New York: The Arab Group at the United Nations has lauded Kuwait’s initiative aimed at enhancing confidence and capacity building in cybersecurity. This proposal was presented during the ninth session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security and use of information and communications technologies (ICTs).

According to Kuwait News Agency, Abdullah Al-Qadiri, Head of the ICT Department at Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a speech on behalf of the Arab Group during the 10th session of OEWG. Al-Qadiri highlighted Kuwait’s proposal to establish a platform for evaluating the implementation of rules and standards for responsible state behavior in using information technology. The Arab Group views this proposal as a significant contribution to international cooperation and a foundation for supporting the implementation of agreed-upon standards.

Al-Qadiri emphasized the group’s backing for efforts to improve cybersecurity and advocated for including the “Rules and Standards Platform” as a crucial element within the global portal. He also mentioned the formation of the Ministerial Council for Cybersecurity of the League of Arab States, detailing ongoing efforts to activate it as a specialized regional platform.

The Arab Group expressed anticipation for a smooth transition to a permanent mechanism for regular institutional dialogue scheduled for next July. Al-Qadiri praised the group’s efforts in addressing cybersecurity concerns and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in countering threats like infrastructure attacks, disinformation campaigns, and ransomware.

He reiterated Kuwait’s full support for creating a global portal focused on ICT security cooperation and capacity building, led by member states. On behalf of the Arab Group, Al-Qadiri urged for the strengthening of confidence-building measures and the bolstering of cyber capacity for developing countries through training fellowship programs and the establishment of an international fund.