Committee: Commonwealth of Nations

Topic: Reassessing the Commonwealth's membership

administration
Country: The United Kingdom
Delegate name: Vo Ngoc Han

The Commonwealth of Nations was founded at an early stage in the beginning

of the 20th century (1), with the Head of Commonwealth being The United
Kingdom. With the recent coronation of King Charles III in 2023, there have
been doubts between member nations of the organization of the King’s
eligibility to be Head of state of their countries as well as Head of the
Commonwealth (2). Although previous declarations of the Commonwealth have
already stated the criteria of its membership (3)(4), these need to be revised and
renewed to match the flow of a modern world. With countries on the verge of
turning their backs on England’s monarchy, it is essential to reassess the
Commonwealth’s membership administration as soon as possible to ensure each
member’s benefits and prevent any rumors towards the United Kingdom’s
abilities.

In the past, the Commonwealth’s declarations pointed out what it takes to join
the organization in Edinburgh Communique 1997 (3) which was revised a
decade later in Kampala Communique 2007 (4). The rejoining process and
benefits of members were also included in this document (4).

The UK, as well as the Royal Family, fully comprehend the importance of
reassessing such a vital document and will be more than delighted to support
implementing it. Regarding the UK’s past actions towards colonies, it is
understandable that countries choose to oppose the monarchy. However, this
process can take a long time. The UK has no saying or power over such
decisions since the monarch is displayed with a symbolic meaning. Regarding
reparations and apology for these past actions, the UK wishes to further discuss
with related parties, with the hope to reach a consensus resolution.

This country would like to help reassess the Commonwealth’s membership

administration, with the determination to answer any accusations and clarify
any doubts and worries to the UK as Head of Commonwealth. Criteria must be
revised and any violations to the declarations or disagreement to the beliefs,
goals, etc. of the Commonwealth of Nations shall not be tolerated.

References:
(1) The Commonwealth, “Our history”, The Commonwealth,
https://thecommonwealth.org/history
(2) "Is the Commonwealth Under King Charles III Still Relevant?," Council
Foreign Relations, n.d.
(3) Edinburgh Economic Declaration, 1997, The Commonwealth
https://thecommonwealth.org/edinburgh-economic-declaration-1997
(4) Kampala Declaration, 2007, The Commonwealth
https://thecommonwealth.org/kampala-declaration-transforming-societies-
achieve-political-economic-and-human-development-2007
Committee: Commonwealth of Nations
Topic: Extending Cybersecurity Frameworks Towards Tackling
Cyberterrorism
Country: The United Kingdom
Delegate name: Vo Ngoc Han

As information technology (IT) develops more rapidly, the likelihood of

being attacked online also increases. This worry is not unfounded since
there were a huge amount of these cases investigated online. Countries
that find it hard to keep up with the pace of digitalization soon found
themselves stuck in the chaotic world created by cyberterrorists, hopeless
trying to find a decent resolution to prevent further damages. These
damages were proven to have a huge impact on citizens’ properties as
well as mentalities. Worse, vulnerable people with little awareness like
children and elderly are usually their main targets. As a globally
modernized country, it is important and responsible to solve this issue at
hand to reassure our people and protect our national resources.
Cyberterrorism was defined as “cyberattack using or exploiting computer
or communication networks to cause sufficient destruction or disruption
to generate fear or to intimidate a society into an ideological goal”,
according to NATO (1). Extending the frameworks of cybersecurity is a
chief key to tackle cyberterrorism.

To address this problem, actions were taken from UN organizations all

over the world, including but not limited to: the Budapest Convention on
Cybercrime (2001), The Global Cybersecurity Agenda (2007) and the
Commonwealth Cyber Declaration (2018). Within the Commonwealth,
the document was signed and adopted by every nation member of the
organization, agreeing to cooperate and create a digital environment that
promotes human rights, economic growth, and social progress as well as
lay the groundwork for a successful national cybersecurity while still
maintaining stability in cyberspace (2).

As for the UK, The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division
of GCHQ, is in charge of the UK's cyber security mission. The NCSC
manages significant incidents, strengthens the foundational security of
the UK Internet, and assists in defending the UK's key services from
cyberattacks through advancing technology and providing guidance to
individuals and organizations (3). Together, nations can join hands to
work out a cyberspace that is safe and sound, implement laws and
legislation that protect users from cyberattacks as well as raise funds and
aid under-developed countries in fields such as economic and education.
The United Kingdom would like to help extend cybersecurity
frameworks towards tackling cyberterrorism, with the determination to
minimize the cases of cyberterrorism, not only within the country but
also the others as well. This country can help with funding and raising
funds as well as adopting programs that are necessary to counter the
issue.

References:
(1) Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism, Responses to Cyber
Terrorism (Amsterdam: IOS Press, 2008)
(2) Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, 2018, The Commonwealth
https://thecommonwealth.org/our-work/commonwealth-cyber-
declaration-programme
(3) Cyber Security, n.d, Government Communications Headquarters
(GCHQ) https://www.gchq.gov.uk/section/mission/cyber-security