STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA AT
THE SIXTH SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE
OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP ON SECURITY OF AND IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES 2021-2025
ON
REGULAR INSTITUTIONAL DIALOGUE
[FROM PARA 1, GA RESOLUTION 75/240]
15 DECEMBER 2023
NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
1. Malaysia welcomes the list of common elements for a future mechanism for regular institutional dialogue as a significant consensus outcome reflected in paragraph 55 of the Second Annual Progress Report (2APR) of this OEWG.
2. It is reassuring that Member States have agreed in principle, inter alia, that a future mechanism for regular institutional dialogue “would be a single-track, State-led, permanent mechanism under the auspices of the United Nations, reporting to the First Committee”. This future mechanism “would take as the foundation of its work the consensus agreements on the framework of responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs from previous OEWG and GGE reports”.
3. In common with many delegations, Malaysia greatly values the substantive contributions of this OEWG, as an inclusive multilateral platform building on past and existing efforts under UN auspices.
4. Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and a prevailing trust deficit, the OEWG remains a critical confidence-building measure, through which Member States are collectively able to promote an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful and interoperable ICT environment.
5. As we move forward, maintaining a single-track approach, as envisaged in the 2APR, is imperative. From a substantive standpoint, we should ensure that multilateral discourse and action on ICT security evolve in an inclusive manner, without fragmentation. Moreover, as has been repeatedly highlighted, the optimisation of scarce resources, as well as the practical constraints on smaller delegations, particularly from developing countries, should be accorded due weightage in our deliberations. Member States have invested significant time and effort in the present OEWG, and should have the opportunity to participate fully in any follow-up process on an equitable basis.
Mr. Chair,
6. Even as we assess the content and modalities of a prospective mechanism for the post-2025 period, balanced consideration of issues under all pillars of this OEWG, which is now at the mid-point of its five-year mandate, remains essential.
7. At the same time, we recognise the need for serious reflection on next steps, and look forward to continued focused discussions on regular institutional dialogue through the OEWG’s substantive sessions and dedicated intersessional meetings. Malaysia notes with keen interest proposals presented to date, and will continue to engage actively with proponents thereof.
8. We appreciate the felicitous framing of the Chair’s second guiding question, which asks how Member States can “align different synergies”, taking into account latest developments on the Programme of Action (POA) initiative and other proposals. This is premised on a collaborative, rather than competitive, pathway.
9. Objective, dispassionate consideration of relevant proposals will allow us to better understand the substantive issues at play, and to identify areas of commonality which may be built upon in fleshing out the details of a future mechanism. It is heartening to note that delegations across the board have consistently emphasised the role of the OEWG in this regard.
10. My delegation also recalls that, in accordance with paragraph 56 of the 2APR, Member States have “recognized the importance of the principle of consensus regarding both the establishment of the future mechanism itself as well as the decision-making processes of the mechanism.” Malaysia hopes that the spirit of constructive dialogue and engagement, central to the progress made by this OEWG, will prevail and allow us to advance further.
Thank you.
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