the private sector, academia and the technical community. The three-day informal consultative meeting of the OEWG held in December 2019 produced a rich discussion between States and a wide variety of other stakeholders. 5 In addition, these stakeholders have provided concrete proposals and examples of good practice through written contributions and informal exchanges with the OEWG. Some delegations have also conducted multi-stakeholder consultations at their own initiative to inform their contributions to the OEWG. 11. Mindful of the different situations, capacities and priorities of States and regions, the OEWG acknowledges that the benefits of digital technologies are not evenly distributed and that narrowing digital divides, including through universal, inclusive and non-discriminatory access to ICTs and connectivity, remains an urgent priority for the international community. 12. The OEWG welcomes the high level of participation of women delegates in its sessions and the prominence of gender perspectives in its discussions. The OEWG 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. 13. The OEWG underscores that the individual elements comprising its mandate are interrelated and mutually reinforcing, and together promote an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. B. Conclusions and recommendations 14. Having considered the substantive aspects of the OEWG’s mandate, and recalling that General Assembly resolution 73/27 welcomed the effective work of the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security and the relevant outcome reports transmitted by the Secretary-General, 6 States reached the following conclusions and recommendations, which include concrete actions and cooperative measures to address ICT threats and to promote an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. Existing and Potential Threats 15. States concluded that they are increasingly concerned about the implications of the malicious use of ICTs for the maintenance of international peace and security, and subsequently for human rights and development. In particular, concern was expressed regarding the development of ICT capabilities for purposes that undermine international peace and security. Harmful ICT incidents are increasing in frequency and sophistication, and are constantly evolving and diversifying. Increasing connectivity and reliance on ICTs without accompanying measures to ensure ICT security can bring unintended risks, making societies more vulnerable to malicious ICT activities. Despite the invaluable benefits of ICTs for humanity, their malicious use can have significant and far-reaching negative impacts. 16. States recalled that a number of States are developing ICT capabilities for military purposes. They also recalled that the use of ICTs in future conflicts between States is becoming more likely. The continuing increase in incidents involving the malicious use of ICTs by State and non-State actors, including terrorists and criminal groups, is a disturbing trend. Some non-State actors have demonstrated ICT capabilities previously only available to States. See “Chair’s Summary of the Informal intersessional consultative meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security” available at https://www.un.org/disarmament/open-endedworking-group/ 6 A/65/201, A/68/98 and A/70/174. 3 5