G. Regular Institutional Dialogue The growing interest of the international community in the issue of ICTs in the context of international security underlines its relevance to all States. Through the OEWG many States participated for the first time in inclusive discussions under United Nation auspices on this topic. This active and broad engagement has demonstrated the commitment of Member States to continue to work together on this subject of fundamental importance to all. 57. In their discussions at the OEWG, States affirmed that given 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. 58. The consensus GGE reports of 2010, 2013 and 2015 called attention to the need for regular dialogue on the international security dimension of ICTs. The 2010 report 8 recommended further dialogue among States to discuss norms, reduce collective risk and protect critical infrastructure. In 2013, in recognition that the speed of ICT developments and the scope of the threat merited strengthening cooperation and finding common ground, the GGE recommended regular institutional dialogue with broad participation under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as encouraged dialogue in bilateral, regional and other international forums. 9 The 2015 GGE reiterated the need for regular dialogue at the United Nations, while cautioning against duplication of efforts.10 59. States suggested many potential purposes for regular dialogue, including awareness raising and information exchange; developing guidance to support and monitor the implementation of existing commitments and recommendations; building trust and confidence; coordinating, strengthening and monitoring effectiveness of capacity-building; identifying and exchanging good practices; encouraging further study and discussion on areas where no common understanding has yet emerged; and negotiation of further commitments of a voluntary or binding nature. It was also emphasized that any platform for regular institutional dialogue should be a process building on previous agreements, inclusive, consensus driven, sustainable, results-oriented, with specific objectives that take forward agreements in practical and tangible ways. 60. States noted that there are established venues within the UN Disarmament Machinery where ICTs and international security could be addressed within existing resources, including the General Assembly’s First Committee and the United Nations Disarmament Commission. It was also recalled that a variety of external venues for regular dialogue on these topics already exist, including at the regional and sub-regional levels. Nevertheless, States emphasized that while these are complementary efforts, they are not a substitute for regular dialogue under UN auspices due to its inter-governmental nature, inclusiveness and legitimacy. 61. Noting that many parts of the UN address digital technology issues, including their development, rights and crime dimensions, States recognized the need for a dedicated mechanism under UN auspices focusing on international security issues. It was recalled that there are established forums within the UN system focused on issues relating to ICTs and terrorism, crime, human rights and Internet governance. Greater exchange and exploration of synergies between these bodies, such as 8 A/65/201, paragraph 18(i). A/68/98*, paragraph 29. 10 A/70/174, paragraphs 18 and 33. 9 11