Egypt has officially joined the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, marking a significant step in its commitment to global efforts to combat cyber threats. The signing ceremony, held in Hanoi, Vietnam, was led by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly, and representatives from more than 60 countries.
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024, the Convention establishes the first internationally binding legal framework to counter cybercrime, promote cooperation in electronic evidence sharing, and strengthen capacity-building—especially for developing nations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the agreement as “a powerful, legally binding instrument to strengthen our collective defenses against cybercrime,” emphasizing the role of multilateralism in ensuring that no country remains defenseless in the digital age.
Dr. Talaat reaffirmed Egypt’s long-standing role in shaping the Convention since 2021, highlighting the country’s dedication to international cybersecurity collaboration. He also announced the creation of an Egyptian–African Center for Preventing and Combating Cybercrime, in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aimed at bolstering regional cyber resilience and knowledge sharing.
Ghada Waly commended the achievement, calling the Convention a vital tool for collective global action. “Cybercrime is changing the face of organized crime as we know it. The new Convention gives Member States a vital framework to fight back together,” she said, urging rapid ratification and implementation for a safer global digital environment.
This milestone underscores Egypt’s growing leadership in digital policy, cybersecurity governance, and cross-border cooperation to ensure a secure and resilient cyberspace.
