6. From its very first resolution on this topic in 1998, 3 the General Assembly recognized that the dissemination and use of ICTs affect the interests of the entire global community and that broad international cooperation would lead to the most effective responses. Building on the foundation of the consensus GGE reports and their recommendations, the Open-ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (OEWG), established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 73/27, is an opportunity to advance consideration of ICTs in the context of international security. It provides an inclusive platform for all Member States to participate, express their views and extend cooperation on the international security dimension of ICTs. Mandated to produce a consensus report, the OEWG is uniquely positioned to seek common ground and mutual understandings among all Member States of the United Nations on a subject of global consequence. 7. The OEWG’s discussions were guided by the principles of inclusivity and transparency, with the aim of maintaining and promoting trust. As the international security dimension of ICTs cuts across multiple domains and disciplines, a wealth of expertise is held by other stakeholders on specific issues within the OEWG’s mandate. In order to draw upon this knowledge and experience, the OEWG has benefited from exchanges with representatives from inter-governmental organizations, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and academia. 8. The OEWG has taken note of trends in the digital domain that could undermine international security and stability, place strains on economic growth and sustainable development, and hinder the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes the growing exploitation of ICTs for malicious purposes, which may inhibit securing the benefits of ICTs. 9. Mindful of the different situations, capacities and priorities of States and regions, the OEWG recognizes that States have both individual and shared responsibilities in the digital domain. The OEWG acknowledges that the benefits of digital technologies are not evenly distributed and that narrowing digital divides remains an urgent priority for the international community. The OEWG also underscores the importance of narrowing the “gender digital divide” and of promoting the effective and meaningful participation and leadership of women in decision-making processes related to the use of ICTs in the context of international security. In this regard, the OEWG welcomes the high level of participation of women delegates at the OEWG and the prominence of gender perspectives in its discussions. 10. Developments in ICTs have implications for all three pillars of the United Nations’ work: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. In parallel to the work on the topic of ICTs in the context of international security, discussions on other aspects of digital technologies have advanced in various UN bodies and agencies. These include matters related to digital cooperation, Internet governance, sustainable development, and human rights (including on data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of information), as well as cybercrime and the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. 11. In accordance with its mandate the OEWG discussed existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security and possible cooperative measures to address them; further development of rules, norms and principles of responsible behaviour of States; how international law applies to the use of 3 A/RES/53/70. 2