The inter-agency delegation, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defence, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, and the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA), attended the conference.

From 21 to 23 January, the Regional Preparatory Meeting on Crime was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in advance of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The upcoming Congress, scheduled for April 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will be convened under the theme: “Advancing Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law: Protecting People and the Planet and Achieving the 2030 Agenda in the Digital Age”.

The regional meeting brought together representatives from 24 countries, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank, and various research institutions and non-governmental organizations engaged in crime prevention efforts.

The inter-agency delegation of Viet Nam, led by Mr. Nguyen Dang Thang, Director-General of the Department of International Law and Treaties under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, included representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defence, Supreme People’s Procuracy, and the Viet Nam National Cybersecurity Association (NCA).

Over the course of three working days, the meeting focused on four main themes: enhancing crime prevention strategies to support economic, social, and environmental development; building people-centered criminal justice systems; addressing and combating organized crime and terrorism in all forms; and strengthening international cooperation and partnerships.

During discussions, participating states highlighted the strong connection between the rule of law and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need to build inclusive, equitable, and resilient justice systems capable of responding to emerging threats.

Delegates acknowledged the complex impacts of science and technology on crime prevention. On one hand, technological advancements have led to the emergence of new forms of crime such as cybercrime and online fraud, posing significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. On the other hand, technological tools can also enhance the early detection, investigation, and prosecution of crimes.

There was broad agreement on the need to reinforce legal frameworks and expand international cooperation to address new and evolving threats, particularly cybercrime. In this context, many countries welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime in December 2024.

Viet Nam’s Statement at the Meeting

Delivering the national statement, the Vietnamese delegation reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, while sharing ongoing efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of its criminal justice system.

Viet Nam called for enhanced international cooperation to effectively prevent and combat transnational crimes, including cybercrime. The delegation expressed gratitude to UN member states for supporting Viet Nam as the host of the upcoming signing ceremony of the UN Convention on Cybercrime and extended an official invitation to all countries to attend the signing event in Hanoi in 2025.

Side Event: “The Road to Hanoi”

On the sidelines of the conference, the Vietnamese delegation, in collaboration with UNODC, organized the side event titled “The Road to Hanoi: Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime.” The event introduced the Convention’s key provisions and shared updates on the planning for the signing ceremony in Hanoi. This was the first in a series of promotional activities leading up to the official signing.

During the side event, the Vietnamese delegation underscored the strategic importance of holding the signing ceremony in Hanoi. As the Asia-Pacific region remains the only global region lacking a binding legal framework to address cybercrime, Viet Nam’s hosting of the event marks a pivotal contribution to regional and global governance. The delegation also provided updates on ongoing logistical and organizational preparations.

Viet Nam emphasized that the signing ceremony is not merely a legal event, but a continued effort to advance international cooperation against cybercrime. Delegates attending the side event expressed strong interest in the Convention and its signing ceremony, and requested additional information and coordination in the lead-up to the event.

The United Nations Convention on Cybercrime is the first global treaty on criminal justice adopted by the UN in over two decades and the first-ever international legal instrument to comprehensively address cybercrime. It criminalizes a range of offenses related to information and communications technologies (ICTs), including both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crimes.

The Convention establishes robust international cooperation mechanisms, such as a 24/7 contact point network, frameworks for electronic evidence exchange, and joint investigative measures, in addition to existing channels for mutual legal assistance.