Briefing on the UN Convention against Cybercrime - Resident Coordinator's Remarks, Gita Sabharwal

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address you today at this briefing on cybercrime, a growing challenge that increasingly affects communities, economies, and governance structures across the world—including here in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia more widely.

Cybercrime has become an immediate and pressing issue that is reshaping how we think about security, justice, and economic stability. It is a challenge that does not respect borders, targeting individuals, businesses, and institutions alike. 

And, for the United Nations, addressing cybercrime represents a new mandate since the adopted of the UN Convention against Cybercrime adopted by the General Assembly last December. 

The next milestone will be the official signing of the Convention in Hanoi, Vietnam, scheduled for July this year. This highlights Vietnam’s leadership and commitment to strengthening international cooperation in this area. The Convention marks a major step forward in global efforts to combat cybercrime, underscoring the urgency of coordinated action to protect individuals, businesses, and institutions from digital threats.

Like few of the other UN’s mandate areas, this is one that requires coordinated international responses and partnerships, that we are well positioned to facilitate.

Cybercriminal networks are siphoning enormous sums of money out of the licit economy and funnelling them into illicit activities. This not only weakens national economies but also undermines development efforts, social stability, and public trust. Beyond financial losses, we must also recognize the deep emotional toll on victims—many of whom experience shame, stigma, and lasting psychological harm after falling prey to cyber fraud and exploitation.

For Indonesia and the wider region, the stakes could not be higher. The country’s rapid digital transformation brings extraordinary opportunities, but also exposes vulnerabilities that criminal actors are exploiting. Cybercrime is a direct threat to national development, financial security, and public confidence in digital infrastructure. It is therefore fitting that this issue is being prioritized in Indonesia’s draft UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), reflecting a growing recognition that cyber resilience is integral to sustainable development.

The United Nations, through its agencies and partnerships, is committed to supporting national and regional efforts to combat cybercrime. One of our key roles is to facilitate international cooperation—both within ASEAN and beyond. Cyber threats do not stop at borders, and neither should our response. Strengthening cross-border collaboration, sharing intelligence, and developing robust legal and institutional frameworks are essential steps to ensure that no country is left vulnerable.

This briefing is a step in that direction. It is an opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our collective commitment to tackling cybercrime. The UN stands ready to support Vietnam, Indonesia, and all countries in the region in their efforts to build a safer and more resilient digital future.

Thank you.