Hanoi, Viet Nam – 26 October 2025
(L-R) Oala Moi, Steven Matainaho, David K. Nanopoulos (Chief, Treaty Section, UN Office of Legal Affairs), Delphine Schantz (Regional Rep. UNODC, Regional Office for SE Asia and the Pacific)
Papua New Guinea has officially joined a growing international coalition to combat cybercrime, becoming one of 65 nations to sign the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime. The signing ceremony took place on 25 October at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, Viet Nam.
Representing Papua New Guinea, Mr. Steven Matainaho, Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), signed the convention under the authorization of Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, MP. He was joined by Mr. Oala Moi, Chief Legal Officer of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), who played a key role in the 2024 treaty negotiations.
Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology and Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr., explained that the move is an achievement for the country beyond its 50th year.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that Papua New Guinea is amongst 65 states that have signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in a global commitment to strengthen cooperation and combat the rising threat of cybercrime.”
The signing follows two recent Cabinet decisions to ratify international conventions on cybercrime, positioning PNG as one of the few Pacific nations actively pursuing global frameworks to address digital threats.
Minister Tsiamalili Jr. also confirmed that PNG is preparing to deposit its accession instrument for the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime next month
“Acceding to both the Hanoi Convention and the Budapest Convention will provide a foundation for PNG for stronger cooperation, harmonized laws, and coordinated responses to digital threats.”
With cybercrime losses projected to exceed USD 10.5 trillion in 2025, the urgency for international collaboration has never been greater. The UN Convention, adopted in December 2024, will enter into force once ratified by 40 signatories.
The DICT will now work with the United Nations and the Council of Europe to modernize PNG’s digital laws and institutions. Planned reforms include updates to the Cybercrime Code Act and Electronic Transactions Act, as well as new legislation on Digital ID, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection.
“This will be one of the most important reforms for our digital sector and is expected to be a complete reset to ensure Papua New Guinea is prepared, protected, and resilient in the digital space and in the digital age,” said Minister Tsiamalili Jr.
The reforms will also enhance coordination between DICT, NICTA, the Police Cybercrime Unit, and the forthcoming eSafety Directorate, reinforcing PNG’s commitment to digital safety and international cooperation.
Secretary Matainaho signs for PNG before David K. Nanopoulos, (Chief, Treaty Section, UN Office of Legal Affairs)
