The International Telecommunication Union Council unanimously adopts a historic resolution led by the UAE condemning Iranian attacks on civilian information and communications technology infrastructure.

The UAE, as a member of the ITU Council, led a diplomatic initiative during the work of the ITU Council in Geneva, where it submitted a draft resolution on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan regarding the impact of attacks on civilian communications and information technology infrastructure.

The draft resolution was presented by Ambassador Jamal Al-Musharrekh, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, on behalf of the GCC countries and Jordan, in the presence and participation of Engineer Majid Sultan Al-Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TADRA), and his accompanying delegation.

The Council adopted the resolution by consensus, which reflects broad international support to address attacks and threats targeting civilian communications infrastructure and their repercussions on regional and global interconnectivity. This is the first resolution adopted by the International Telecommunication Union that includes a clear condemnation of attacks targeting civilian communications and information technology infrastructure.

In his speech, Ambassador Al Musharrakh referred to the Iranian terrorist attacks that targeted the civilian communications and information technology infrastructure in the UAE and a number of brotherly and friendly countries in the region, stressing that this infrastructure is essential for public services, emergency communications, humanitarian coordination, economic activity, and international interconnection.

He also explained that the repercussions of these attacks are not limited to the targeted countries, but rather extend to affecting the flexibility and stability of digital networks at the regional and global levels.

The adopted resolution proposes a balanced and technical response, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the impact of these attacks and threats, especially with regard to their repercussions on regional and global interdependence.

The resolution stresses the importance of protecting civilian information and communications technology infrastructure to maintain global interconnectedness, stability and sustainable development.

Engineer Majid Sultan Al-Mesmar, Director General of the Communications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, stressed that: “The communications and information technology infrastructure represents the backbone of our shared digital future, and its preservation is a collective responsibility that guarantees the continuity and stability of global interconnectedness for future generations.”

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communications technologies, responsible for coordinating telecommunications networks and services at the global level. It also plays a pivotal role in setting international standards and enhancing interconnectedness at the global level.