Empowering Civil Society in Digital Policy: Insights from the CADE Project (WSIS)

An insightful panel discussion on the CADE Project, co-funded by the European Union, aimed at empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Global South to actively participate in internet governance and digital standards development.
Led by Stephanie Psaila from DiploFoundation, this discussion delves into the challenges faced by CSOs, such as limited opportunities for meaningful contributions, financial barriers, and skewed representation. Experts Karolina Iwańska (ECNL), Abed Kataya (SMEX), Radka Sibille (EU), Olivier Allais (ITU), and Jovan Kurbalija (DiploFoundation) share their perspectives on fostering an inclusive digital space that respects rights and promotes engagement.
Key highlights include:
1. Insights from Lebanon on data protection and transparency advocacy.
2. The EU's strategy for supporting a human-centric digital transformation.
3. ITU's efforts and mechanisms for CSO engagement.
4. The need for genuine capacity development and inclusivity.
5. Calls for making digital standards freely accessible.
6. Discover how the CADE project is overcoming these challenges through tailored training and strong support, emphasizing the importance of a multistakeholder approach that includes diverse perspectives.
This discussion underscores the significance of CSOs in shaping digital policy and the push for more diversity and human rights considerations within standard-setting organizations.
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