5G in Africa: What’s its potential, Selasi Ahorlumegah?
Naa Oyoe Quartey
With its fast speeds and revolutionary potential, 5G stands out as a noteworthy milestone in the field of […]
Qatar to host UN’s new Cybercrime Regional Combat Centre
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Qatar have decided to join forces in the battle against cybercrime by establishing a United Nations regional centre in Doha. The agreement, which was signed at the UN headquarters in Vienna, marks an important step forward in the international community’s efforts to tackle the increasing challenges posed by cybercrime.
The pact was inked by Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and Ghada Wali, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. They confirmed that the launch of the UN regional centre for combatting cybercrime is set to take place within the next two months.
The centre will focus its operations on the Middle East and North Africa region, providing training and capacity-building for specialists in these areas and in developing countries. Its efforts will primarily be geared towards combating cybercrime through various measures such as developing policies and legislation to address this pressing issue. In addition, it will facilitate the exchange of experiences and information on cybercrime at both national and international levels.
The decision to establish this centre comes in the face of an increasingly digitised world, where the importance of preventing and combating cybercrime is now more recognised than ever. Over recent years, the nefarious connections between cybercrime and other serious threats, such as transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, as well as threats to the infrastructure, security, and safety of states, have seen a worrying growth.
In response to this expanding problem, the UN has started negotiations for a comprehensive international agreement to combat the criminal use of information and communication technologies. This process is anticipated to conclude in the coming year.
The establishment of this new centre will contribute to the catalogue of achievements made by international organisations that have set up centres under the aegis of the United Nations in Doha. This significant addition will further strengthen Qatar’s role in promoting multilateral diplomacy.
Most recently, Qatar inaugurated the UN House in its capital, reinforcing its commitment to being a proactive player in addressing global challenges. This latest initiative of the UN regional centre for combating cybercrime further amplifies Qatar’s dedication towards creating a safer, more secure digital world.
