Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The first International Model UN Security Council Conference, co-organized by the Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Ministry and UNDP, kicked off in Baku on October 21 to discuss issues of cyber security.

The conference was opened by a video message from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to the event participants.

In his message, Ban Ki-moon congratulated the Youth and Sports Ministry and UNDP on organizing the conference and welcomed the focus on cyber security.

The UN chief said cyber attacks have the potential of destabilization on a global scale, therefore, they must be a matter of global concern.

Ban also said the UN is promoting dialogue and cooperation among member states to ensure an open, secure, peaceful and accessible ICT environment.

He expressed confidence that this model UN exercise will lead to greater awareness of the real need to develop international standards to deal with cybercrime.

"I also hope you will leave Baku with a greater appreciation for the role of the United Nations in our interconnected world," Ban said.

The conference was attended by Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov, Information and Communications Technologies Minister Ali Abbasov, Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Antonius Broek, UN Secretary General's Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi, as well as other officials.

The attendees highlighted the importance of the conference and said it is of great importance.

Minister Rahimov informed the participants about the successful youth policy implemented in Azerbaijan.

He also said modern technologies have already become an integral part of peoples' life.

"The development of technology makes everything easier. Cybercrime has become one of the current issues. We are trying to eliminate this threat jointly with the UN and other organizations," Rahimov said.

According to him, within the UN Security Council simulation representatives of the member states will be able to discuss international political issues properly.

Minister Abbasov, in his speech at the event, said the society should request that the UN strengthen the fight against cybercrime.

According to him, Azerbaijan along with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is working on the preparation of an international convention on cybercrime.

According to the minister, the issue of combating negative instances in the virtual environment internationally takes on particular significance nowadays.

"Evidence documented to date on cyber security of the European Union does not have wide coverage. This raises the need to address this issue at a global level," Abbasov said.

According to Antonius Broek, the model conference is an excellent tool to develop what is best in young people: their vision and creative capabilities, and facilitate making a substantial difference in the world.

"Your experience in this conference will give you a full taste of the complexity of international relations and developmental challenges, the intricacies of listening to the voice of the people, negotiations among diverse stakeholders, the challenges of achieving consensus and the patience required to gain progress. This has been my life for the past 30 years," Broek said.

Addressing the event, Ahmad Alhendawi said that since the day of his appointment as the UN Secretary-General's first Envoy on Youth he has been trying to solve the problems facing youth all over the world.

Alhendawi welcomed the fact this UN model event is focusing on cyber security.

The country's first International Model UN Security Council conference, being held October 21-25, was organized within the joint project "Youth Participation in Decision Making and Policy Implementation" between the Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Ministry and UNDP.

The conference brings together 45 university students and graduates of 15 states currently serving as members of the UN Security Council, including Azerbaijan.

Participants of the conference will attend a two-day pre-conference training seminar organized in collaboration with the UN Department of Public Information; it will be joined by former and current diplomats experienced in global security issues. Afterwards they will join the UN Security Council simulation session on cyber security to be held at Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy.