Donor Principles for the Digital Age: Turning Principles int | IGF 2023 Open Forum #157

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The discussion centres around the significance of donor principles on human rights in the digital age, particularly in response to the rapid advancements in technology. These principles are essential guidelines in establishing a framework to safeguard and ensure accountability for investments in digital initiatives.

They are also designed to align with commitments to human rights and democratic values.

Digital technologies are recognized as powerful tools that facilitate information sharing, self-expression, and organization. However, they also present challenges, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities.

In certain cases, these technologies can be used to deny or diminish individuals’ rights, and there is a correlation between technological changes and the decline of democratic processes.

For this reason, it is crucial for donors to take responsibility for ensuring that their actions and investments in digital initiatives do not contribute to the erosion of human rights protections and democratic institutions.

This necessitates adopting the principle of ‘do no harm’ when it comes to these investments. By embracing this principle, donors can mitigate adverse consequences and ensure that their initiatives have a positive impact on society.

The donor principles on human rights in the digital age provide an indispensable framework for safeguarding and ensuring accountability in investments related to digital initiatives.

These principles are particularly critical in the face of fast-paced technological advancements, which continuously challenge existing norms and regulations. By aligning with commitments to human rights and democratic values, donors can contribute to the preservation and advancement of these fundamental principles.

In conclusion, the discussion underscores the importance of donor principles on human rights in the digital age.

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, it is imperative for donors to proactively ensure that their investments do not undermine human rights protections and democratic institutions. This necessitates adopting the principle of ‘do no harm’ and utilizing the donor principles as a framework for safeguarding and accountability.

Ultimately, by promoting responsible and ethical practices, donors can harness the full potential of digital technologies while upholding human rights and democratic values.

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The United States government has taken on the chairmanship of the Freedom Online Coalition, an international organization focused on promoting human rights in the digital landscape. This year, the U.S. Department of State and the government view the Coalition as a crucial partner in safeguarding and advancing human rights in the use of digital technologies globally.

The U.S. government sees the Coalition as an important platform for global collaboration and sharing of best practices.

As part of its initiative, the Freedom Online Coalition has launched donor principles that provide guidance to donor governments in supporting human rights online.

These principles aim to promote and protect human rights while guarding against the potential misuse of digital technologies. Donor governments, including the U.S., play an essential role in driving these efforts by responsibly investing in digital technologies with a focus on human rights.

Allison Peters, an advocate for digital rights, emphasizes the significance of donor governments investing in digital technologies while remaining vigilant against their potential misuse.

The donor principles launched by the Coalition provide crucial guidance to ensure responsible investment and prevent any negative consequences that may arise from the misuse of these technologies. Peters highlights the importance of striking a balance between promoting accessibility and innovation in the digital sphere while also safeguarding against any destabilization and infringement of human rights.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken echoes similar sentiments in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

He emphasizes the need to govern digital technologies in partnership with those who share democratic values. This approach is essential to address the challenges and potential risks associated with the misuse of digital technologies. By working together and upholding democratic principles, governments can protect human rights, maintain stability, and ensure the responsible use of digital technologies.

In conclusion, the U.S.

government’s chairmanship of the Freedom Online Coalition reflects its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in the digital age. Through the donor principles and collaborations with like-minded partners, such as Allison Peters, the government aims to foster responsible investment and prevent any negative repercussions resulting from the misuse of digital technologies.

This concerted effort aligns with Secretary Blinken’s call for governing digital technologies in partnership with those who value democratic principles. With these measures in place, the international community can work towards a digital landscape that respects and upholds human rights while promoting innovation and connectivity.

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The discussion centres around the challenge of integrating human rights principles into the operations of donor governments and foundations without imposing additional burdens on grantees and implementing partners. The main concern is to find ways to incorporate these principles effectively without causing excessive workload or duplication of effort.

This is particularly important for donor agencies like 4USAID and IDRC.

Another key aspect highlighted in the discussion is the need for a broader understanding of digital security and resilience. It is argued that a more comprehensive understanding of these concepts would facilitate their integration into the work with grantees, going beyond emergency training for specific actors.

This would ensure that digital security and resilience become embedded in the programmatic activities of organizations.

Within this context, the Ford Foundation is praised as a good example of a donor that takes a holistic approach to digital security and safety.

Their approach includes building capacity in their grants, considering economic, social, and cultural aspects of digital security. This indicates a commitment to comprehensive and sustainable approaches to digital security.

The discussion also emphasises the need for more creativity in community outreach efforts.

It is suggested that organizations should go beyond reaching out to the usual suspects and actively include communities that are commonly marginalized. By adopting a bottom-up approach and collaborating with private foundations, organizations can enhance their outreach efforts and have a greater impact.

Moreover, it is argued that the principles of donors should not only be used to guide their funding decisions but should also serve to facilitate the transfer of funds without imposing excessive bureaucratic measures.

The objective is to ensure that funds are efficiently distributed to those in need, without unnecessary delays or obstacles.

Concerns are raised about the potential funding uncertainty following the potential withdrawal of support by Open Society Foundations. It is noted that Open Society Foundations have been major contributors to human rights and digital rights organizations, particularly in global majority countries.

Smaller organizations in these countries may face challenges in securing alternative funding sources to sustain their important work.

Furthermore, the discussion highlights the existence of countries where strong civil societies are lacking, resulting in prevalent digital human rights violations.

Ratilo from Botswana draws attention to this issue, advocating for financial and legal assistance to protect individuals from such violations. He shares his own experience as a member of parliament, expressing a willingness to take legal action against his government over such violations, despite the financial constraints involved.

In conclusion, the discussion revolves around finding effective ways to integrate human rights principles into the operations of donor governments and foundations.

It emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive understanding of digital security and resilience, along with practical mechanisms and tools to align strategies with these principles. The potential withdrawal of support by Open Society Foundations and the need to support civil society and digital rights organizations are also highlighted.

Notably, the discussion highlights the challenges faced by countries lacking strong civil societies in combating prevalent digital human rights violations.

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During the discussion, the speakers conveyed their positive sentiments towards the USAID and IDRC, commending them for their high standard multi-stakeholder processes. These processes were praised for their ability to connect unconnected topics and tie them into rights agendas. This approach was seen as a commendable effort in promoting human rights and digital development programming.

Another key point raised by the speakers was the need for locally driven action in human rights-centered digital development.

They emphasized the importance of adapting donor principles into more concrete tools that can be effectively utilized by local communities. The aim was to empower communities by providing them with practical and actionable frameworks to address inequalities and promote inclusive growth.

To achieve this, the speakers expressed their intention to collaborate with fellow members and share best practices to investigate how donor principles can be effectively applied at the local level.

Moreover, the speakers also discussed the integration of various components, including development work, digitalization, connectivity, security, and good governance.

Particularly, there was a strong emphasis on integrating cybersecurity tools and good governance for the unconnected third of the world. The need for this integration was driven by the realization that connectivity and digital development can only be truly beneficial when accompanied by secure and stable environments.

Combining cybersecurity measures with good governance practices aims to ensure a safe and reliable digital environment for the unconnected population.

To summarise, the speakers exhibited a positive outlook towards the USAID and IDRC’s multi-stakeholder processes, highlighting their ability to connect diverse topics to rights agendas.

They also emphasized the importance of locally driven action and the adaptation of donor principles into practical tools for communities. Furthermore, the integration of cybersecurity tools and good governance was recognized as crucial for supporting digital development and connectivity in the unconnected regions of the world.

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In the era of digitisation, the importance of data protection is emphasised, as highlighted by the arguments presented. Kenya has taken steps to address this issue by establishing a legal and institutional framework for data protection. The Office of Data Protection in Kenya has enforced six penalty notices related to the misuse of personal data, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding individuals’ information.

This positive sentiment towards data protection is further supported by the fact that 2,761 complaints have been received regarding data protection issues, indicating widespread recognition of the need for such measures.

However, challenges also exist in the realm of data protection.

The newly established Office of Data Protection in Kenya faces operational and resource constraints, hindering their ability to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the existing legal frameworks which may not adequately address the complexities posed by multinational companies operating in Kenya.

The rapid progress of technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence, also presents additional challenges as the potential risks and implications on data protection need to be carefully navigated.

To overcome these challenges, collaboration and donor support are seen as crucial factors.

Sharing expertise and best practices amongst stakeholders can enhance the regulation of data processing, allowing for a coordinated and effective approach to data protection. Donor support can play a vital role in aligning country-specific legal frameworks with international standards and providing the necessary resources for capacity building.

This collaborative effort would enable Kenya to strengthen its data governance mechanisms and better protect individuals’ data.

In conclusion, the arguments presented highlight the significance of data protection in the digital age. While Kenya has made strides in establishing a legal framework and enforcing penalties for data misuse, challenges such as resource constraints, inadequate legal frameworks, and technological advancements remain.

However, through collaboration and donor support, it is possible to address these challenges and enhance data governance practices. By doing so, Kenya can ensure the protection of personal data and align with global efforts towards sustainable development.

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Juan Carlos Lara Galvez, a member of an organization working on digital rights in the global majority, specifically in Latin America, emphasises the importance of engaging with governments and donor governments. These entities provide vital funding for organizations like his that strive to safeguard digital rights.

Juan Carlos strongly believes that interacting with governments and donor governments is crucial for the success and sustainability of their work.

Regarding donor principles, Juan Carlos stresses the significance of not only formulating principles but also ensuring their implementation through concrete steps and actions.

He highlights that the true measure of success lies in how effectively these principles are translated into tangible outcomes. He acknowledges that while the formulation of donor principles is an inspiring beginning, it is essential to monitor their progress and evaluate their impact on the ground.

An important aspect that Juan Carlos advocates for is stakeholder involvement, participation, and the recognition of human rights in various contexts, including technological development.

He is pleased to see that the donor principles acknowledge the need for coordination with stakeholders. Juan Carlos believes that donor governments should actively foster collaboration between different stakeholders to promote and protect human rights. By involving diverse perspectives and including all relevant parties, these issues can be addressed more effectively.

Furthermore, Juan Carlos emphasizes that the priorities of advocacy should come from the ground level.

He believes that advocacy organizations themselves, along with the individuals actively engaged in the work, hold valuable knowledge and insights into what is truly needed on the ground. By acknowledging and understanding this knowledge, officials can better advocate for and protect human rights.

Juan Carlos highlights the importance of interaction and collaboration between stakeholders as a means to foster the promotion of human rights.

In conclusion, Juan Carlos Lara Galvez underscores the significance of engaging with governments and donor governments, implementing donor principles through concrete steps and actions, involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, and recognizing the importance of advocacy priorities that originate from the ground level.

His arguments are rooted in the belief that collaboration and recognition of diverse perspectives lead to more effective promotion and protection of human rights.

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The analysis of the various speakers’ viewpoints reveals several important points regarding the role of businesses and the need for certain practices in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One key point is the importance of businesses upholding international human rights norms and laws.

Michael, who works on Microsoft’s digital diplomacy team, emphasises the need for responsible behaviour in cyberspace based on international law. This suggests that businesses should align their practices with established legal frameworks to ensure ethical conduct and protect human rights.

Transparency and accountability are highlighted as crucial aspects of businesses implementing human rights policies and grievance mechanisms.

It is argued that companies should have publicly available human rights policies that are implemented by accountable teams. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to be transparent in their practices and engage with stakeholders while undertaking human rights due diligence. This approach ensures that businesses are open and receptive to feedback, allowing them to continuously improve their practices and address any potential violations of human rights.

The need for direct connections between businesses and local civil society stakeholders is also emphasised.

Transnational private sector companies are often criticised for having weak connections with local communities. Platforms like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and organisations like Access Now are identified as potential facilitators in establishing and strengthening these connections. This suggests that businesses should actively engage with local stakeholders to ensure their operations align with local contexts and address the needs and concerns of the communities they operate in.

The importance of building products that align with human rights and democratic values is highlighted.

Donors are encouraged to support products that incorporate “human rights by design” processes. This includes considering salient human rights risks such as privacy, accessibility, and responsible AI when developing new products. By prioritising human rights and democratic values in product development, businesses can contribute to building a more ethical and inclusive technological landscape.

The analysis also recognises the challenge and potential of professional codes of ethics for individuals, organisations, and institutions.

It is acknowledged that incorporating ethical codes into university curricula can be difficult. However, continuous training for staff and access to experts within the company are identified as important interim steps. This indicates the importance of ongoing education and professional development to ensure that individuals and organisations are aware of ethical considerations and have the necessary tools to address them.

In the context of digital development and the SDGs, mainstreaming digital security is crucial for low- and middle-income countries.

As these countries undergo digital transformation, the threat landscape for cybersecurity expands. Efforts by organisations such as the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Microsoft, and the government of Sweden are mentioned as initiatives aimed at addressing this issue.

By prioritising digital security in the realm of digital development, low- and middle-income countries can mitigate risks and create a safer digital environment.

Lastly, it is argued that cybersecurity should be considered in the post-2030 agenda. The analysis does not provide additional details regarding this point, but it implies that cybersecurity is a significant concern that should be addressed in future planning beyond the current 2030 agenda.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the importance of businesses upholding international human rights norms and laws, being transparent and accountable in their practices, and engaging with local civil society stakeholders.

It also emphasises the significance of building products that align with human rights and democratic values. The challenge and potential of professional codes of ethics are recognised, and the importance of mainstreaming digital security in digital development is underscored. Additionally, the analysis suggests that cybersecurity should be factored into the post-2030 agenda.

These insights provide valuable considerations for businesses and policymakers in their efforts to achieve the SDGs while promoting ethical practices and protecting human rights.

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During the discussion, several important points were raised by the speakers. The breakout groups were organized around internal and external components, with each group focusing on a different question. This structure allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects and perspectives related to the topic at hand.

The inclusion of online groups in the discussions was widely supported, with a commitment made to involve them in the conversation.

This recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in decision-making processes aligns with the goal of reducing inequalities (SDG 10).

One of the participants, Lisa Poggiali, expressed appreciation for the idea of clarifying roles among stakeholders and partners.

This notion of clearly defining responsibilities and actions of different actors is seen as valuable in fostering more effective collaboration and accountability in digital development. Poggiali also advocated for concrete commitments and actions by individual governments within their legal and strategic frameworks.

In moving forward, Poggiali suggested the development of toolkits as the next step in implementing the Freedom Online Coalition.

These toolkits would provide specific guidance and resources for different stakeholders, including civil society, diplomats, and development actors. This approach aims to empower and equip these actors with the necessary tools to promote digital freedom and security.

Concerns were raised regarding the uncertain landscape of donor funding.

The indication that Open Society Foundations may decrease their funding for various organizations has raised questions about the future financial support for initiatives and projects in the digital rights sphere. It was mentioned that statutory donors often provide larger grants, but it is more challenging to secure their support for smaller organizations.

On a positive note, the potential for partnerships between the private sector and donors in addressing digital security issues was highlighted.

Private sector organisations often possess more financial resources than traditional donors, making them valuable allies in efforts to enhance digital security.

The need for greater synergy between conversations about human rights and traditional cybersecurity was emphasised. It was acknowledged that these discussions have been somewhat siloed in the past, and there is a desire to bridge this gap and integrate human rights and democratic values into cybersecurity practices.

The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Microsoft, and the government of Sweden were mentioned as entities already working towards mainstreaming digital security with a focus on human rights and democratic values.

The discussion also shed light on the silo effect in conversations about democracy and human rights in technology.

These topics have often been isolated from broader global technology discussions, limiting the potential for comprehensive and integrated approaches. The Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Bureau at USAID and other donors have recognised this issue and are actively seeking ways to address it.

The importance of supporting civil society in countries where they lack leverage or resources to hold governments accountable for human rights violations was emphasised.

In some instances, digital human rights violations occur, but there is no strong civil society to protect the interests of the community. Additionally, the cost of taking legal action against the government can be prohibitive for individual members of society.

Therefore, it was argued that support should be provided to these civil society organisations to empower them to advocate for human rights and hold governments accountable.

The speakers concluded by urging donors to heed the call to support civil societies.

The principles discussed throughout the conversation can serve as a foundation for addressing critical human rights issues. Collaboration and support among stakeholders and partners are crucial in achieving the goals set forth in the discussion.

Overall, the detailed discussion highlighted the need for inclusivity, clarity, and collaboration in the digital development sphere.

By involving diverse voices, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and fostering partnerships, the participants aim to create a more secure and inclusive digital environment that upholds human rights and promotes sustainable development.

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During a panel discussion, speakers from various countries and organizations provided insights into the implementation of donor principles. The Netherlands, represented by Van Zalt, a Senior Policy Officer, expressed their commitment to incorporating these principles as they assume the chairship in 2024.

Emphasizing the importance of localized knowledge and evidence at the Internet Governance Resource Centre (IGRC), Immaculate Kassai, the data protection commissioner from Kenya, highlighted the significance of considering diverse perspectives and contexts when implementing these principles.

Zach Lambell, a Senior Legal Advisor for the International Center for Nonprofit Law, outlined a comprehensive framework for implementing donor principles.

He stressed the need for international, domestic, and technical approaches to effectively apply these principles to ensure their adherence across different jurisdictions and organizations.

