Safeguards Accelerator: Supporting Safe and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure

Deadline: 30-Jul-2026

The DPI Safeguards Accelerator is a global cohort-based program that helps countries, implementing partners, and local ecosystems integrate practical safeguards into Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems. The program provides expertise, tools, peer learning, and catalytic grants of up to USD 70,000 to support safe, inclusive, accountable, and resilient digital systems.

Program Overview

The DPI Safeguards Accelerator supports organizations and government partners working to strengthen safeguards in digital public infrastructure systems.

The program helps translate global digital governance principles into practical country-level implementation by supporting the integration of safeguards into:

• Digital system design.
• Governance frameworks.
• Technical infrastructure.
• Operational processes.
• National digital policies.

The Accelerator is designed to ensure that DPI systems are secure, inclusive, accessible, and beneficial for all communities, especially populations affected by digital transformation.

Program at a Glance

• Program Name: DPI Safeguards Accelerator
• Part of: DPI Safeguards Initiative
• Program Type: Cohort-based capacity-building and implementation support program
• Focus Area: Digital Public Infrastructure safeguards
• Funding Support: Up to USD 70,000 in catalytic implementation grants
• Eligible Applicants: NGOs, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, UN entities
• Geographic Scope: Global

What Is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

Digital Public Infrastructure refers to foundational digital systems that enable essential services and public functions.

Examples of DPI systems include:

• Digital identity platforms.
• Digital payment systems.
• Data exchange systems.
• Sector-specific digital platforms.
• Public service delivery systems.

DPI safeguards ensure these systems operate responsibly by protecting:

• Privacy.
• Security.
• Inclusion.
• Accessibility.
• Accountability.
• Human rights.

Program Objectives

The DPI Safeguards Accelerator aims to:

• Support safe implementation of digital public infrastructure.
• Strengthen responsible digital governance.
• Improve inclusion and accessibility.
• Build capacity among local stakeholders.
• Promote community participation.
• Support responsible data use.
• Develop sustainable safeguard practices.
• Strengthen trust in digital systems.

About the DPI Safeguards Initiative

The Accelerator is part of the DPI Safeguards Initiative, a global multi-stakeholder effort focused on developing and improving a universal framework for DPI safeguards.

The initiative works to ensure that digital public infrastructure systems are:

• Safe.
• Inclusive.
• Reliable.
• Resilient.
• Accountable.

The Accelerator connects global safeguard principles with real-world implementation challenges faced by countries and organizations.

Key Focus Areas

The program supports work related to:

Digital Identity Safeguards

Activities may address:

• Responsible digital identity systems.
• Privacy protection.
• User access and inclusion.
• Identity-related risks.

Digital Payments Safeguards

Projects may focus on:

• Secure payment systems.
• Financial inclusion.
• Protection against misuse.
• Accessible digital financial services.

Data Exchange Systems

Support may include:

• Responsible data sharing.
• Data protection.
• Consent management.
• Secure information exchange.

Inclusion and Accessibility

The program promotes:

• Digital access for underserved communities.
• Inclusive technology design.
• Accessibility for diverse users.
• Community participation.

Accountability and Governance

Activities may strengthen:

• Grievance mechanisms.
• Transparency.
• Responsible decision-making.
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Why This Program Matters

Digital public infrastructure can improve access to services, but poorly designed systems can create risks related to privacy, exclusion, and security.

The DPI Safeguards Accelerator helps:

• Reduce digital risks.
• Improve trust in digital systems.
• Protect vulnerable communities.
• Support responsible innovation.
• Strengthen government and civil society collaboration.
• Create sustainable digital governance approaches.

Application Pathways

The program offers two main application pathways:

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Pathway

This pathway supports:

• International non-profit organizations.
• Local civil society organizations.
• Community-based organizations.
• NGOs supporting DPI implementation.

NGOs contribute:

• Community perspectives.
• Public accountability.
• Technical expertise.
• Understanding of local challenges.
• Experience representing affected populations.

The NGO pathway supports activities within a single country.

United Nations (UN) Entities Pathway

This pathway supports:

• United Nations agencies.
• UN country offices.
• Global or regional UN entities working with country offices.

UN entities contribute through:

• Government coordination.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Alignment with development priorities.
• Support for national DPI initiatives.

