Helpdesk for CSOs

Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a critical role in shaping inclusive and rights-respecting digital policies. Yet engaging effectively in global internet governance and digital policy processes can be complex. Many forums operate through specialised procedures, technical terminology, and long-standing institutional practices.

The CADE Help Desk provides practical, on-demand guidance to help CSOs navigate these processes and participate more effectively in global and regional digital governance spaces. Through tailored consultations with experts, the Help Desk supports civil society actors in understanding processes, preparing contributions, and overcoming barriers to participation.

The service is particularly designed to support CSOs from the Global South, whose perspectives remain under-represented in international digital policy discussions.

What support does the Help Desk offer?

The CADE Help Desk provides short, targeted consultations with experts on issues related to digital governance and participation in international forums.

Support may include:

  • Understanding how specific internet governance forums operate
  • Preparing for participation in meetings or consultations
  • Clarifying procedures in organisations such as IGF, ICANN, IETF, or ITU
  • Developing policy positions or contributions
  • Identifying opportunities for civil society engagement
  • Connecting technical issues with human rights, development, and inclusion perspectives
  • Strengthening advocacy strategies in digital policy processes

These consultations are typically one-hour online sessions, focused on addressing a specific question or challenge faced by the requesting organisation.

Our experts

The Helpdesk connects CSOs with experienced practitioners working on internet governance, digital rights, and digital policy processes. The CADE network includes experts working on topics such as:

  • Internet infrastructure and standards
  • Cybersecurity policy
  • Artificial intelligence governance
  • Multistakeholder digital governance processes

Request support

If your organisation is preparing to engage in a digital governance forum, developing a policy position, or seeking guidance on how to navigate a specific process, the CADE Helpdesk can help. To submit a request for consultation, fill in the form below and our team will match you with an expert from the CADE network.

Enter the full name of your organisation, or write n/a if you are contacting us in your personal capacity.
Contact person
Select the country where you are based.
Please provide an email address that you check regularly.
What type of support are you looking for?
Select the option that best describes your request. You can choose more than one. If you choose 'Other', please describe your request further down.
Which digital governance forum or process is your question related to?
If you are unsure, choose 'Other / not sure' and describe your request below.
Please explain what kind of guidance you need, or provide any additional information that can help us support you or your organisation.
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