 OCTOBER 2018

Thank you, Mr Chairman

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  Our statement will focus on cybersecurity, and I would like to make a few points. 

2                   First, ASEAN shares a common vision for a peaceful, secure and resilient cyberspace, which serves as an enabler of economic progress, enhanced regional connectivity and the betterment of our living standards.  The rapid advances in science and technology have presented tremendous opportunities.  However, the more digitalised and connected our societies, the more important it is to have a secure cyberspace.

3                   Second, ASEAN recognises the urgency and sophistication of the evolving and transboundary cyber threats facing the region, especially amidst widespread economic digitalisation.  No one government has all the answers to deal with cyber threats, which renders international and regional cooperation paramount.  To this end, ASEAN has taken a series of concrete, practical measures to address the challenges.  Specifically, at the 32^nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore, our Leaders affirmed ASEAN’s collective determination to build closer cooperation and coordination on cybersecurity policy development as well as capacity building initiatives, including through the interim and non-formal ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity, and the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre.

4                   As concrete follow up to the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Cybersecurity, ASEAN recently agreed on the need for a formal ASEAN cybersecurity mechanism to coordinate regional cybersecurity efforts. ASEAN has been guided in its use of information and communications technologies by the 2015 Report of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (GGE), including the eleven voluntary, non-binding norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour of states.

5                   Third, ASEAN reaffirms our view that the United Nations must continue to play a key role in discussions on cybersecurity.  In this regard, we support the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament, which affirms the Secretary-General’s commitment to foster a culture of accountability and adherence to norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace, and to take steps to encourage responsible innovation by industry, engineers and scientists.  ASEAN also welcomes contributions towards capacity building in the region, and we are pleased that the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations (2016 – 2020) highlights the need to enhance training and support in cybersecurity cooperation.  

6                   In conclusion, ASEAN reaffirms the importance of a rules-based cyberspace as a key enabler of economic progress.  We will continue to deepen our cooperation internationally and regionally to preserve a peaceful, secure and resilient cyberspace. 

Mr Chair,

7                   Permit me to add a few comments in our national capacity as Singapore.

8                   I will to say that Cybersecurity has been one of the key priorities under Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2018, and we are pleased to have made significant inroads through the course of the year.  Our work on cybersecurity will continue.  We recognise that capacity building is one of the essential pillars for stability in cyberspace, alongside voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace and practical confidence building measures.  To strengthen ASEAN’s cyber strategy development, legislative and research capabilities, Singapore will establish the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in 2019, as an extension of the ASEAN Cyber Capacity Programme (ACCP).

9                   Singapore has also contributed to facilitating inclusive conversations on key issues such as norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, cybersecurity capacity building and confidence-building.  We were pleased that Ms Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, was able to participate in the 3^rd Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), a gathering of global policymakers, thought leaders and industry experts.  We have worked closely with the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs to develop a flagship online training course on the use of ICTs, and will be launching the Singapore-UN Cyber Programme next year to build awareness of cyber norms and cyber scenario policy planning in ASEAN Member States.  Singapore strongly believes that international cooperation is necessary to effectively deal with cyber threats. 

10               Singapore has taken note of the resolutions put forward under this cluster, and has actively participated in the informal consultations convened over the past weeks.  We are disappointed that there has not yet been convergence towards a single, consensual resolution to chart the way forward on this important subject.  If consensus proves elusive on the resolution, how can we expect to reach consensus on a complex issue which requires technical proficiency, political will and most importantly, a willingness to compromise.  We reiterate our fundamental position that the United Nations has a crucial role to play in addressing this global threat, and if established, an Open Ended Working Group and a Group of Governmental Experts must find ways to work in a complementary manner. We encourage all interested parties to continue engaging in dialogue to find consensus on the way forward at the United Nations.

11              Thank you, Mr Chair.  

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