Michael Karimian, the Director for Digital Diplomacy, Asia and the Pacific, at Microsoft, provided a private sector perspective on donor principles.

He recognized the relevance and importance of these principles in promoting responsible and ethical practices within the digital realm.

Closing the panel discussion, Adrian DiGiovanni, the team leader on democratic and inclusive governance at IDRC, shared closing remarks to acknowledge the contributions of all participants and their valuable insights.

The discussion emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of donor principles and to promote inclusive and democratic practices in Internet governance.

Overall, the panel discussion underscored the significance of implementing donor principles in different contexts.

It highlighted the importance of localized knowledge, international collaboration, and private sector involvement for effectively implementing these principles.

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Estonia has demonstrated the transformative potential of technology in various sectors. For the past 15 years, digitalisation has been a top priority for the country, allowing it to shift from being a recipient of aid to becoming a donor. This focus on digitalisation has played a crucial role in shaping Estonia’s development, economic policies, trade policies, and even its tech diplomacy efforts.

The integration of digital tools and processes has enabled Estonia to streamline its government services, making them more efficient and accessible for its citizens.

Services such as e-residency, e-tax, and e-voting have facilitated a seamless and transparent democratic system. By placing digitalisation at the core of its development strategy, Estonia has successfully established a digital society that promotes democracy and empowers its citizens.

Moreover, Estonia has shown its commitment to supporting other nations in their development efforts, particularly through capacity building.

A notable example is its 14-year partnership with Ukraine, where Estonia has helped them in building a democratic system. Ukraine’s progress in this area has been remarkable, surpassing that of many other countries. This highlights Estonia’s belief that development assistance should focus on enabling countries to develop their own capacities, sometimes even exceeding those of the donors.

Estonia’s approach to development cooperation is characterized by three main priorities: gender equality, collaboration with the private sector, and openness.

Gender equality is consistently integrated into all policies and action plans, including tech diplomacy. The country aims to bridge the gender divide and ensure equal opportunities for all. Additionally, Estonia values the use of open-source principles in its development cooperation initiatives, ensuring control and transparency while avoiding dependencies.

Furthermore, Estonia’s development agency, which is only two years old, emphasizes partnerships with private companies and other organizations.

This collaboration allows for a broader range of expertise and resources, contributing to national development goals. By engaging the private sector, Estonia harnesses innovation and leverages its potential for driving economic growth and sustainable development.

To conclude, Estonia’s success story exemplifies the positive impact of technology in building democracy, enhancing the economy, rebuilding trust, and establishing transparency and openness.

Digitalisation has become a pivotal driver in Estonia’s development strategies, enabling the country to shift from an aid recipient to a donor. Estonia’s commitment to capacity building, gender equality, collaboration with the private sector, and openness further strengthens its approach to development cooperation.

Overall, Estonia serves as a model for other nations, showcasing the possibilities and benefits that can be achieved by harnessing the power of innovation and digitalisation.

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The Donor Principles for Human Rights in the Digital Age have been developed and endorsed by 38 member governments of the Freedom Online Coalition. Shannon Green, an advocate for digital rights and freedom, applauds this development, stating that the principles serve as a crucial blueprint to protect individuals’ rights in the digital world.

Green highlights the significance of partnership between donors and various stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector.

She believes that donors have much to learn from their partners in different sectors and stresses the importance of collaboration in shaping the global digital ecosystem.

The principles are seen as a means to promote safer and more secure environments for partners and local communities.

By equipping safeguards, donors can ensure the equitable distribution of programs, addressing concerns of accountability and reducing inequalities.

Green also expresses enthusiasm for the Open Government Partnership’s prioritisation of digital governance. She believes that this focus will result in improved transparency of public oversight of artificial intelligence and data processing systems.

Green cites remarkable progress made under the commitments of the Open Government Partnership.

In conclusion, Green perceives the Donor Principles for Human Rights in the Digital Age as a significant contribution to a digital future that respects rights, promotes democracy, and ensures equitable sharing of technology benefits.

She urges other donor governments to make concrete commitments aligned with these principles. Overall, the principles are applauded for their potential to protect and uphold individual rights in our digital world while fostering collaboration and safeguarding the equitable distribution of technology benefits.

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The donor principles, which have received the official endorsement of 38 member governments of the Freedom Online Coalition, play a crucial role in establishing an international framework for donor accountability. These principles also align with the ethical obligations of donors to ensure that their actions do not cause harm.

