A/68/98 Foreword by the Secretary-General Information and communications technologies (ICTs) are woven into the fabric of daily life. While all nations appreciate the enormous benefits of ICTs, there is also broad recognition that misuse poses risks to international peace and security. The present report contains recommendations developed by a group of governmental experts from fifteen States to address existing and potential threats from States, their proxies or non-State actors through the use of ICTs. It builds on the 2010 recommendations of a previous group of experts which included the need for further work on norms, ways to increase confidence and capacity-building measures. I appreciate the report’s focus on the centrality of the Charter of the United Nations and international law as well as the importance of States exercising responsibility. The recommendations point the way forward for anchoring ICT security in the existing framework of international law and understandings that govern State relations and provide the foundation for international peace and security. As the group notes, the United Nations plays an important role in promoting dialogue among Member States on the issue of security in the use of ICTs and in further developing international cooperation in this field. I thank the Chair of the Group and the experts for their diligent work. The report provides a sound basis for future efforts to enhance security and stability in the use of ICTs. I commend its recommendations to the General Assembly as a crucial step in the global effort to minimize the risks associated with ICTs while optimizing their value. 4 13-37166