Quad Nations Unite to Enhance Cybersecurity and Promote Peace and Security
The Quad nations have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a culture of software security and strengthening cybersecurity measures for Internet of Things (IoT) products. They have also announced their support for the second Quad Cyber Challenge, aimed at enhancing individual and community cybersecurity awareness across the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to their cybersecurity efforts, the Quad nations have emphasized the important role of women and girls in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. They have committed to increasing women’s participation in decision-making and promoting gender equality and human rights.
The Quad nations have also demonstrated their commitment to disaster response and humanitarian assistance, providing over $5M in aid to Papua New Guinea following a tragic landslide in May 2024. They have finalized the Quad Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Standard Operating Procedures, enabling a coordinated response mechanism between Quad partners.
Furthermore, the Quad nations have unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism, calling for immediate and sustained action to prevent terrorist activities. They have committed to working together to promote accountability for perpetrators of terrorist attacks and support implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The Quad nations have also welcomed fruitful discussions on counter-terrorism and look forward to continued cooperation and collaboration in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to their cybersecurity efforts, the Quad nations have reaffirmed their commitment to improving the region’s connectivity through resilient infrastructure development. They welcome progress under the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, including the establishment of the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in Australia and training of over 1,000 telecom officials and executives in the region.
The Quad nations have also expanded their Infrastructure Fellowships to over 2,200 for project developers and managers in the Indo-Pacific, and have provided 720 Fellowships since the initiative’s launch. They appreciate the workshop organized by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in India and applaud the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation among the Quad countries’ export credit agencies.
Furthermore, the Quad nations aim to improve access to digital services in the Indo-Pacific, and examine the transformational opportunities of secure digital public infrastructure to boost sustainable development while respecting human rights. They intend to continue working on complementary infrastructure projects in the region.
The Quad nations also recognize the importance of sustained efforts to strengthen and maintain health security in the region. They have held the second pandemic preparedness tabletop exercise under the Quad Health Security Partnership and are committed to training public health specialists from Southeast Asia to build capability to respond to regional health emergencies.
Lastly, the Quad nations recognize the urgent need to address the climate crisis and continue to work together under the Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) to enhance climate and clean energy cooperation, promote adaptation and resilience to climate impact, and support a sustainable and inclusive clean energy transition.
The Quad nations have also expressed concern about the situation in Myanmar and its impact on neighboring countries, including increases in transnational crime. They reiterate their appeal to prevent the flow of arms and dual-use material and remain committed to supporting the people of Myanmar in finding a durable and sustainable solution to the crisis.
Regarding the Middle East, the Quad nations share a great interest in achieving peace and stability. They condemn the terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They affirm the need to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas and emphasize the importance of increasing humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The Quad nations urge all parties to comply with international law and welcome UNSC Resolution S/RES/2735 (2024). They call on all parties to protect civilian lives, facilitate humanitarian relief, and support the future recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
The Quad nations remain committed to a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns. They underscore the need to prevent unilateral actions that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution and emphasize the importance of preventing regional escalation.
