16 April 2020 international peace and security, but also re-affirm that all stakeholders have a responsibility to use ICTs in a manner that does not endanger international peace and security. We welcome acknowledgement in the Pre-draft of States’ unique roles and responsibilities, as well as recognition that there was growing appreciation among delegations that States benefit from the expertise of multi-stakeholder communities and that the responsible behaviour of these communities is essential to the maintenance of peace and security in cyberspace (para. 65). G2. Australia considers that establishment of a standalone inter-governmental specialised agency (para. 62) is unlikely to receive consensus support at this time. We note proposals made by some delegations for the continuation and/or formalisation of regular institutional dialogue on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security. Should such proposals gain consensus support, such dialogue would most appropriately occur under the auspices of the UN’s First Committee. We note the recommendations in the Pre-draft calling for establishment of a new OEWG and a new GGE (para. 68(e)). To inform assessment of the merits of these recommendations, welcome further details on the proposed mandates, commencement, duration, participation and location. In this regard, the existing mandates of the OEWG and GGE, as well as mandates of previous GGEs (especially those endorsed by consensus) may be instructive. Any new dialogue(s) should commence after the conclusion of the current OEWG (July 2020) and GGE (May 2021). A formal mechanism for inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement should be included in any new mandates. G3. We note the proposal for a Political Binding Instrument/Declaration (para 62). Australia considers that all States have already made a political commitment via UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/237 (which was passed by consensus and which called on all UN Members States ‘to be guided in their use of information and communications technologies by the [GGE’s] 2015 report’). This political commitment is further reflected in leaders’ statements including, but not limited to: G20 2015; CHOGM 2018; ASEAN Leaders 2018; ASEAN Communications Ministers 2018; EAS Leaders 2018; and the Joint Statement on Advancing Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace 2019. Many Member States – including Australia – have also unilaterally and/or bilaterally committed to act in accordance with the 2015 GGE Report. That said, we understand the proposal captured at paragraph 62 of the Pre-draft has broader intent. Should this proposal gain consensus support, the objective of any such Political Declaration on Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace should be to elevate the agreed consensus in A/RES/70/237, thereby increasing implementation of, and adherence to, the recommendations in the 2015 GGE Report. G4. Should a further OEWG/GGE be established (see G2 above), it could provide the forum for States to report on implementation of any Political Declaration (see G3 above) including via a voluntary survey on national implementation, see: joint proposal of Page 6 of 9 www.dfat.gov.au/cyberaffairs