The first plenary session of the Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs (GM), established by UN General Assembly Resolution 80/16, was held from July 20 to 24, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The session discussed key threats, rules of responsible behaviour, legal aspects, confidence-building measures, and capacity-building issues in the area of international information security (IIS). In addition, the meeting reviewed organizational aspects of the Mechanism’s two thematic subgroups.
The Russian delegation placed particular emphasis on the need to adopt legally binding agreements on IIS and to improve the UN Global, intergovernmental, points of contact (POC) Directory as a confidence-building measure. A new Russian initiative aimed at capacity building in the area of information security in developing countries was announced: conducting cyber exercises under the auspices of the UN.
On July 17, 2026, ahead of the Plenary Session, the second informal online meeting of the GM was held, attended by over 130 representatives of States, UN entities, and NGOs, including NAIIS.
Chairperson Egriselda López opened the meeting with presentations from States (Mexico and Mozambique) and two accredited NGOs (Developing Capacity and Kenya ICT Action Network). She reiterated her position that NGOs are participants in the implementation of measures to ensure the security of the ICT environment and confirmed her intention to create opportunities for them to interact – not only in the informal discussion, but also in the upcoming work of special thematic groups. This position is debatable and does not receive universal support from States.
The representative of NAIIS outlined expert assessments of the prospects for the upcoming work of the GM. In particular, it was stated that the most important function of the Global Mechanism is to facilitate progressive movement toward the development of additional binding legal obligations that should take into account the ideas embodied in the concept of the UN Convention on International Information Security. This will facilitate the development and strengthening of a peaceful ICT environment and can also contribute to addressing the issue of preserving the integrity of ICT supply chains and preventing the proliferation of malicious software and hardware. Another key objective of the Global Mechanism, aimed at ensuring an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful ICT environment, should be comprehensive capacity building. The full expert opinions are contained in the NAIIS position paper, posted on the Global Mechanism website.
