UN launches Global Mechanism on ICT security, elects chair for 2026-2027

By R Anil Kumar

Bengaluru, March 30. The UN held the organisational session of its new Global Mechanism on ICT security, electing El Salvador’s Ambassador Egriselda López as chair for 2026–2027, while member states emphasised implementation of existing cybersecurity commitments and capacity development.

The United Nations has convened the organisational session of the Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible state behaviour in the use of ICTs, a new permanent forum established by UN General Assembly resolution 80/16.

The session was opened by Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, who facilitated the election of Ambassador Egriselda López of El Salvador as chair for the 2026–2027 biennium.

During the meeting, the Russian Federation said it would not block the consensus-based appointment of López to ensure the swift launch of the mechanism. However, it expressed ‘deep disquiet’ regarding the pre-election process, stating that the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) had initiated an informal silence procedure on 13 March regarding López’s candidacy without prior discussion with member states. The delegation described the step as ‘unauthorised’ under UN General Assembly resolutions 79/237 and 80/16.

In her remarks following the election, López emphasised that the mechanism should focus on implementation of existing commitments, stating the need to move from agreements to ‘concrete results.’ She underlined that the process remains intergovernmental and should be guided by consensus among member states.

The session adopted its provisional agenda and proceeded with a general exchange of views among delegations.

Several regional groups outlined priorities for the mechanism. Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group, highlighted capacity development as a cross-cutting priority and pointed to cybersecurity threats affecting developing countries, including ransomware and attacks on critical infrastructure.

The Pacific Islands Forum, represented by the Solomon Islands, emphasised the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States and called for practical implementation of agreed measures.

The Arab Group and the European Union also stressed the importance of translating existing frameworks into action, with the EU highlighting the need to enhance implementation of the agreed framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

Across statements, delegations highlighted several common priorities, including:

• Strengthening capacity development efforts;
• Addressing ransomware and threats to critical infrastructure;
• Advancing the application of international law in cyberspace;
• Ensuring that the mechanism builds on the outcomes of the previous Open-Ended Working Group.

Member states also welcomed the establishment of two dedicated thematic groups, one focusing on substantive issues and another on capacity development, and called for clear mandates and coordination between them.

The Global Mechanism is mandated to advance discussions across five pillars:

• Threats
• Norms and principles.
• The application of international law
• Confidence-building measures
• Capacity development.

It will convene annual plenary sessions, thematic group meetings, and a review conference every five years, leading up to the 2030 review.

The organisational session marks the start of the mechanism’s substantive work as a permanent UN forum on ICT security.