Message from the Secretary General of ITU

Building confidence and security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is one of the most important, and most complex, challenges we face today. Promoting cybersecurity is a top priority, if we are to reap the full benefits of the digi-tal revolution and the new and evolving communication technologies coming onto the market. At the same time, maintaining cybersecurity is a culture, spanning different disciplines, that needs to be built into our approach towards, and our adoption of, these new technologies. This is why I am convinced that ITU, with its tradition as an international forum for cooperation and its important work in technical standards for security, has a vital contribution to make in promoting cybersecurity. ITU can draw on its expertise in standardization specifications and communications engi-neering, as well as its experience in direct technical assistance to members, to build a multi-disciplinary approach towards maintaining cybersecurity. ITU’s significant work in the security of IMT (3G) mobile telephony and Public Key Infrastructure, enabling digital signatures, are just a few examples of our work to ensure secure, reliable and user-friendly communications. And yet, ITU must work alongside other key stakeholders in the field, if modern communication systems are to remain secure. And this is why the work of the High-Level Experts Group is highly significant. ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda has benefited from the advice of a panel of key policy-makers and leading specialists from major private sector firms and academic institutions for debating the pivotal issues in cybersecurity and developing consensus on the way forward. By bringing together the major players, ITU sought to build their ownership and commitment to a cross-disciplinary consensus approach. These leading experts have freely given their time, knowledge and experience to establish a common understanding of the issues involved. I am convinced that their inspiring thought leadership and buy-in will benefit all, with recommendations on key steps forward for legislative frameworks, technical and procedural measures, organizational structures, capacity-building and international cooperation. The work of this High-Level Experts Group has ensured that the Global Cybersecurity Agenda will remain a key framework for international cooperation to promote cybersecurity going forward. I am deeply grateful to all members of the HLEG for their sincere efforts and commitment in advancing this key initiative of the ITU to promote cybsersecurity.

Dr Hamadoun I. Touré

Secretary-General, ITU