On the first Global Cybersecurity Day on December 12, 2015, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent the statement of congratulations. Here is his letter.
Ban Ki-moon was honored with the World Leaders for Peace and Security Award 2016.
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Message to the Boston Global Forum
Boston, 12 December 2015
It is a pleasure to greet the Boston Global Forum. Thank you, Governor Dukakis, for convening this gathering and for guiding its initiatives.
I welcome your focus on cybersecurity.
Advances in technology and science have opened up wonderful new opportunities, but they have also exposed us to new risks. As our lives have moved increasingly online, so, too, must our values and principles.
Cybersecurity has become a major global challenge, with wide-ranging implications for peace, security, trade and sustainable development. The United Nations has recognized the need to confront the threats that arise from the use of ICTs and the Internet for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Member States have been working to develop a global culture of cybersecurity that can fight cybercrime and cyber-attacks while protecting freedoms and sharing the benefits of ICTs and the Internet.
Cybersecurity will also be crucial as we implement the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which will require us to tap into the potential of the data revolution and close today’s still-large digital divides.
On 15-16 December, the United Nations General Assembly will convene a High-level Meeting to review progress in the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society. Your discussion at this year’s Boston Global Forum can provide a timely contribution as we strive together to meet these challenges.
Thank you for your support, and please accept my best wishes for a productive Forum.