NEW YORK, July 12: The United Nations Working Group on Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and Their Use and Security has officially adopted a Kuwaiti initiative aimed at establishing a platform of non-binding norms, standards, and principles for responsible state behavior in the digital sphere.

The approval came late Friday at the conclusion of the final substantive session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs, held at the UN General Assembly headquarters from July 7 to 11.

Kuwait’s delegation was led by Eng. Abeer Al-Awadhi, Head of the National Cybersecurity Center, and Abdullah Al-Qadeeri, Director of the Information and Communications Technology Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Kuwaiti proposal was incorporated into the final report of the working group with the consensus of all participating member states, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country.

Officials described the adoption of the initiative as a reflection of the coordinated efforts between Kuwait’s cybersecurity and diplomatic entities. The delegation also held a number of side meetings during the week, which were instrumental in building consensus and ensuring the proposal’s inclusion in the final document.

The initiative is seen as a strategic step in enhancing international cooperation in cyberspace and reinforcing Kuwait’s pioneering and proactive stance in promoting multilateral dialogue on cybersecurity.

"This represents a qualitative addition to global efforts aimed at securing the digital landscape," said a member of the Kuwaiti delegation, adding that it demonstrates Kuwait’s growing leadership in global cyber diplomacy.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to support the forthcoming Global Mechanism on Developments in the Field of Information and Communications Technology in the Context of International Security. The mechanism, expected to be launched next year, will further promote responsible state behavior in the use of ICTs.

First introduced during the ninth and tenth sessions of the OEWG, Kuwait’s initiative received strong support from several countries, along with the formal backing of the Arab Group at the United Nations.

The OEWG on ICTs is a United Nations platform dedicated to addressing global cybersecurity and the peaceful use of digital technologies.