Navigating key global digital governance processes: Practical handbook for civil society organisations

Disclaimer: This publication was co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of ECNL, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union

As part of the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE), European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) developed a practical explainer on seven international processes that are crucial for determining the policies and norms that shape the digital future and human rights. 

Executive summary 

For civil society to be successful at influencing policies, standards and practices in the Internet Governance space, they must expand beyond silos and strategically contribute to key international processes with direct or indirect impact on Internet Governance.

This handbook outlines eight key internet and digital governance processes and forums that are crucial for determining the policies and norms shaping the digital future and human rights. It describes their focus and link to Internet Governance, analyses upcoming opportunities and modalities of participation as well as provides tips on engagement and how to overcome existing challenges. The goal is for civil society to use this material as guidance on how they can get involved in such processes and how to make a significant impact and contribution, drawing from past civil society experiences.

The handbook covers the following:

• UN General Assembly, whose resolutions increasingly affect human rights in the digital context;
• UN Human Rights Council mandated to monitor the implementation of human rights treaties, also when the use of technology is involved;
• World Summit on Internet Society (WSIS), a global process aimed at building a people-centric and inclusive Information Society;
• Internet Governance Forum, a crucial space for exchange on the latest challenges to digital human rights;
• UN High-Level Political Forum, a place for discussion on the implementation of sustainable development goals;
• UN Open-Ended Working Group on security and the use of information and communication technologies, a forum for dialogue at the intersection of security and communication technologies;
• Freedom Online Coalition, a partnership of over 40 governments dedicated to promoting internet freedom on a global scale.

For each forum or process, the handbook outlines upcoming opportunities, explains how to take part, and provides practical tips for engagement and overcoming participation challenges.

Please note that this explainer focuses on digital governance processes on the international level. Still, many options for active civil society participation and contribution to digital governance exist at national and regional levels¹For example, see European Commission’s consultation on Internet Governance.