98. States expressed a range of views regarding the objectives that should be the priority for
future regular institutional dialogue and which format of regular dialogue could best support
these objectives. Some States expressed the desire for regular dialogue to prioritize
implementation of existing commitments and recommendations, including developing guidance
to support and monitor their implementation; coordinating and strengthening the effectiveness
of capacity-building; and identifying and exchanging good practices. Other States expressed the
desire for regular dialogue to prioritize the further development of existing commitments and
elaboration of additional commitments, including the negotiation of a legally binding instrument
and the institutional structures to support it.
99. Some States made a specific proposal on the establishment of a Programme of Action (PoA)
for advancing responsible State behaviour in cyberspace with a view to establishing a permanent
UN forum to consider the use of ICTs by States in the context of international security. It was
proposed that the PoA would constitute a political commitment by States to agreed
recommendations, norms and principles; convene regular meetings focused on implementation;
enhance cooperation and capacity-building among States; and hold regular review conferences;
a n d c o n s i d e r d e v e l o p m e n t o f n e w n o r m s o v e r t i m e . Broad participation
and consultations were also foreseen under the PoA proposal.
100. States also expressed the desire for the international community to ultimately return to a
single process anchored in consensus and global support from the outset so as to ensure collective
ownership of the process. In this regard, States noted that different proposed formats for dialogue
are not necessarily mutually exclusive. It was suggested that different formats could be
complementary or could be merged in order to capitalize on the unique features of each and
reduce duplication of efforts. It was proposed that the OEWG could develop a roadmap that
would identify priority themes and topics and a timeline for future regular institutional dialogue.
101. In addition, the need for further considera tion of the duration and sustainability of future
dialogue, whether it should be of a deliberative or action-oriented nature, its timing, potential
locations, and budgetary considerations were also raised.
102. Consideration of developments in ICTs and international security at the United Nations
focuses on its international peace, stability and conflict prevention dimensions and thus has been
pursued under the First Committee of the General Assembly. Other UN bodies are mandated to
consider the digital dimensions of other issues, including terrorism, crime, development and
human rights, as well as Internet governance. It was suggested that greater exchange between
these forums and First Committee-established processes could help to reinforce synergies and
improve coherence, while respecting the expert nature or specialized mandate of each body.
103. While recognizing the unique role and responsibility of States in relation to national and
international security, States underscored the important contribution that responsible behaviour
by other actors makes to an open, secure, accessible, and peaceful ICT environment. Building a
more resilient and secure ICT environment may be facilitated by increased multi-stakeholder
cooperation and partnerships.
Conclusions and recommendations
104. States agreed that in light of increasing dependency on ICTs and the scope of threats
emanating from their misuse, there was an urgent need to enhance common understandings, build
confidence and intensify international cooperation.
18
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