Cyber Youth Singapore Represents Youth Interest at the United Nations OEWG on ICT Security and Use

New York, July 10, 2024 – Cyber Youth Singapore (CYS) participated in the eighth substantive session of the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Security of and in the Use of Information and Communications Technology at the United Nations headquarters in New York. 

CYS is one of the 93 non-governmental agencies to be accredited to participate in this working group, and stands as the only Asian youth group to be accredited. CYS’ participation marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s youth NGO development and demonstrates the ability of our youth to engage with pertinent positions globally.

Reflecting on the effects of the deepening application of artificial intelligence and the escalation of geopolitical tensions on Singapore’s digital landscape, as well as the need to do more to protect youths, CYS presented three key interventions focused on enhancing legal frameworks, increasing non-state stakeholder roles, and boosting youth involvement in global cybersecurity decision making. CYS’ oral representations, delivered by Ms Beatrice Tan (CYS Head of Cyber Youth Academy), can be found in Annex A below. 

Elaborating on CYS’ efforts to empower youths, Ms Tan shared that CYS plans to organise a Digital Youth Forum in Singapore by 2026. She adds, “This (forum) will allow all stakeholders to come together to boost capacity development specifically to mitigate cyber threats for the young.” Ms Tan also extended an invitation for interested parties to attend the Digital Youth Forum.

The OEWG serves as a crucial platform for global dialogue on cybersecurity. Established to address international cybersecurity challenges, the OEWG aims to develop a framework of norms, rules, and principles for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. 

Its goals include promoting cooperation among nations, enhancing national capacities to secure ICT environments, and building confidence through regular communication and information sharing. The OEWG’s work is vital in shaping international policies that aim to maintain a stable and secure global digital landscape, thus contributing to a rules-based world order.

CYS is committed to continuing to empower young Singaporeans to leverage technology to help themselves and society thrive. We will impart the experiences from this participation at the UN to more youths in Singapore, such as through various post-event engagements, to create more capacity for our youths to shape the digital future. 

CYS’ participation in-person at the United Nations was made possible with the support of the National Youth Council, as well as advisors such as Mr Benjamin Ang from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).