Qatar has urged the international community to intensify efforts to enhance cybersecurity, stressing the need for greater cooperation between developed and developing nations to secure the gains of the digital era. Speaking before a United Nations committee in New York, a Qatari diplomat highlighted that while cyberspace presents vast opportunities for economic growth and human well-being, it also carries significant and growing risks.
The statement was delivered by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN, during the General Assembly’s First Committee session on disarmament and international security.
Balancing Digital Opportunity and Risk
Sheikh Abdulrahman explained that progress in digital and technological fields has provided smart, low-cost solutions to many development challenges and has improved social communication through advanced networks. However, he cautioned that this progress is accompanied by increasing cybersecurity threats that now affect all forms of digital activity.
These risks include attacks targeting vital telecommunications and digital infrastructure, which can result in serious material damage, privacy violations, and obstacles to economic development. He noted that information security has become a major concern for governments, financial institutions, and private sector organisations worldwide.
Qatar’s International Commitments
As part of its efforts to promote responsible behaviour in cyberspace, Qatar has engaged actively on the global stage. The state participated in the UN’s Open-ended Working Group on the Security of Information and Communication Technology from 2021 to 2025. Sheikh Abdulrahman confirmed that Qatar welcomed the group’s final report, adopted by consensus in July 2025, and expressed hope that its recommendations would be implemented to strengthen international cooperation.
To demonstrate its commitment, Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency organised a side event during the working group’s session on 7 July 2025, titled “Qatar’s Successful Experience in Implementing the UN Norms for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace.” The event aimed to highlight the country’s model for adopting UN cybersecurity standards. This follows the nation’s decision to become a signatory to the UN Convention against Cybercrime during a ceremony in Hanoi on 25 October 2025.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
In addition to its global efforts, Qatar is also focused on regional partnerships. Sheikh Abdulrahman referred to the country’s participation in the Fourth Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity, held in Kuwait on 8 September 2025. During the meeting, member states approved an execution plan for the GCC Cybersecurity Strategy and a framework for international cooperation among Gulf nations in this field.
Through these national, regional, and international initiatives, Qatar continues to advocate for a secure and stable cyberspace that supports global development while protecting against emerging digital threats.
