Hanoi Convention to be signed today

THE HANOI TIMES — The signing ceremony for the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the “Hanoi Convention,” is scheduled to take place at 9 AM this morning [October 25] at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.

Under the theme “Countering Cybercrime – Sharing Responsibility – Securing Our Future,” the event, hosted by Vietnam, is set to mark an important milestone in global cooperation to safeguard cybersecurity, a field that has become an increasingly strategic priority for governments worldwide.

According to the organizers, representatives from nearly 100 UN member states and more than 100 international and regional organizations, including UN bodies, financial institutions, regional organizations and experts in cybersecurity and international law are expected to gather in Hanoi for the ceremony.

During the opening session, State President Luong Cuong and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are scheduled to deliver remarks to officially inaugurate the event’s key activities.

Immediately following the opening, four plenary discussions co-chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Secretary-General Guterres will focus on core topics: protecting citizens in the digital era, strengthening global cooperation to prevent online fraud, building capacity as a foundation for international collaboration in implementing the Convention and sharing experience in investigating and collecting electronic evidence in cases involving virtual assets and money laundering.

In parallel, a series of high-level bilateral meetings and thematic workshops will be held on the sidelines, underscoring the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility among nations in protecting cyberspace, often referred to as humanity’s “fourth frontier.”

Vietnam’s selection as the host for the signing ceremony reflects the international community’s recognition of the country’s growing prestige and credibility in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The event is not merely a legal procedure but also a global dialogue platform where governments, organizations and businesses will share experiences and strengthen cooperation to address increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang said that the Convention is expected to establish a global legal framework for combating cybercrime and serve as a key instrument for UN member states to coordinate cross-border efforts, exchange information and build trust among countries with differing legal systems.

According to Giang, selecting Hanoi as the host city and naming the document the “Hanoi Convention” marks a milestone in Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy.

The signing ceremony also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN (October 24), adding symbolic significance as it celebrates global solidarity and collective action against one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century: cybercrime.

The “Hanoi Convention” is not only a legal instrument but also a symbol of trust, shared responsibility and international cooperation, reflecting Vietnam’s contributions to building a fair and sustainable digital order for the world’s future.