Co-chairs, Honorable members of the Security Council,

The Philippines extends its gratitude to the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States of America for convening this crucial Arria Formula Meeting, focusing on the evolving cyberspace landscape and its implications for international peace and security. As we gather today, it is imperative to address the pressing challenges posed by malicious cyber activities, which continue to threaten the stability of nations worldwide.

Reflecting on the objective of this meeting, the Philippines underscores the need to raise awareness and promote better understanding of the multifaceted nature of cyber threats, including ransomware, crypto-heists, and financial crimes involving advanced cyber techniques. These malicious activities not only jeopardize the integrity of our digital infrastructure but also have far-reaching implications for both public and private sectors globally.

In response to the guiding questions before us, I wish to highlight the following:

First, the Philippines acknowledges the key emerging trends of malicious activities in cyberspace, which pose additional challenges to international peace and security. Recent cybersecurity breaches in our country, including the defacement of government websites, data breaches targeting critical institutions, and large-scale theft of personal information, underscore the severity of the threat we face.

Second, criminal activities in cyberspace serve as a significant threat multiplier, exacerbating existing challenges to international peace and security. The Philippines has experienced firsthand how cyberattacks can disrupt essential services, undermine trust in institutions, and have profound socio-economic impacts, further complicating efforts to maintain stability.

Third, the increasing accessibility of advanced cyber tools and techniques to both state and non-state actors have profound implications for international peace and security. The democratization of cyber capabilities has lowered the barriers to entry, empowering malicious actors to launch sophisticated cyberattacks with impunity, transcending geographical boundaries.

In response to these challenges, the Philippines emphasizes the importance of collective measures and innovative strategies to counter cyber threats effectively. Collaboration among states, international organizations, and relevant stakeholders is paramount to enhance cybersecurity resilience, mitigate risks, and strengthen deterrence mechanisms.

In this regard, we are pleased to share that on the occasion of the recent state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in Australia last month, Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation. This is a significant step towards bolstering our cyber capabilities and fostering regional collaboration. For the Philippines and the developing South, we need more partnerships like this in support of narrowing the digital divide and transferring technologies.

Furthermore, the Philippines recognizes the pivotal role of the UN Security Council in addressing the evolving nature of cyber threats within its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. While we give primacy to the  ongoing discussions in the Open-Ended Working Group on the Use and Security of ICT, we must also ensure that the Security Council remains actively engaged in shaping the global cybersecurity agenda.

Finally, Co-chairs, the Philippines reiterates its commitment to enhancing cyber resilience and promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace. We call for continued cooperation, capacity-building efforts, and the establishment of mechanisms, including a regular trust fund, to support developing countries in addressing cyber threats effectively. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, let us work together to safeguard the integrity of cyberspace and uphold the principles of peace and security for all.

We also thank our briefers from UNODA, UNIDIR, and Chainalysis.

Thank you, Co-Chairs.