Statement by Mr. Md. Rafiqul Alam Molla, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York at the Intersessional Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025 (OEWG), Trusteeship Council, 26 May 2023

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Bangladesh believes that maintaining international peace and security in cyberspace is a collective responsibility of all states.

As the use of new and emerging technologies continues to increase, so do the vulnerabilities to malicious exploitation. In this context, norms, rules and principles would serve as a guiding framework for ensuring stability and security in the use of ICTs.

By establishing clear standards and expectations, these norms can help mitigate the risks associated with emerging technologies and support a safer and more secure digital environment.

We believe that States should start implementing the existing 11 Rules, Norms and Principles as the basis for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace.

The most effective approach to implementing these norms is through collective efforts within the OEWG, offering guidance on their interpretation and implementation.

Therefore, Bangladesh emphasizes all states have the common and comprehensive understanding on these norms. Capacity building is of paramount importance in this regard. Developing countries are in critical need for support in order to developing the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to effectively implement the normative framework in cyberspace.

Bangladesh reaffirms the importance of regular information sharing between states on their experiences in implementing the Rules, Norms, and Principles of Responsible State Behaviour. The APR should include a reflection on how to enhance Member States’ capacities to effectively respond to norms and establish basic mechanisms for information exchange.

Bangladesh stresses the importance of implementing existing norms while the additional norms may be developed on the need basis. It should be seen as a continuous process of evaluating, updating, and recalibrating the norms, rather than a one-time exercise.

I don’t want to prolong our long waited long weekend, but before I conclude, I would like to once again sincerely thank you, your team and secretariat for your excellent work and guiding us through the process.

I thank you.