Egypt has officially signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime during a ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, led by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The event was attended by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, and representatives from over 60 countries.
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UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said:
“The UN Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally binding instrument to strengthen our collective defenses against cybercrime. It is a testament to the continued power of multilateralism to deliver solutions. And it is a vow that no country, no matter their level of development, will be left defenseless against cybercrime.”
The Convention, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024, establishes the first global legal framework to combat cyber threats, enhance cooperation on electronic evidence, and support capacity-building, particularly for developing nations.
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Dr. Talaat highlighted Egypt’s active role in the negotiation process since 2021 and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international collaboration in securing cyberspace. He announced plans to launch an Egyptian–African Center for Preventing and Combating Cybercrime with the UNODC, aimed at strengthening regional digital resilience.
UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, added:
“Cybercrime is changing the face of organized crime as we know it, and the new UN Cybercrime Convention provides Member States with a vital tool to fight back together. The signing of the Convention highlights the enduring value of multilateral cooperation after five years of negotiations. I am proud of the role UNODC has played in this achievement, and deeply grateful to Vietnam for its leadership in hosting the signing ceremony. Now we must ensure the Convention’s swift entry into force and implementation, for a safer digital world for all.”
By signing the Convention, Egypt reinforces its leadership in promoting digital security, justice, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
