UN Webcast

The event started with an opening plenary, followed by a panel discussion on the theme, “An international framework to combat cybercrime and improve cybersecurity ”, with an interactive dialogue and a closing session.

Welcoming remarks were made by H.E. Mr. Lazarous Kapambwe (Zambia), President of the Council and Permanent Representative of Zambia, followed by addresses by Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of ITU, and H.E. Mr. Fortunato de la Peña, Under-Secretary for Science and Technology of the Philippines (by video link).

An interactive panel discussion then followed, on “An international framework to combat cybercrime and improve cybersecurity”. Panellists include Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of ITU; Mr. Anthony V. Teelucksingh, Senior Counsel, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division; Ms. Cheri F. McGuire, Vice-President, Global Government Affairs and Cybersecurity Policy, Symantec Corporation; Mr. Mohd Noor Amin, Chair, Management Board IMPACT Malaysia; Ms. Deborah Taylor Tate, ITU Special Envoy and Laureate for Child Online Protection; and Ms. Simone Monasebian, Representative and Chief of the New York Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Mr. Gary Fowlie, Head of ITU Liaison Office in New York served as Moderator.

The objectives of the Special Event are to: (1) build awareness at the international policy level by providing ECOSOC Members with a picture of the current situation and challenges concerning cybersecurity and its links to development; (2) identify a range of best practice policies and initiatives in place around the world to build a culture of cybersecurity; and (3) explore options for a global response to rising cybercrime.  The outcome of this meeting could help in advancing ideas on key elements required for a global response and framework to deal with cybercrime and security.