enormous strain. It has also highlighted the necessity of bridging digital divides, building resilience in every society and sector, and maintaining a human-centric approach. 5. As ICTs can be used for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international peace, stability and security, the General Assembly has recognized 2 that the dissemination and use of ICTs affect the interests of the entire global community and that broad international cooperation would lead to the most effective responses. 6. In light of the above, the Open-ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (OEWG), established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 73/27, was an opportunity to advance consideration of this critical issue. It provided a democratic, transparent and inclusive platform for all States to participate, express their views and extend cooperation on the international security dimension of ICTs. The active participation of the UN membership and the engagement of a variety of other relevant stakeholders demonstrates the international community’s shared aspiration and collective interest in a peaceful and secure ICT environment for all and their resolve to cooperate to achieve it. 7. The OEWG represents a significant milestone in international cooperation towards an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. On six occasions since 2003, groups of governmental experts (GGEs) have been established to study existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security and possible cooperative measures to address them. 3 Through their three consensus reports (2010, 2013 and 2015 4 ), which are cumulative in nature, these Groups recommended 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour and recognized that additional norms could be developed over time. Furthermore, specific confidence-building, capacity-building and cooperation measures were recommended. They also reaffirmed that international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, is applicable and essential to maintaining peace, security and stability in the ICT environment. In General Assembly resolution 70/237, Member States agreed by consensus to be guided in their use of ICTs by the 2015 GGE report, thereby consolidating an initial framework for responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs. In this regard, the OEWG also noted General Assembly resolutions 73/27 and 73/266. 8. Building on this foundation and reaffirming this framework, the OEWG has sought common ground and mutual understanding among all Member States of the United Nations on a subject of global consequence. In accordance with its mandate the OEWG discussed existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security and possible cooperative measures to address them; further development of rules, norms and principles of responsible behaviour of States; how international law applies to the use of ICTs by States; confidence-building measures; capacity-building; and the possibility of establishing regular institutional dialogue with broad participation under the auspices of the United Nations. In its effort to build consensus and promote international peace, security, cooperation, and trust, the OEWG’s discussions were guided by the principles of inclusivity and transparency. 9. The United Nations should continue to play a leading role in promoting dialogue on the use of ICTs by States. The OEWG recognizes the importance and complementarity of specialized discussions on aspects of digital technologies addressed by other UN bodies and fora. 10. While States bear primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, all stakeholders have a responsibility to use ICTs in a manner that does not endanger peace and security. As the international security dimension of ICTs cuts across multiple domains and disciplines, the OEWG has benefited from the expertise, knowledge and experience shared by representatives from inter-governmental organizations, regional organizations, civil society, See, for example A/RES/53/70, pp 6. A/RES/58/32, A/RES/60/45, A/RES/66/24, A/RES/68/243, A/RES/70/237, A/RES/73/266. 4 A/65/201, A/68/98* and A/70/174. 2 2 3