Commonwealth countries nod to take action on cybersecurity by 2020

London, April 21: Many Commonwealth countries leaders nodded to sign a cyber declaration, which will be the world’s largest and most geographically diverse inter-governmental commitment on cybersecurity cooperation.

The Commonwealth countries have unanimously agreed to take action on cybersecurity by 2020. In a landmark declaration at the end of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, the leaders of 53 countries agreed to work closely to evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms.

The Commonwealth Cyber Declaration sets out, for the first time, a common vision for ensuring the internet remains free and open across the Commonwealth.

 

A release issued last night termed the declaration as the world's largest and most geographically diverse inter-governmental commitment on cybersecurity cooperation.

It followed an announcement by the UK government pledging up to 15 million pounds to help the Commonwealth nations strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities. It also aims to tackle criminal groups and hostile state actors who pose a global threat to security.

The leaders also expressed their strong support for the multilateral trading system and adopted a six-point connectivity agenda to boost trade and investment links across the Commonwealth.

They also agreed on a bold, coordinated push to protect oceans from the effects of climate change, pollution, and over-fishing.