The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is pleased to welcome Cabo Verde as its 39th Member.
Cabo Verde has demonstrated respect for human rights online, both at the domestic level and through its engagement in key multilateral fora and other relevant international forums and initiatives. Over recent years, Cabo Verde has placed an emphasis on advancing digital inclusion through enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, supporting initiatives to increase digital literacy, and strengthening e-governance to advance digital innovation.
Domestically, Cabo Verde has committed to expanding digital public services, improving the availability of access to information, and promoting the security and resilience of technological and institutional infrastructures, among other key objectives as outlined in its digital strategy. Cabo Verde has actively sought multistakeholder input for a range of key domestic initiatives, and as a Member of the Open Governance Partnership (OGP) the government engaged with a broad range stakeholder groups through the formation of a National Multistakeholder Forum. Furthermore, as a member of the OGP, Cabo Verde has endorsed the Open Government Declaration and has committed to support civic participation and increase access to new technologies for openness and accountability.
Cabo Verde’s engagement in international fora has further demonstrated its alignment with the FOC’s principles, including through becoming a signatory to the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. By endorsing the declaration, Cabo Verde has committed to promote and sustain an open, free, global, and interoperable Internet, and to protect and strengthen the multistakeholder system of Internet governance, which is a priority of the FOC’s 2024 Program of Action.
In 2023, during the high-level meeting “Advancing the 2030 Agenda through Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Policy” hosted by the United States on the margins of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Pedro Lopes, Cabo Verde’s Secretary of State for Digital Economy, spoke to the importance of promoting inclusive participation and ensuring the benefits of connectivity are accessible to all, further highlighting domestic initiatives to contribute to bridging the digital divide.
On becoming a member of the Freedom Online Coalition, H.E. Pedro Lopes, said:
“We, as the Tech Islands of West Africa, are delighted to announce our membership in the Freedom Online Coalition. This important milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental human rights in the digital sphere. By joining this esteemed coalition, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting internet freedom, fostering innovation, and safeguarding online liberties for all our citizens and beyond.”
As the Coalition’s 39th Member, Cabo Verde has pledged to uphold and advance the Coalition’s shared goals and values as stated in the FOC Founding Declaration, the Helsinki Declaration, the Ottawa Agenda, and other foundational documents. Cabo Verde will become an active participant in the Coalition’s activities, sub-entities, and diplomatic networks, and will collaborate with Members to advance the FOC’s mission worldwide.
The Coalition looks forward to working together with Cabo Verde to advance Internet freedom and protect human rights, both online and offline.
