- 51 - PC.DEC/1202 10 March 2016 this is to investigate the spectrum of co-operative measures as well as other processes and mechanisms that could enable participating States to reduce the risk of conflict stemming from the use of ICTs. Such activities should be aimed at preventing conflicts stemming from the use of ICTs and at maintaining peaceful use of ICTs. With respect to such activities participating States are encouraged, inter alia, to: ‒ Conduct such activities in the spirit of enhancing inter-State co-operation, transparency, predictability and stability; ‒ Complement, through such activities, UN efforts and avoid duplicating work done by other fora; and ‒ Take into account the needs and requirements of participating States taking part in such activities. Participating States are encouraged to invite and engage representatives of the private sector, academia, centres of excellence and civil society in such activities. 13. Participating States will, on a voluntary basis, conduct activities for officials and experts to support the facilitation of authorized and protected communication channels to prevent and reduce the risks of misperception, escalation, and conflict; and to clarify technical, legal and diplomatic mechanisms to address ICT-related requests. This does not exclude the use of the channels of communication mentioned in Permanent Council Decision No. 1106. 14. Participating States will, on a voluntary basis and consistent with national legislation, promote public-private partnerships and develop mechanisms to exchange best practices of responses to common security challenges stemming from the use of ICTs. 15. Participating States, on a voluntary basis, will encourage, facilitate and/or participate in regional and subregional collaboration between legallyauthorized authorities responsible for securing critical infrastructures to discuss opportunities and address challenges to national as well as trans-border ICT networks, upon which such critical infrastructure relies.