The Maldives has marked a significant milestone in international digital security, becoming among the first nations globally to sign the landmark United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel formally appended the island nation's signature to the pivotal treaty on Saturday, on the sidelines of the High-Level Conference on Combating Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Convention, which outlines comprehensive measures for countries to prevent and prosecute cybercrime, and is designed to significantly enhance international cooperation in providing electronic evidence for serious offenses, received approval from the Maldivian Parliament on 15 October. Though drafted on 24 December last year, the signing ceremony for member states officially commenced on Saturday during the two-day conference.
Minister Dr Khaleel hailed the occasion as "historic," emphasising its importance as a critical step towards collaborative efforts to secure the internet and other digital platforms. He acknowledged that for a small developing country like the Maldives, such issues are particularly sensitive due to resource limitations. However, he reaffirmed the nation's dedication to making the digital sphere a safe place in the face of these challenges.
The agreement, according to the Minister, will foster greater international cooperation, reduce legal barriers, and establish a strong system for countries to jointly address complex cyber-related issues.
The global surge in various types of internet-based crimes, costing nations millions annually, has made this convention a top priority for governments worldwide.
A Maldivian delegation led by Minister Dr Khaleel is actively participating in the conference, engaging in important discussions around global strategies to combat this ever-evolving threat.