STATEMENT BY
MS. SHARINA SARIMIN
NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AGENCY OF MALAYSIA
GLOBAL MECHANISM ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND ADVANCING RESPONSIBLE STATE BEHAVIOUR IN THE USE OF ICTS
2026 SUBSTANTIVE PLENARY SESSION
AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSIONS ON THE FIVE PILLARS OF THE FRAMEWORK FOR RESPONSIBLE STATE BEHAVIOUR IN THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 9 OF ANNEX C OF A/79/214 AND ANNEX I OF A/80/257
CAPACITY BUILDING
NEW YORK, 23 JULY 2026
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Madam Chair,
Malaysia views capacity-building as a crucial enabler of the UN framework for responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs. Without adequate capacity, commitments relating to norms, confidence-building measures, and international law cannot be effectively implemented. Given the different levels of cyber maturity among States, capacity-building remains essential to ensure that no State is left behind. It should therefore be practical, demand-driven, and tailored to national circumstances.
Malaysia has benefited from regional and international partnerships, including through ASEAN and partners such as UNIDIR, in strengthening our cyber capabilities. Drawing from these experiences, Malaysia would like to highlight three considerations to guide future capacity-building efforts under the Global Mechanism.
First, capacity-building should respond to concrete needs identified by States. It should move beyond awareness-raising and support the development of capabilities that are relevant to national circumstances and priorities. For example, some States may require support in developing cyber legislation and policies, while others may need assistance in strengthening critical infrastructure protection. A one-size-fits-all approach may not deliver sustainable outcomes.
Malaysia’s experience with the Malaysia–UNIDIR Cyber Capacity-Building Programme has demonstrated that the best results come from programmes designed in close consultation with the beneficiary State.
Second, we encourage greater focus on the protection of critical information infrastructure, which forms the backbone of our economies and societies. Given the cross-border nature of cyber threats, the Global Mechanism has an important role in supporting States to develop the necessary capabilities to address these shared challenges.
Third, we see real value in ensuring closer alignment between the DTGs. If States continue to highlight difficulties in implementing the norm on critical infrastructure protection, capacity-building activities should respond directly to that need. Such alignment will ensure that our work remain evidence-based and responsive to actual challenges.
Madam Chair,
Capacity-building is the bridge between agreed commitments and effective implementation. By building this bridge according to the principles we have already agreed upon, we can strengthen the ability of all States to benefit from and contribute to the Global Mechanism.
Thank you.