STATEMENT BY
MR SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
FIRST SECRETARY
THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER DISARMAMENT MEASURES
AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 27 OCTOBER 2025
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia associates itself with the statements made by NAM and by ASEAN.
- Sustained multilateral cooperation is vital in tackling challenges, and seizing opportunities, presented by the rapid growth of information and communications technologies (ICT) worldwide. Malaysia welcomes the successful conclusion of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Security of and in the Use of ICTs (2021-2025), and the adoption of its Final Report by consensus, earlier this year.
- As we work together to achieve a seamless transition to the new Global Mechanism, we should preserve and build upon the hard-won gains of the OEWG and preceding UN processes in this field. The operationalization of agreed initiatives, such as the global intergovernmental points of contact directory, is critical in fostering an environment of trust and confidence in this domain.
- The role of regional efforts has featured prominently in the OEWG’s deliberations, and should continue to do so under the Global Mechanism. My delegation is pleased that ASEAN’s experience contributed to discussions on the Global POC Directory, among other issues. Malaysia is fully committed to ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber security in our region, underpinned by the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 (ADM 2025) and the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2021-2025, and their forthcoming successor documents. We welcome progress made by ASEAN with regard to, inter alia, the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan on the Implementation of the Norms of Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace.
- In fleshing out the contours of the Global Mechanism, divergences on substantive or procedural issues should not detract from the overarching goal of the full implementation, and further development, of the framework for responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs. The maintenance of a single-track approach under UN auspices is indispensable, with the active participation of developing countries remaining a key consideration for effectiveness and sustainability. We cannot afford the risk of fragmentation, either in the framework itself, or its institutional basis in the multilateral architecture.
- Let us redouble our efforts to achieve an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable ICT environment, through a resilient and adaptable Global Mechanism which advances our common interests.
Thank you.
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