Furthering the peaceful use of ICTs
Few technologies have been as powerful as information and communications technologies (ICTs) in reshaping economies, societies and international relations. Cyberspace touches every aspect of our lives. The benefits are enormous, but these do not come without risk.
There are disturbing trends in the global ICT environment, including a dramatic increase in incidents involving the malicious use of ICTs by State and non-State actors. These trends create risks for all States, and the misuse of ICTs may harm international peace and security.
Since 2004, five United Nations Groups of Governmental Experts (GGEs) have made assessments and recommendations on how to deal with the threats posed by the use of ICTs in the context of international security. Three GGEs agreed on substantive reports with conclusions and recommendations that were welcomed by all United Nations Member States.
Importantly, in 2015, the General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 70/237, in which it calls upon Member States to be guided in their use of ICTs by the 2015 GGE report.
Based on the assessments and recommendations of the GGE reports, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs has developed, with the support of the Government of Singapore and in collaboration with other key partners, this online training course to encourage greater understanding of the use of ICTs and its implications for international security.
The GGEs have undertaken five pillars of work, which are discussed in this online training course:
