CSOs engagement in digital policy processes: Lessons from the Global Digital Compact Process

A webinar on 7 August 2024 focused on the role of CSOs in digital policy processes, particularly the GDC. Participants highlighted the need for a unified civil society voice in decision-making at the UN, and shared key concerns – such as the lack of human rights references, gender perspectives, and issues with mass surveillance – in the GDC drafts. It was suggested that minimising data collection and sharing could address some of these concerns. Participants also emphasised strengthening platforms like the IGF and ensuring broader representation, particularly from the Global South. Strategies for engaging with new bodies from the GDC and using regional forums like the Open Government Partnership (OGP) were discussed. The meeting concluded with a focus on inclusivity, human rights, and the need for CSOs to actively participate in advancing global digital policies.

A post-discussion report from the meeting is available:
https://drr.forus-international.org/en/custom-page-detail/116310-the-cade-global-digital-compact-gdc-webinar-on-digital-policy-processes and
https://cadeproject.org/events/csos-engagement-in-digital-policy-processes-lessons-from-the-global-digital-compact-process/ 

The event was hosted online and attracted 40 participants.

A visual shared on social media with the list of speakers for the 7 August 2024 webinar on CSOs and the Global Digital Compact. Speakers (from left): Mr Dennis Mwafulirwa, National Coordinator, Digital Rights Coalition – Malawi; Mr Kenneth Msiska, Digital Governance Coordinator, Forus; Ms Sigrid Kromann, Policy Advisor, Global Focus; Ms Marlena Wisniak, Senior Legal Consultant for Technology and Human Rights, ECNL and Mr Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager, Paradigm Initiative