wide variety of other stakeholders. 4 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. 10. Mindful of the different situations, capacities and priorities of States and regions, the OEWG recognizes that States have both individual and shared responsibilities in the digital domain. The OEWG acknowledges that the benefits of digital technologies are not evenly distributed and that narrowing digital divides, including through wider access to ICTs and connectivity, remains an urgent priority for the international community. 11. 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. 12. The OEWG recognizes the importance and complementarity of specialized discussions on aspects of digital technologies addressed by other UN bodies and fora. These topics include matters related to sustainable development, human rights (including on data protection and t h e r i g h t t o privacy a n d , freedom of expression including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds [regardless of frontiers and through any media], and freedom of information), [ d a t a p r o t e c t i o n ] , digital cooperation, Internet governance, cybercrime and the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. 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. International law provides a framework forgoverns State actions, and norms further define set expectations of responsible State behaviour. Measures that build confidence and capacity reinforce adherence to international law, encourage the operationalization of norms, provide opportunities for enhanced cooperation between States, and empower each State to reap the benefits of ICTs for their societies and economies. 14. In light of these synergies, the following sections of the report are complementary and interdependent. Each of the following sections (B-G) starts with a reflection of the views expressed during the substantive discussions of the OEWG, followed by areas of agreement and specific recommendations. B. Existing and Potential Threats 15. In their discussions at the OEWG, States raised a wide variety of existing and potential threats, which underscored that States may perceive threats emanating from the digital domain in different ways. The inclusive OEWG format offered an opportunity for States to deepen their understanding of how others perceive actions and behaviours in the ICT environment as well as to listen to what others consider as the most significant threats and risks. 4 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/ 3 Commented [A3]: Suggestion to reflect ART 19 ICCPR language: “freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds”