# GovStack Cloud BB Sovereign Clouds for All Nations > [! note]- > The content of this page is generated by audio/video transcription and text transformation from the content and links of this source. Source: [https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-6506-govstack-cloud-bb-sovereign-clouds-for-all-countries/](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-6506-govstack-cloud-bb-sovereign-clouds-for-all-countries/) <video src="https://video.fosdem.org/2025/aw1126/fosdem-2025-6506-govstack-cloud-bb-sovereign-clouds-for-all-countries.av1.webm" controls></video> ## Summary & Highlights: **Introduction to GovStack and Sovereign CloudStack** GovStack is an initiative aimed at helping governments deliver digital services through a modular software architecture. Sovereign CloudStack collaborates with GovStack to offer cloud infrastructure that empowers countries to maintain control over their digital environments. This collaboration ensures that governments can provide services without relying on proprietary systems, promoting digital sovereignty. **The Concept of Building Blocks** GovStack's approach involves using building blocks, which are software components offering specific functionalities like payment processing or identity verification. These blocks are managed through APIs, ensuring a unified user experience while maintaining flexibility in the backend. This modularity allows governments to avoid creating monolithic systems, instead opting for adaptable and interoperable solutions. **Digital Sovereignty and Its Importance** Digital sovereignty is crucial for nations to control their data and digital operations. GovStack and Sovereign CloudStack emphasize the importance of open standards and open-source software in achieving this goal. By avoiding vendor lock-in and promoting transparency, they offer governments the tools to maintain technological independence and security. **Global Collaboration and Implementation** GovStack and Sovereign CloudStack work together with governments worldwide, especially in regions like Africa, to implement these digital solutions. They provide training and resources to help countries build and maintain their digital infrastructures, fostering a global community of open-source practitioners. **Challenges and Ethical Considerations** The session also addresses the challenges of digital sovereignty, such as the risk of 'sovereign washing,' where the term is misused for marketing. The speakers stress the need for genuine commitment to open-source principles and the ethical implications of digital freedom in the face of global political dynamics. ## Importance for an eco-social transformation The session highlights the importance of digital sovereignty in achieving eco-social transformation. By enabling countries to control their digital infrastructures through open-source solutions, GovStack supports sustainable development and social equity. For eco-social designers, the emphasis on modular and adaptable systems offers practical tools for creating inclusive and resilient digital services. However, challenges such as ensuring genuine commitment to open-source principles and navigating political hurdles remain. Designers must consider these factors when developing solutions that align with ethical and sustainable goals. ## Slides: | | | | --- | --- | | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_001.jpg\|300]] | The first slide introduces the GovStack Cloud BB initiative, which focuses on creating sovereign cloud infrastructures for countries. Kurt Garloff and Nico Lück are the speakers representing S7n Cloud Services and GovStack/GIZ, respectively. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_002.jpg\|300]] | The second slide features a photo credited to Yolanda Martinez, possibly illustrating the global reach or impact of the GovStack initiative. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_003.jpg\|300]] | This slide outlines the architecture of GovStack Cloud Infrastructure, emphasizing its service-oriented design. It lists various building blocks like payment and GIS, which facilitate adaptive, citizen-centric e-government services. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_004.jpg\|300]] | Slide four details the various building blocks and their specifications, such as Information Mediator and Digital Registries. It highlights the comprehensive approach to creating a cohesive digital government architecture. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_005.jpg\|300]] | The fifth slide explains GovStack's role as a neutral broker between governments and software providers. It emphasizes the exchange of best practices to improve digital service delivery. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_006.jpg\|300]] | This slide illustrates the value of specifications in the GovStack framework, highlighting their role in planning, procurement, and integration. It shows how these specifications benefit both governments and software providers. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_007.jpg\|300]] | Slide seven provides a link to GovStack's cloud infrastructure documentation, emphasizing the importance of detailed specifications in choosing the right cloud solutions. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_008.jpg\|300]] | The eighth slide discusses digital sovereignty, focusing on data control, choice, technological sovereignty, and open operations. It underscores the importance of open standards and transparency in achieving these goals. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_009.jpg\|300]] | This slide lists the deliverables of Sovereign CloudStack, such as modular open-source implementations and certifiable standards, which enhance digital sovereignty through choice and technological independence. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_010.jpg\|300]] | Slide ten covers the implementation of GovStack in various countries, emphasizing its adaptability and the collaborative efforts involved in deploying these digital solutions. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_011.jpg\|300]] | This slide highlights Sovereign CloudStack's engagement with different countries, showcasing the initiative's global impact and partnerships. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_012.jpg\|300]] | Slide twelve addresses the increasing stakes in digital freedom, warning against the influence of major tech companies in political arenas and advocating for digital sovereignty. | ![[FOSDEM 2025/assets/GovStack-Cloud-BB-Sovereign-Clouds-for-all-countri/preview_013.jpg\|300]] | The final slide credits the GovStack Initiative, reinforcing the collaborative and open-source nature of the project. ## Links [GovStack Global](https://govstack.global/) - Official GovStack website [GovStack Cloud Infrastructure](https://govstack.gitbook.io/bb-cloud-infrastructure) - Cloud BB requirements [Sovereign Cloud Stack](https://scs.community/) - Sovereign Cloud Stack project [GovStack Software](https://www.govstack.global/software/) - Software implementations