Delegation: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Cyber and Hybrid Threats
Date: March 10, 2025
I. Introduction
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to fostering a peaceful, stable, and secure global environment, including in the digital realm. As a rapidly developing nation with a growing digital economy, Vietnam recognizes the escalating dangers posed by cyber and hybrid threats, which undermine national sovereignty, economic stability, and international security. These threats, encompassing cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid warfare tactics, exploit the interconnectedness of modern societies. Vietnam believes that addressing these challenges requires a multilateral approach grounded in respect for state sovereignty, non-interference, and equitable technological cooperation.
Vietnam aligns itself with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, advocating for a rules-based international order in cyberspace. Our delegation seeks to promote collaborative frameworks that balance security needs with the developmental aspirations of emerging economies, ensuring that all nations can thrive in the digital age without fear of exploitation or aggression.
II. National Background and Position
Vietnam has experienced significant economic growth through its integration into the global digital economy, with a burgeoning tech sector and increasing internet penetration, reaching over 70% of its population by 2025. However, this progress has exposed Vietnam to sophisticated cyber and hybrid threats. In recent years, Vietnam has faced numerous cyberattacks targeting government institutions, critical infrastructure, and private enterprises, often attributed to state-sponsored actors and non-state groups. Additionally, hybrid threats, such as disinformation campaigns, have sought to destabilize social cohesion and erode public trust in governance.
Vietnam’s National Cyber Security Strategy (2020) and the Law on Cybersecurity (2018) reflect our proactive stance in safeguarding cyberspace. We have bolstered our domestic capabilities through the establishment of the Vietnam Cybersecurity Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) and partnerships with regional allies. Vietnam has also been an active participant in ASEAN-led initiatives, such as the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy, emphasizing regional resilience against cyber threats.
Our delegation firmly believes that cyber and hybrid threats transcend borders and require collective action. However, Vietnam opposes unilateral measures or frameworks that disproportionately favor technologically advanced nations, as these risk widening the digital divide and infringing upon the sovereignty of developing states. We advocate for capacity-building and technology transfer to ensure all nations can defend against these threats effectively.
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III. Proposed Solutions
Strengthening International Norms and Cooperation
Vietnam calls for the development of a universally accepted UN framework on cyberspace governance that defines acceptable state behavior and establishes accountability mechanisms for cyber and hybrid aggression. This framework should build upon existing efforts, such as the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) reports, and ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly from the Global South.
Capacity-Building and Technological Equity
To bridge the cybersecurity gap, Vietnam proposes the creation of a UN-administered Cyber Resilience Fund. This fund would provide financial and technical assistance to developing nations for building robust cyber defenses, training personnel, and adopting best practices. Vietnam also supports the promotion of open-source cybersecurity tools to reduce dependency on proprietary systems controlled by a few dominant actors.
Countering Hybrid Threats through Information Integrity
Vietnam urges the establishment of an international task force to combat disinformation and hybrid warfare tactics. This body, operating under the UN, would facilitate information-sharing, develop early-warning systems, and coordinate responses to campaigns that threaten national stability. Vietnam emphasizes that such efforts must respect cultural diversity and avoid imposing hegemonic narratives.
Regional and Bilateral Partnerships
Vietnam encourages the expansion of regional mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Digital Framework, to enhance collective cybersecurity resilience. We also propose bilateral agreements for mutual assistance in investigating and mitigating cyber incidents, ensuring that smaller nations are not left vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.
Public-Private Collaboration
Recognizing the role of private entities in cyberspace, Vietnam advocates for structured dialogue between governments, tech corporations, and civil society to align security standards and innovate solutions. This includes incentivizing companies to prioritize cybersecurity in their products and services without compromising accessibility for developing markets.
IV. Conclusion
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam stands resolute in its commitment to a secure and equitable cyberspace, free from the destabilizing effects of cyber and hybrid threats. We believe that only through inclusive, multilateral cooperation can the international community effectively counter these challenges while upholding the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect. Vietnam looks forward to engaging with fellow delegations in constructive dialogue to forge a unified path toward global cyber resilience.
Signed,
Delegate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Disarmament and International Security Committee