A/76/135 Foreword by the Secretary-General Information and communications technologies (ICTs) continue to rapidly transform societies, offering numerous opportunities while also posing significant risks. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further accelerated the shift of many aspects of our lives into the digital space and our dependence on digital technologies. Meanwhile, digital surveillance and manipulation are on the rise and the online world is being shaped in ways that do not always serve the public interest. If left unchecked, there could be a destructive impact on societies as well as individuals. The need to address these challenges, harness the benefits of ICTs and promote the responsible behaviour of States in the context of international security is more pressing than ever. In fulfilling its mandate, the 2019–2021 Group of Governmental Experts undertook extensive deliberations over the course of 18 months. This effort was also enriched through informal consultations at the regional level and informal meetings open to all Member States. The report of the Group and the work of the Open -ended Working Group on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security, which adopted a consensus report in March 2021, are complementary. In recent years, States and other public and private stakeholders have attached growing importance to the efforts of the United Nations to promote the peaceful use of ICTs. In that spirit, this report represents a contribution towards promoting an ope n, secure, stable and accessible ICT environment. It is also a renewed call for further cooperation in order to reduce cyber risks to international peace and security, and to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms online as well as offline. 4/26 21-04030