CADE topics

AI is reshaping economies, societies, and governance systems. Its applications span diverse areas such as healthcare, education, transportation, and environmental sustainability, offering tremendous potential to solve complex global challenges. At the same time, the rapid integration of AI raises important concerns, including algorithmic bias, risks to human rights, and the deepening of social and economic inequalities....

Children are among the most active internet users, yet they are also the most vulnerable. The online world offers opportunities for education, creativity, and connection but also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful content. Protecting children online is not just about technology – it is about safeguarding their fundamental rights and enabling their full participation in the digital age....

The internet’s infrastructure relies on core components that ensure it functions securely and reliably. These components – often called critical internet resources (CIRs) – include internet protocol (IP) numbers, the domain name system (DNS), and the root zone....

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity underpins trust in digital systems, the safety of online interactions, and the resilience of economies. It protects critical information, secures digital transactions, and ensures that societies can reap the benefits of digital transformation....

Digital inclusion ensures that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, location, gender, disability, or age, can access and benefit from the digital revolution. It is not merely about providing access to technology but also equipping people with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in a digital society. For civil society, digital inclusion is a foundation for tackling broader inequities and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs)....

Encryption is a cornerstone of digital security, protecting sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorised parties. It ensures the confidentiality of communications, safeguards financial transactions, and is critical for the safe operation of the internet. Beyond its technical applications, encryption underpins fundamental human rights such as privacy and freedom of expression, especially in the digital age....

Freedom of expression is fundamental to human rights and democracy. The internet amplifies this right, enabling individuals to share ideas, access information, and participate in societal and political discourse across borders. However, the online sphere introduces complexities, including state-led censorship, platform-driven content moderation, misinformation, and surveillance....

The internet has immense potential to empower women, girls, and gender minorities by enabling access to education, employment, and public life. However, systemic barriers – such as the digital gender gap, online violence, and inequities in internet access – limit this potential. These challenges disproportionately impact women and marginalised groups, particularly in the Global South....

Privacy is a cornerstone of human dignity and individual autonomy. Although one of the UN Charter’s basic human rights, in the digital age, it has become intricately linked to data protection, as personal data is constantly generated, collected, and processed in online activities. The right to privacy safeguards individuals from undue interference, enabling freedom of expression, association, and thought....

Standards define how technologies work and interact. From ensuring that AI systems are safe and trustworthy to enabling the global internet to function seamlessly, standards are the building blocks of our digital world. They are also vital governance tools, especially in areas where formal regulation lags behind....

The internet has become a double-edged sword: a platform for empowerment and connection, but also a tool for spreading violent extremism. Extremist groups exploit the internet to propagate ideologies, recruit followers, and coordinate activities, often targeting vulnerable populations and marginalised groups....