Thank you, Mr. President,
In today’s digitalized world, cybersecurity emerges as a matter of importance to all Member States. We would like to thank the Korean Presidency for recalling this important discussion in the Security Council and the briefers for their useful inputs.
Many of us have been faced with some forms of cyberattacks, we have seen these malicious activities to affect not only the daily lives of our citizens, but also to have widespread impacts that affect the international community as a whole and endangers directly international peace and security. The increasing number of cyberattacks has a significant effect in reducing GDP in different regions, with developing countries being the most vulnerable.
With cyber threats becoming more complex and varied, our responses should be agile. We should be equipped to develope these responses and mitigate the cyber threats we face individually and collectively, by facilitating international cooperation and information sharing.
Two years ago, Albania became the target of an unprecedented heavy cyberattack by multiple hacker groups linked with the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the clear aim of destroying the governmental infrastructure and paralyzing public services and stir chaos and insecurity in the country. We continue to be target of such sophisticated cyber-attacks.
From this context, Albania is investing in its national cyber resilience, paying significant attention, at the same time, to regional and international approaches to cybersecurity.
Our region, the Western Balkans, continue to face a growing number of cyber threats that continue to evolve. We are working to build cyber capacity in the region through programs in cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyberdiplomacy. The regional Summit on cybersecurity, which will be held in July in Albania, will aim at fostering greater cyber resilience in the Western Balkans.
Mr. President,
We strongly believe that more should be done at the international level. In this context, I would like to underline three elements:
First, the Security Council, as the main body for maintaining international peace and security, could and should become more engaged. This is a valuable platform to discuss cyber threats and ways to address them. The discussion should be inclusive and open to different actors. In that regard, we see an added value in the collaboration between governments and the private sector for stronger defense against cyber threats.
Second, the accountability process towards malign state and non-state actors should become more present in our joint efforts for a secure cyberspace. This goes hand in hand with the respect for international norms of responsible behavior in cyberspace.
Third, there is a need to strengthen capacity building. While developed countries have a robust and solid cyber posture, many developing countries lack the resources and expertise to address cyber threats. This could lead to dangerous exposure of critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, cyberespionage, and other destructive activities.
To conclude, let me reiterate once again that a secure cyberspace is possible only by joining our efforts at the global level, and this meeting is a step in the right direction.
Thank you!
