Egypt Signs UN Convention against Cybercrime to Strengthen Global Digital Security

Egypt has officially signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime during a conference hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam. The signing was carried out by Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who led Egypt’s high-level delegation at the event. The ceremony was attended by President of Vietnam Luong Cuong, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly, Egypt’s Ambassador to Vietnam Hany Mostafa, and representatives from over 60 participating countries.

The UN Convention against Cybercrime represents the first comprehensive international legal framework designed to address cyberthreats and transnational crimes in the digital realm. Adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 24, 2024 (Resolution No. 79/243), the Convention seeks to enhance global cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, particularly in the exchange of electronic evidence and the provision of technical assistance and capacity-building, especially for developing nations. The Convention is composed of a preamble and nine chapters covering provisions on criminalization, jurisdiction, procedural measures, international cooperation, preventive actions, and implementation mechanisms. It will take effect 90 days after ratification by at least 40 countries.

Egypt’s signing marks the culmination of its active role in the negotiation process since 2021, involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Communications, as well as national bodies such as the Administrative Control Authority (ACA) and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA). Through this commitment, Egypt reaffirms its dedication to international collaboration in safeguarding digital ecosystems and strengthening the global rule of law in cyberspace.

During the ceremony, Dr. Talaat conveyed greetings from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, expressing appreciation to Vietnam for hosting the event and celebrating the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations, recently elevated to a comprehensive partnership. He emphasized that the Convention is a historic milestone toward establishing a secure and just international digital order, reflecting the international community’s shared commitment to multilateralism, justice, and responsible digital governance.

In his address, Dr. Talaat underscored that justice in the digital age must extend to cyberspace, upholding the principles of law and fairness both online and offline. He noted Egypt’s extensive efforts over the past two decades to build a comprehensive national cybersecurity system, integrating legislation, judicial cooperation, and technical institutions such as the Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT). These institutions collectively ensure the protection of citizens, institutions, and national infrastructure, in alignment with the Digital Egypt Vision for a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital society.

Egypt also announced plans to establish an Egyptian–African Center for Preventing and Combating Cybercrime, in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The center will serve as a regional hub for capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer, further strengthening Africa’s digital resilience and promoting shared sovereignty in cyberspace.

Dr. Talaat concluded by reaffirming that Egypt views digital security as a shared global responsibility and emphasized that ICT should remain a force for development and peace, not disruption or division. By signing the UN Convention against Cybercrime, Egypt joins a growing coalition of nations working to ensure a safe, just, and sustainable digital future for all.