From artificial intelligence to digital infrastructure, digital developments raise critical questions about human rights, environmental sustainability, democratic governance, and digital inclusion.

To contribute to these conversations, Forus is launching a new interview series under the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) project co-funded by the European Union, highlighting diverse perspectives on some of the burning topics in digital governance and rights.

A multistakeholder conversation

Kickstarting at this year’s RightsCon, where Forus has co-designed two events with CADE on civil society pathways into closed governance spaces and on Global South-Global North partnership to strengthen the enabling environment for civil society and digital rights, the series will feature interviews with experts, researchers, civil society leaders, developers, and representatives from the private sector. Each conversation will explore how emerging technologies are impacting communities and what solutions are needed to ensure they are developed and governed in ways that respect human rights and promote social justice.

Topics explored in the series include:

Climate tech justice

Examining the environmental impacts of digital infrastructures such as data centres and rare earth mining, and exploring how communities can ensure technology development aligns with climate justice.

Mass surveillance technologies

Looking at the growing use of surveillance tools, their implications for rights and freedoms, and what accountability and safeguards are needed.

AI ethics and accountability

Discussing bias, disinformation, governance gaps, and the shared responsibility of governments, companies, and developers to ensure ethical AI systems and the inclusion of civil society in the conversation

Platform accountability

Exploring the role of social media platforms in shaping public debate, including algorithmic transparency, content moderation, and freedom of expression

Digital equity and access

Highlighting persistent digital divides and community-led initiatives working to ensure equitable access to digital technologies and digital literacy

How can you engage?

Forus members and partners are warmly invited to contribute to this initiative.

If you would like the interview series to explore additional emerging technology topics relevant to your context or region, we would be very interested in hearing your suggestions at one of the emails below.

Members who would like to conduct interviews at the national level are also encouraged to get in touch with us at the emails below. Forus can support these initiatives by:

• Publishing and amplifying the interviews through Forus channels and at internet governance spaces

• Supporting the recording of podcasts in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese

• Providing production support 

How to get involved

If you would like to propose topics, participate in interviews, or explore conducting interviews in your country, please contact the emails below:

Angela – [email protected]
Bibbi – [email protected]
Clarisse – [email protected]