Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Chair.
I take to the floor to explain New Zealand’s vote on two resolutions.
New Zealand, like many Member States, invested heavily in five years of OEWG negotiations to secure a single, permanent and inclusive framework to discuss cybersecurity in the context of international peace and security and advance responsible State behaviour. That agreement provides all States with a forum to shape priorities, consider proposals and advance practical cooperation.
States will continue to advance new ideas and priorities, and this is welcome. Such proposals should be considered within the consensus-based framework that all States endorsed. Introducing proposals through separate resolutions risks creating division. For small delegations in particular, parallel discussions outside of the agreed process places significant pressure on limited resources.
Chair, we welcome resolution L.8 on the Global Mechanism. We thank El Salvador for its efforts and reaffirm our support for its role as Chair. We are pleased to join consensus.
The success of the Mechanism will depend on our collective willingness to work through the framework we have established.
On L.17, Compliance with non-proliferation, arms limitation and disarmament agreements and commitments, New Zealand understands that the resolution does not establish an independent basis for States to determine non-compliance by other States or to take responsive measures.
Any assessment of compliance, and any action taken in response, should be undertaken through the procedures, institutions and mechanisms provided for under the relevant international agreement and in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. On this understanding, New Zealand voted in favour of the resolution.
On L.69 Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security, New Zealand has supported an EOV delivered by Ireland which details our maintained position on this resolution.
Thank you.