Additionally, the donor governments have committed themselves to implementing procedures that protect local partners and communities from the potential misuse of digital technologies and data.

However, despite these commitments, the annual Freedom on the Net report released by Freedom House paints a concerning picture.

The report reveals that global internet freedom has experienced a decline for the 13th consecutive year. This decline raises concerns about the state of digital rights and the potential threats faced by individuals and communities worldwide.

Nevertheless, there is an argument put forth that it is possible to achieve digital transformation without compromising digital rights.

This argument highlights the importance of prioritising safety and security in addressing these issues. Donor governments are believed to better fulfil their mandate when they place safety and security at the heart of their approach to digital transformation.

Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of safeguarding international assistance from digital repression and upholding digital rights throughout the process of digital transformation.

This requires a comprehensive and ethical approach that takes into account the potential harm caused by the misuse of digital technologies and data.

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After conducting the analysis, three main arguments related to civil society organizations have been identified. The first argument emphasizes the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations and donor governments in shaping foreign assistance. It is suggested that civil societies should actively engage with donor governments to provide them with comprehensive information about the realities on the ground and the existing gaps in their country’s domestic legislation.

By doing so, civil society organizations can influence the allocation of foreign assistance towards addressing these gaps and supporting initiatives that align with their objectives. The evidence supporting this argument includes the advice of Zach Lampell, who advises civil societies to utilize the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, ensuring that the voices and concerns of civil society are heard during the decision-making process on foreign assistance.

The second argument highlights the importance of civil societies pushing for inclusion in standard-setting bodies and integrating human rights protections into internet infrastructure.

This argument acknowledges the increasing role of technology and the internet in today’s world, and the need for civil society organizations to actively participate in shaping the standards and practices that govern them. It is suggested that civil societies should seek assistance from the international community in developing their technical knowledge and expertise in this field.

Furthermore, working with private companies is recommended to create systems that uphold human rights. This argument promotes the idea that civil society organizations have a crucial role to play in ensuring that technology and the internet serve as tools for peace, justice, and the protection of human rights.

The evidence supporting this argument highlights the need for civil societies to leverage their partnerships and engage in collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to drive positive change in this area.

The third argument focuses on the significance of facilitating meaningful interaction with stakeholders in the process of drafting legislation.

Civil society organizations are encouraged to work closely with donor governments and their own government to create open, public processes for the drafting of legislation. By actively engaging with stakeholders, civil society organizations can ensure that their perspectives, concerns, and expertise are taken into account during the development of legal frameworks.

It is stressed that these legal frameworks should uphold international human rights standards and principles. The evidence supporting this argument underlines the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations and both donor and national governments to develop effective and inclusive legislative processes.

Overall, these three arguments analyzed in the research showcase the vital role civil society organizations can play in shaping policies and practices in various sectors.

By collaborating with donor governments, pushing for inclusion in standard-setting bodies, and facilitating stakeholder engagement in legislation drafting processes, civil society organizations can contribute to the development of policies and initiatives that align with their objectives and promote peace, justice, and the protection of human rights.

This analysis highlights the need for civil societies to actively utilize various platforms and opportunities to advocate for positive change and utilize their expertise to shape a better future for their respective communities and society as a whole.

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Zora Gouhary plays a crucial role in supporting the formation and smooth running of breakout groups for discussions. This process involves the creation of five groups, comprising four in-person groups and one online group. Each group will have its own moderator, ensuring effective facilitation and guidance during the discussions.

The breakout sessions will focus on four key questions, encouraging participants to explore and share their perspectives.

These discussions are expected to last approximately 15 minutes, allowing for focused and in-depth conversations within each group.

Furthermore, Zora Gouhary actively facilitates the process of grouping participants. Participants are given the freedom to choose their own groups, potentially leading to a more diverse and engaging experience.

Zora’s involvement in this process ensures that the formation of groups is well-organised and efficient.

All contributions made during the breakout sessions will be diligently summarised for later use. This summarisation enables the effective capture and consolidation of key ideas and insights generated during the discussions.

By preserving these contributions, valuable information can be used to advance the next steps of the donor principles, indicating that the breakout sessions play a significant role in the overall decision-making process.

In conclusion, Zora Gouhary’s support in forming, moderating, and summarising breakout groups enhances the effectiveness and productivity of the discussions.

The inclusion of multiple in-person and online groups, along with Zora’s guidance, encourages diverse perspectives, ensuring that the breakout sessions contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the donor principles.