News of the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, set to be held in Hanoi on October 25–26, has drawn wide coverage from major outlets, including Reuters, Asia Financial, The Straits Times, Daily Times, The Japan Times, and Modern Diplomacy.

State President Luong Cuong inspects preparations for the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi.

The document, also known as Hanoi Convention to be signed by representatives from dozens of countries, is hailed as the first global framework to comprehensively combat cybercrime amid rising digital threats and increasing pressure on cybersecurity systems.

It addresses a broad range of offenses, from online fraud and ransomware to human trafficking and hate speech, aiming to curb cyber activities that cost the global economy trillions of dollars each year.

The convention will take effect once it is ratified by at least 40 UN member states and can then serve as a foundation for global cyber governance.

On its website unodc.org, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led negotiations on the Hanoi Convention, stated that the convention includes provisions protecting human rights and allows countries to refuse cooperation requests that counter international law, while encouraging the facilitation of legitimate research activities.

One key improvement the convention aims to achieve is in the collection and sharing of electronic evidence. It seeks to ensure that all ratifying countries adopt a unified definition and standard for handling electronic evidence.

This will enable evidence shared between nations for cybercrime prosecution to be legally recognised in the recipient country’s courts.

In addition, it will help enhance international cooperation. By signing and ratifying the convention, countries acknowledge that cybercrime poses a real threat to global security and amplifies the scale, speed, and reach of terrorism and transnational organised crime.

Unified international rules and standards, along with shared expertise, resources, and strong political will under the convention’s framework, will help streamline the prevention and prosecution of cybercrime, enhance global response capacity, and build a safer digital future.

The signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention will be attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with many countries already confirming their participation and intent to sign.

According to the World Bank Blog, if effectively implemented, the document can help fulfill the promise of the digital age — enabling people to benefit from online opportunities without fear of fraud, abuse, or cyber threats.

Without shared definitions and tools such as mutual legal assistance, efforts against cybercrime will remain fragmented and ineffective, undermining online safety.

The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, adopted in 2001, is the first binding international framework on the matter, with over 80 member countries, about half of which are outside Europe.

The signing of the Hanoi Convention marks another major milestone in global cyber governance.

UN Secretary General begins official visit to Vietnam

United National Secretary General António Guterres arrived in Hanoi on October 24 afternoon, beginning his two-day official visit to Vietnam where he will attend Opening for Signature of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (known as Hanoi Convention).

 

Vietnamese Party chief lands in Bulgaria to bolster ties

Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Sofia on October 22 (local time), beginning a three-day official visit to Bulgaria at the invitation of its President Rumen Radev.

 

Vietnamese Party General Secretary holds talks with Finnish President in Helsinki

General Secretary Lam affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its traditional friendship with Finland and appreciates Finland’s support for Vietnam in its post-war national reconstruction and development. He expressed his hope that Finland will continue to be a reliable partner and companion in Vietnam’s new era of development.

 

Finland greets Vietnamese Party chief with welcome ceremony

Vietnam highly values its longstanding partnership with Finland, Party General Secretary To Lam stressed, believing that this visit will open up a new chapter of bilateral relations, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the regions and the world.

 

Party General Secretary begins official visit to Finland

The visit demonstrates a new stride in the two countries' connections, creating momentum for shaping strategic cooperation in future areas.

 

Party chief’s trip to Finland to create new momentum for bilateral ties: official

The trip carries a message of sincere affection and the deep regard of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam for Finland - a country that actively supported Vietnam in its past struggle for national defence and continues to assist in the current national construction and development process, Hang said, adding that Finland was one of the first Nordic countries to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.