Hanoi Convention: Symbol of cooperation for a safe and humane cyberspace

The Hanoi Convention is an event that not only marks a milestone in the history of international cooperation on cybersecurity, but also affirms Vietnam's role, prestige and responsibility towards the international community.

Creativity-Responsibility-Solidarity, those three core values ​​converged in Hanoi in the last days of October 2025, when the Vietnamese capital became the center of the world with the Opening Ceremony and High-Level Conference of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention).

This global event not only marks a milestone in the history of international cooperation on cyber security, but also affirms Vietnam's role, prestige and responsibility towards the international community.

A global turning point in the fight against cybercrime

In the context of rapidly increasing cybercrime, causing heavy damage to the economy , security and human rights, the United Nations' adoption and signing of the Convention against Cybercrime is considered a historic turning point.

This is the world's first multilateral document establishing a unified legal framework to support countries in coordinating the investigation, prosecution and prevention of cybercrime.

The signing ceremony and the Hanoi Convention Summit took place at the National Convention Center, with the participation of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and more than 2,500 delegates from 119 countries and territories, more than 100 international organizations and leading technology enterprises.

With the theme “Fighting cybercrime, sharing responsibility, looking towards the future,” the event is considered the largest United Nations conference on cybersecurity ever.

At the signing ceremony, 72 countries signed on, a record number demonstrating strong consensus and shared belief in a safe, transparent and humane digital future. According to regulations, the Convention will officially come into effect 90 days after 40 countries have ratified it, expected in 2027.

The Hanoi Convention consists of 9 chapters and 71 articles, covering everything from criminalizing cybercrimes, establishing national jurisdiction, to international cooperation, extradition, legal assistance, protecting human rights and preventing crime.

This is the first international document to set out comprehensive rules for cross-border electronic evidence collection, and establish a 24/7 coordination network between law enforcement agencies.

The Convention’s main features are humanity and harmony. All investigations and prosecutions of cybercrimes must ensure respect for human rights, privacy and fundamental freedoms. The document also requires countries to commit to not using international cooperation to violate sovereignty or interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, affirming the principle of “cybersecurity for people, for peace and sustainable development.”

According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, choosing Hanoi as the place to sign the Convention is a recognition of Vietnam's active contributions in the field of global cybersecurity.

“The Hanoi Convention is a triumph for multilateralism, an affirmation that cooperation, not division, is the key to protecting humanity's digital future,” he stressed.

Message from Hanoi to the world

The successful hosting and organization of the Hanoi Convention opening ceremony clearly demonstrates Vietnam's proactive and active role in international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. With meticulous and professional preparation, Vietnam not only ensured organizational success but also left a strong impression on its coordination capacity, foreign affairs mettle and sense of responsibility to the international community.

The signing ceremony took place solemnly and successfully, leaving a deep impression in the hearts of international friends about a dynamic, integrated and trustworthy Vietnam.

The event also contributes to strengthening Vietnam's position as a regional hub for cybersecurity, similar to the role it has played in major conventions such as the Palermo Convention against Transnational Crime (2000) or the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC, 2003).

Domestic and international delegates attend the Closing Session of the Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention). (Photo: VNA)

From a policy perspective, the Hanoi Convention offers Vietnam the opportunity to improve its legal framework on cybersecurity, personal data protection, and strengthen the capacity of its task force.

This is also an important foundation for expanding international cooperation in digital investigation, human resource training and technology transfer, key factors to ensure national security and digital sovereignty in the era of global connectivity.

The Hanoi Convention is the result of many years of negotiations, but its significance goes beyond the legal realm. It represents humanity’s shared aspiration for a borderless, orderly, and rule-based cyberspace, where technology serves humanity, not threatens it.

Vietnam's successful organization of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention) has affirmed its determination to build a safe, trustworthy and humane digital environment - in which people are at the center of all policies.

The support of partners and sponsors such as VietinBank, PVN, EVN, MB Bank, Agribank, SSI, FPT, VPBank, Gelex, Vietnam Airlines, VIX, BIDV, Viettel and OKX not only contributed to ensuring the success of the signing ceremony, but also demonstrated the spirit of social responsibility and commitment to contribute for global benefits.

After the signing ceremony, the Convention will continue to be open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters in New York until the end of 2026. When 40 countries ratify, countries will enter the domestic legalization phase, incorporating the provisions of the Convention into national laws, creating a unified legal corridor to effectively combat cross-border cybercrime.

Vietnam has promptly established an Inter-Agency Working Group to prepare for the implementation of the Convention, and coordinated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to implement a regional technical assistance program.

It is expected that Vietnam will become the Southeast Asian regional coordination center for the implementation of the Convention in the 2026-2030 period. This is a clear demonstration of Vietnam's growing international trust and prestige.

From Hanoi, a strong message has been sent globally: Cyber ​​security cannot be separated from human rights; sustainable development cannot be separated from international cooperation.

The Hanoi Convention not only opens a framework for global cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, but also inspires a new vision. Where every nation and every individual is protected and benefits equally from technological achievements.

With a proactive, positive and responsible role, Vietnam has contributed to shaping global standards for cybersecurity, affirming its position as a peace-loving country that respects the rule of law and always accompanies the world for a safe, humane and sustainable digital future.

Vietnam firmly believes that the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime will be an important historical milestone, opening a new phase of cooperation between countries in the common effort to protect peace, stability and sustainable development of mankind.

In the context of cyberspace increasingly becoming an essential element of socio-economic life, the Hanoi Convention has special significance, affirming the determination of the international community in building a global, unified and humane legal framework to prevent, deter and handle cybercrimes, ensuring security and safety for all countries and people./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cong-uoc-ha-noi-bieu-tuong-hop-tac-vi-mot-khong-giant-mang-an-toan-va-nhan-van-post1075761.vnp