REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

STATEMENT

BY

HER EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR AGNES CHIMBIRI-MOLANDE

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI TO THE UNITED NATIONS

DELIVERED DURING GENERAL DISCUSSION

AT

AT THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST CYBERCRIME

HANOI, VIET NAM

25-26 OCTOBER 2025

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi, I wish to express our deep appreciation to the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for hosting this historic ceremony to mark the signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

We also commend the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as all Member States, for their tireless efforts and constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process. The adoption of this Convention under General Assembly Resolution 79/243 represents a milestone in our collective pursuit to strengthen international cooperation in combating cybercrime and securing our shared digital future.

Excellencies,

The theme of this Conference — “Countering Cybercrime – Sharing Responsibility – Securing our Future” — resonates deeply with Malawi’s national priorities. We recognize that cyber threats are borderless and that no country, regardless of its level of development, is immune from their impact.

For Malawi, cyberspace represents both an opportunity and vulnerability. It is a vital enabler for education, e-commerce, digital governance, and public service delivery. However, cyberspace is a domain that is increasingly being exploited for criminal purposes. It is therefore imperative that our digital transformation should be accompanied by strong legal, institutional, and technical safeguards.

Excellencies,

Malawi has made significant progress in strengthening its cybersecurity and response mechanisms. Under the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act of 2016, the Government established the Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-MW), housed within the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). The CERT serves as the national focal point for detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It coordinates incident response across sectors; issues advisories and early warnings; and works to enhance national preparedness and resilience.

Through collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and initiatives such as the Cyber for Good Project, Malawi has benefited from enhanced incident response capabilities, governance support, and skills development. Our deliberate and sustained investments have yielded measurable results, with Malawi’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) score improving from 36 percent in 2020 to 80 percent in 2024 — a clear testament to the effectiveness of national commitment coupled with international cooperation.

Excellencies,

Despite this progress, challenges persist. Cybercrime continues to evolve, targeting financial systems, critical infrastructure, and individuals alike. The complexity of threats such as ransomware, online fraud, and cryptocurrency-related crimes underscores the need for stronger partnerships, technical assistance, and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries.

In this regard, Malawi welcomes the Convention’s emphasis on international cooperation, lawful access to electronic evidence, and the provision of technical assistance to developing nations. We look forward to engaging actively in the work of the Conference of State Parties to ensure that the Convention’s is implemented in line with human rights and the rule of law.

Excellencies,

Malawi reaffirms its unwavering commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and trusted cyberspace for all. We view this instrument not merely as a legal text, but as a framework for solidarity and shared responsibility — one that strengthens our collective ability to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrime while protecting the dignity and privacy of all digital users.

Excellencies,

Let this moment remind us that cybersecurity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Together, let us ensure that our digital future is one defined not by fear or exploitation, but by trust, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations.

I thank you.