A/72/315 Madagascar [Original: French] [20 June 2017] The recommendations of the United Nations are based on international security and envisage: – Studies aimed at strengthening the security of global information and telecommunications systems; – Evaluation of all existing and potential threats in the field of information security and the adoption of appropriate strategies to address this scourge; – The engagement of State officials to strengthen information security, with a view to building a common understanding of security at the glo bal level; Resolution 71/28 specifically addresses information and telecommunications, which is a rapidly expanding field in Madagascar. Our response to this resolution requires input from experts in this field. Netherlands [Original: English] [31 May 2017] The Netherlands warmly welcomes the opportunity to offer its response to General Assembly resolution 71/28. Cyberspace and especially the Internet are a critical resource for economic and societal growth. The increased importance of cyberspace has presented the global community with new challenges. Societies are highly interconnected and dependent on the Internet and information and communications technology and have become more vulnerable to the misuse of these technologies. Geopolitical tensions manifest themselves in cyberspace and States and other actors are increasingly using cyberoperations to pursue their strategic interests. However, those cyberoperations have the potential to cause instability in international relations and could present risks for international peace and security. The need for international cooperation to reduce these risks is clear. In the light of the above, the Netherlands is stepping up its engagement in cyberdiplomacy to maintain peace and stability in cyberspace, promote the international legal order and foster a culture of collaborative security as stated in its international cyberstrategy, “Building digital bridges”. The international community is taking steps to address these risks. The reports produced by the Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security are of great importance in this regard. The Netherlands is also grateful for being in a position to contribute to the 2017 Group of Governmental Experts. The Netherlands continues to promote an inclusive dialogue on responsible State behaviour in cyberspace, defends human rights online and fosters capacity building through various activities. Various efforts have been undertaken by the Netherlands, of which most notably: (a) In the best tradition of support for the development of the international legal order, the Netherlands organized consultations between State legal advisers on the Tallinn Manual 2.0 on the International Law Applicable to Cyberoperations; 18/25 17-13876