2025 UNGA First Committee Thematic Cluster statement: Other Disarmament Measures and International Security

Thank you,

New Zealand is committed a free, open, peaceful, and secure cyberspace. We are concerned about the continued growth in threats to the security and stability of cyberspace.

For example, ransomware attacks and malicious cyber activity can cause significant harm and have cascading effects that threaten international peace and security.

We welcome the adoption of the final Annual Progress Report of the Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of ICTs, and the related First Committee resolution presented by Singapore.

Establishing by consensus the UN "Global Mechanism" to advance responsible state behaviour in cyberspace marks a new era for UN cyber discussions. It is an opportunity to move forward with a practical programme of work.

All states have agreed, by consensus, that international law applies to state cyber activity. The Global Mechanism provides an avenue to build on this by discussing the more nuanced question of how international law applies.

In the Global Mechanism we will work towards a shared understanding of how international humanitarian and human rights laws apply to cyber activities during armed conflict. And we will reflect on the contexts in which state cyber activity may amount to the use of force for the purposes of international law.

The Mechanism should also enable action-oriented discussions on implementation of the UN framework of norms of responsible state behaviour, including through capacity building initiatives.

As a contribution to these discussions, New Zealand recently updated its national position statement on the Application of International Law to State Activity in Cyberspace.

Chair,

The use of artificial intelligence by militaries is increasing, which comes with risks and benefits. The international community needs to develop new norms about how this is done in a way that ensures compliance with the rules of war and ensures human responsibility in conflict. We are pleased to be involved in this work under the leadership of the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea.

Finally, we note that New Zealand is a committed member of multilateral export control regimes. These regimes are vital tools to address proliferation risks. We highlight the value of these regimes for international peace and security, and for legitimate trade.

Thank you

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