Civil society organisations (CSOs) are increasingly recognised as indispensable actors in shaping the digital future, but until now, their role in global internet governance has remained under-mapped and under-supported.
This is according to the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) reports: Mapping and Baseline Studies launched on October 2nd, offer the first comprehensive look at how CSOs engage in multilateral and multistakeholder internet governance (IG) processes. Drawing from over 100 documented initiatives and interviews across regions, the reports reveal a vibrant but uneven landscape where grassroots innovation coexists with systemic exclusion.
The Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is a global consortium led by DiploFoundation, bringing together expert organisations committed to inclusive, evidence-based internet governance. Its members span regions and disciplines, united by a shared goal: to strengthen civil society’s role in shaping digital policy that reflects human rights, equity, and local realities.
As the Baseline report notes, “CSOs are often the only actors advocating for human rights, inclusion, and accountability in spaces otherwise dominated by governments and corporations.”
In her keynote address, Dr. Grace Githaiga, KICTANet’s Convenor, framed the moment as both a milestone and a call to action:
“Civil society organisations are not just spectators in these developments. They are catalysts for change, the advocates for those at the margins, and the bridge between technical expertise and real-world impact.”
The two studies offer a comprehensive snapshot of where civil society stands, where it’s making impact, and where it’s being left behind.
“This is more than unveiling two important reports. It is about recognizing the critical, and often undervalued, role that civil society organisations play in shaping not just the internet, but the future of governance, inclusion, and human rights.”
What the Reports Reveal
The Baseline Study highlights the indispensable role CSOs play in amplifying marginalised voices, defending digital rights, and holding power to account. Yet, it also reveals systemic barriers:
- Underrepresentation from the Global South
- Limited access to funding and decision-making spaces
- Language and procedural hurdles
- Persistent gender and inclusion gaps
As the report notes, “CSOs are often excluded from formal processes due to lack of resources, technical capacity, and institutional recognition.” This exclusion risks reinforcing digital hierarchies that mirror offline inequalities.
The Mapping Report complements this by identifying where CSOs are active; primarily in forums like the Internet Governance Forum, International Telecommunication Union (IITU), and UN processes and how they engage. It points to promising trends:
- Growth of regional internet governance initiatives
- Remote participation and mentorship programs like the Kenya School of Internet Governance, East Africa School of Internet Governance and Africa School of Internet Governnce.
- Youth engagement and localisation of global debates
Still, the report warns that many CSO contributions remain informal or ad hoc, with limited influence on final outcomes.
A Blueprint for Action
Dr. Githaiga’s keynote laid out five urgent priorities for stakeholders:
- Move from tokenism to meaningful participation through mentorship, capacity building, and barrier removal.
- Strengthen regional forums and knowledge hubs that connect global policy with local realities.
- Secure sustainable funding via multi-year, flexible grants that empower consistent engagement.
- Make policy accessible through multilingual, multimedia storytelling that resonates with communities.
- Close gender and inclusion gaps with structural reforms and cultural commitments.
“The internet will only serve humanity if its governance is genuinely participatory, diverse, and just,” she said. “Let this session set the tone for bold collaboration.”
Why It Matters
For policymakers, funders, technologists, and advocates, the CADE reports are more than research. They are a road map. They challenge stakeholders to centre civil society as co-creators of digital policy, not passive observers. They call for coordinated action to ensure internet governance reflects lived experience, not just technical standards or commercial interests.
The full reports are available here:
📘 Baseline Study
📗 Mapping Study