Dear Forus members and partners,

This edition is full of updates from Forus, the CADE project and beyond! From the launch of reports examining the engagement of civil society in internet governance processes to regional digital governance case studies, the Youth Voices for Digital Rights global program, and #Let’s Talk Digital, dive in for opportunities on inclusive digitalisation and youth leadership.

In this edition you will also find key takeaways from the recently held WSIS+20 Forum, and ways to engage in the movement for inclusive and rights-based internet governance.

💻 Youth Voices for Digital Rights: new global programme -Applications are open!

Forus, as part of the CADE consortium, launched the Youth Voices for Digital Rights program at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025. This global initiative is designed to support the next generation of digital advocates to shape internet governance debates and decisions - with creativity and innovation at its core.

As part of the program:

• 🌍 10–15 youth leaders from diverse regions will co-create 10 mini-documentaries and multimedia projects on digital rights including a Manifesto.

• 🌐 They will participate in multilingual interactive webinars and

• 🤝 Engage in peer learning and collaboration with civil society networks worldwide.

Can you think of anyone in your networks who would be interested?

Share this call and apply before August 15 here: https://www.forus-international.org/en/custom-page-detail/195450-cade-youth-voices-for-digital-rights

📊 CADE Mapping and Baseline Studies - CSO participation in internet governance spaces: what’s it like?

The CADE Mapping and Baseline Studies examine the engagement of civil society in multilateral and multistakeholder internet governance processes, emphasising their critical role in advocating for a just and inclusive digital future. The study revealed that while CSOs are increasingly engaging in internet governance forums, participation from the Global South remains disproportionately low due to systemic, financial, procedural, and language-related barriers, making it difficult for CSOs to navigate and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Furthermore, this study points to a lack of diversity and inclusivity in internet governance forums as well as power imbalances that favour large tech companies and government, limiting CSO influence in public interest issues such as human and digital rights, while silos within organisations like ICANN hinder collaboration. At the national level, restrictive political and legal environments further constrain CSO engagement, leaving their perspectives underrepresented in national policy discussions.

Learn more here and stay tuned on the public launch happening in September! Details on how to register will be shared soon.

📝Cade Studies from across the globe

The latest CADE case studies explore how CSOs across MENA, Latin America, and Africa are influencing internet governance, with a focus on cybercrime laws, digital infrastructure, and IGF participation:

• MENA Region: A deep dive by SMEX into how CSOs are navigating and resisting restrictive cybercrime laws that threaten freedom of expression.
• LATAM: Karisma Foundation’s study highlights the infrastructural and policy barriers to digital inclusion, especially for unconnected populations.
• Africa: KICTANet’s report unpacks how African CSOs are evolving from observers to key drivers in the IGF ecosystem.

WSIS+20

The WSIS+20 Forum was held from 7 to 11 July, in Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva, Switzerland. The event was consolidating games accrued from two decades of human-centred efforts to shape the digital world. The high-level forum was at a time when discussions around new emerging technologies such as AI and the need for robust frameworks to actualise the Global Digital Compact are ongoing.

During the high-level forum, the CADE project organised a side-event titled #CADE - From the outside looking in? An informal dialogue on standard-setting, stakeholder inclusion, and power dynamics.

The dialogue addressed the need for improved stakeholder inclusion and the dynamics of standard-setting in internet governance.A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the barriers that CSOs encounter in participating in internet governance discussions while encouraging CSOs not to relent with their engagement, noting that many feel excluded from the process due to structural barriers. The conversation also touched on the financial challenges faced by smaller and grassroots organisations.

WSIS+20 Review

The United Nations is leading the review of the WSIS process. The review comprises global consultations, regional reviews and other high-level events in the lead up to the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting in December 2025 in New York.

Why Does it matter:

The WSIS review provides a unique opportunity to reflect on progress made in bridging the digital divide, promoting ICT for development, and shaping inclusive digital futures.

Key Focus Areas:

Digital inclusion, ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, AI and emerging technologies, human rights online, and multi-stakeholder cooperation.

What's at stake:

The outcomes of WSIS review process will inform global digital cooperation frameworks- including harmonization of Global Digital Compact (GDC) implementation arrangements, shape post-2030 digital development goals, and influence the future of internet governance.

How you can engage:

The WSIS+20 review is an opportunity to shape the global digital agenda for the next decade as the process will influence key frameworks like the Global Digital Compact, future internet governance structures, and post-2030 digital development goals.

✅ Participate in regional consultations and workshops – share your lived experiences and policy recommendations.

✅ Submit written inputs or feedback on draft papers (e.g., the WSIS+20 Elements Paper).

✅ Join side-events and dialogues hosted by civil society alliances like CADE to amplify underrepresented voices.

Key Links:

Reflections from the WSIS+20 Africa Regional Stakeholder Workshop (CIPESA/CADE)

WSIS+20 – Elements Paper

Diplo Feedback on the Elements Paper

💡 #Let’sTalkDigital: Real stories & youth power for digital rights

As part of the ongoing #Let’sTalkDigital campaign, Forus and CADE are developing a new wave of initiatives: civil society is reclaiming digital spaces through storytelling, youth leadership, and artivism! 👉

Learn more about the campaign and watch this space for upcoming releases including a multilingual series of Explainer videos on digital governance and rights!

💻 CADE Youth Digital Rights Workshop Series for Latin America

Dealing with non-consensual sharing of sexual images can be overwhelming — especially if you're from a rural, Indigenous, or LGBTIQ+ community.

Karisma, Forus partner in CADE, is inviting you to join our free workshop series, where you’ll learn about sexting, digital security, prevention strategies, and how to report effectively on digital platforms.

✨ These workshops are especially designed for people from rural areas, Indigenous communities, and the LGBTIQ+ community.

🗓️ Starting August 5

📍 Online format

📲 Register once at: https://fkarismap.limequery.com/627853?lang=es-CO

🚀 Coming up next

• The Latin America-Carribean (LAC) IGF will be held from 6th November 2025. The registration link is here: https://indico.un.org/event/1018482/

Asia Pacific IGF to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 11-14th October 2025