About CADE

The Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is a project co-funded by the European Union.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have been integral to the development and evolution of the internet. They contribute significantly to technology, open-source software, and frameworks, playing a pivotal role in shaping global norms related to internet governance and digital policy. CSOs are also instrumental in advocating for an open, free, and secure internet, supporting principles like net neutrality, privacy protection, and freedom of expression.

However, despite their significance, CSOs face barriers that hinder their impactful engagement in IG processes.

  1. Limited voice in discussions and processes: CSOs encounter financial, social, and political challenges to significant participation in digital policy and rights discussions. Fragmentation in approach and priorities and lack of access to global forums pose significant obstacles.
  2. Lack of knowledge and capacity: Many CSOs lack the knowledge and capacity to engage effectively in international IG forums. Bridging the gap between the digital aspects of their work and engaging in IG processes is a significant challenge.
  3. Lack of participation from the Global South (GS): Even in open forums, CSO participation is often skewed towards the Global North. This imbalance hinders diverse voices and perspectives in crucial discussions.

Our four-year project, kickstarted in January 2024 in collaboration with ten diverse organisations, works to overcome these challenges and enhance the capacity of CSOs in IG processes, including in standard-setting forums. The project has three main objectives:

  • Increased capacity of CSOs for meaningful advocacy
  • Increased engagement of CSOs in global, regional, and national IG Forums
  • Strengthened cooperation between CSOs in the Global North and South.

CADE seeks to engage with a wide range of groups, including:

  • CSOs not yet engaged in IG processes
  • CSOs from the Global South working on capacity development, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing
  • CSOs working on human rights, gender justice, and marginalised groups
  • Partners, collaborators, and networks in grassroots movements and local communities
  • Government representatives and global IG forums, including ICANN, ITU, the IETF, and the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Get in touch to learn more.