Applications under this pathway may cover more than one country.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

For NGO Pathway

• International civil society organizations.
• Local non-profit organizations.
• Community-based organizations.
• NGOs supporting digital public infrastructure projects.

For UN Entities Pathway

• United Nations agencies.
• UN entities working with government partners on active DPI initiatives.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience with digital systems.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.
• Commitment to responsible digital governance.
• Capacity to implement safeguard activities.

Program Support and Benefits

Selected participants receive support through four major areas:

Practical Tools and Resources

Participants gain access to:

• Risk-mapping methodologies.
• DPI safeguard tools.
• Guidance from the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework.
• Practical implementation resources.

Advisory Support

The program provides assistance to:

• Adapt safeguards into national workflows.
• Improve technical plans.
• Integrate safeguards into DPI systems.
• Strengthen governance approaches.

Technical Expertise and Capacity Building

Participants receive:

• Technical guidance.
• Capacity-building support.
• Access to DPI specialists.
• Digital governance expertise.

Global Learning Network

Participants join a global community through:

• Peer learning sessions.
• Knowledge-sharing activities.
• Advisory meetings.
• Networking with digital governance practitioners.

Funding Support

Selected teams may receive:

• Catalytic Implementation Grants: Up to USD 70,000.

Funding can support safeguard activities within active DPI deployments.

The grants are designed to accelerate practical implementation rather than replace existing project financing.

Non-Funded Participation Track

Organizations and UN Country Teams that already have independent funding for safeguard activities may apply for the non-funded participation track.

Participants in this track receive:

• Peer learning opportunities.
• Advisory support.
• Access to program networks.
• Knowledge-sharing activities.

They do not request Accelerator grant funding.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Identify the relevant application pathway.
2. Confirm eligibility requirements.
3. Describe the active DPI initiative being supported.
4. Explain safeguard challenges and implementation needs.
5. Outline proposed activities and expected outcomes.
6. Demonstrate stakeholder collaboration.
7. Submit the application with required organizational information.

How the Program Works

The Accelerator follows a structured approach:

1. Selection of Participants
   • Organizations and teams are selected based on eligibility and DPI experience.
2. Cohort Participation
   • Selected participants join a global learning cohort.
3. Assessment and Planning
   • Teams identify safeguard needs and risks.
4. Technical Support
   • Participants receive tools, expertise, and advisory assistance.
5. Implementation Support
   • Selected teams may receive catalytic funding for safeguard activities.
6. Knowledge Sharing
   • Participants share lessons and strengthen global DPI practices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without involvement in active DPI initiatives.
• Failing to explain safeguard challenges.
• Providing unclear implementation plans.
• Ignoring community perspectives.
• Focusing only on technology without governance considerations.
• Submitting applications without stakeholder engagement.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly describing the DPI system involved.
• Explaining current risks and challenges.
• Demonstrating community engagement.
• Showing experience in digital governance.
• Providing practical safeguard solutions.
• Highlighting long-term sustainability.

Expected Outcomes

The program aims to support:

• Safer digital public infrastructure systems.
• Stronger privacy and security practices.
• Improved digital inclusion.
• Better accountability mechanisms.
• Responsible use of data.
• Stronger collaboration between governments, civil society, and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DPI Safeguards Accelerator?

The DPI Safeguards Accelerator is a global program that helps countries and organizations apply practical safeguards to digital public infrastructure systems.

Who can apply for the program?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and United Nations entities working on active DPI initiatives.

How much funding is available?

Selected teams may receive catalytic implementation grants of up to USD 70,000.

What types of digital systems does the program support?

The program supports digital identity systems, payment platforms, data exchange systems, and other sectoral DPI systems.

Can organizations participate without requesting funding?

Yes. Organizations with independent financing may apply for the non-funded participation track.

What support do selected participants receive?

Participants receive tools, advisory support, technical expertise, capacity building, peer learning, and access to global digital governance networks.

Can UN applications include multiple countries?

Yes. Applications under the UN Entities Pathway may cover more than one country.

Conclusion

The DPI Safeguards Accelerator helps countries and organizations build safer, more inclusive, and accountable digital public infrastructure systems. By combining practical tools, technical expertise, peer learning, and targeted funding, the program supports responsible digital transformation while ensuring that digital systems serve communities effectively and equitably.

For more information, visit Digital Public Infrastructure.