The Ha Noi Convention is an important legal milestone and has multidimensional significance
Mac Quoc Anh, Doctor of Economics and Politics, Member of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Ha Noi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, said that the signing of the Ha Noi Convention - the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Viet Nam at the end of October 2025 has multidimensional significance - not only in terms of specialised legal techniques but also in terms of international status, digital diplomacy, and socio-economic development in the digital age.
In terms of law and cybersecurity, according to Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, this Convention is the first global multilateral document specialising in cybercrime and international legal cooperation in the field of security. Therefore, the fact that Viet Nam is the host country of the signing ceremony and named the “Ha Noi Convention” is an important legal milestone, showing that Viet Nam is not only a participant but also plays an active role in creating an international legal framework on cybersecurity.
By signing and internalising the convention, Viet Nam is forced to review and upgrade its domestic legal system: from criminal law, criminal procedure law, to information security law, data law. This means enhancing the ability to trace, transfer electronic evidence, extradite criminals across borders, and support international justice, Anh said, adding that in the context of cyber security being a huge non-traditional security challenge, having an international legal framework helps Viet Nam enhance its response capacity: sharing information, coordinating investigations, and connecting with international centres.
Affirming the importance of cybersecurity in the context of the digital economy, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh said that as the digital economy has developed strongly (Internet connection, data, digital assets, information technology), cybercrime (phishing, ransomware, system intrusion) is increasing. The Convention creates international standards to protect cyberspace, thereby contributing to protecting the digital economy and digital assets. For Viet Nam, organising and participating in the Convention is a way to proactively demonstrate cybersecurity governance - a pillar of digital transformation and national digital sovereignty.
Regarding international status, diplomacy and international cooperation, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh affirmed that the United Nations choosing Ha Noi as the place to open the signing of the Convention against Cybercrime is an important international milestone - the first time a global convention on cybercrime is named after the Capital city of Viet Nam. This enhances Viet Nam’s image as a “proactive-responsible-capable” country in the digital age.
On the diplomatic front, this is a testament to the “proactive integration, multilateralisation, and diversification of international relations” policy that Viet Nam is pursuing; contributing to the development of global standards helps Viet Nam move from the role of “receiver” to “creator”.
Dr. Mac Quoc Anh stated that in the era of digital transformation, “digital sovereignty” and “cyber security” are two areas closely linked to national sovereignty. Viet Nam’s participation in and organisation of the convention helps affirm that Viet Nam is ready to protect the national digital space, ensure information security and international cooperation on the basis of respecting sovereignty.
Analysing the economic aspect - digital transformation and development opportunities, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh said that this event sends a strong signal to the international business community and investors that Viet Nam is not only a developing digital market but also a safe digital environment with clear international commitments. This increases the attraction of investment in the fields of cyber security, data, and information technology; promote domestic enterprises to improve digital institutions and infrastructure, contributing to the national goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045.
However, to turn these strategic meanings into reality, according to Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, Viet Nam needs to focus on a number of recommendations: improve the capacity to enforce cybersecurity laws, invest heavily in human resources, upgrade the investigation system, coordinate internationally, and meet the requirements of the convention; Rreview and improve domestic legal institutions to comply with international commitments, while ensuring a balance with human rights and privacy; develop the domestic cybersecurity industry: encourage enterprises, international cooperation, technology transfer, and create added value from cybersecurity; strengthen international communication and markets to make Viet Nam a trusted destination for cybersecurity - thereby attracting investment and international cooperation; maintaining international prestige. During the implementation process, it is necessary to be transparent, comply with human rights and avoid any violations that undermine the prestige that has been strengthened through this event.
Ha Noi Convention - A global commitment for a safer digital world
Commenting on the significance of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, Lai Hop Nhan - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Marketing Director of Bitexco Group emphasised that the Ha Noi Convention is not a distant document of the Government, but a basic “traffic law” for the digital highway that is closely related to each individual.
Citing the above statement, Nhan said that borderless cybercrime is directly threatening assets, personal data (from bank accounts, personal information) and business reputation. The Convention provides an international legal framework to track and handle crimes more quickly. Therefore, the first meaning is to protect yourself and your family in the digital environment.
The next meaning is personal responsibility or in other words, cyber security starts with us as individuals. Accordingly, each citizen must consider themselves the first “stronghold” in protecting cyberspace. This requires raising awareness, complying with basic safety principles (not sharing information, not clicking on strange links, using strong passwords) and promptly reporting fraudulent acts. Cyber security is not only the job of the authorities but also the civil responsibility of everyone.
According to Nhan, for the Ha Noi Convention to quickly come into life, the most important factor is the responsibility and awareness of Party members. For each Party member, implementing and spreading the spirit of the Ha Noi Convention has a deeper meaning, closely linked to the pioneering responsibility.
First of all, it is necessary to be pioneers in awareness and discipline. Party members need to be people who clearly understand and set an example in complying with regulations on cyber security, protecting personal and organisational data; must be aware that cyber security is part of national security and a vital factor in the development of the digital economy.
In addition, more attention should be paid to raise responsibility for communications and setting an example. Party members must proactively disseminate knowledge on preventing cybercrime, raising public awareness. There should be pioneers in building a culture of civilised and safe behaviour in cyberspace, contributing to the defeat of plots to exploit cyberspace to sabotage and distort.
“It can be affirmed that the Ha Noi Convention is a global commitment for a safer digital world. To turn this commitment into concrete action, the initiative and responsibility of each citizen, especially the pioneering and exemplary role of each Party member, is the decisive factor,” Nhan shared.
