Building a Stronger Community with an Independent App
CSID Network
CSID Network is a global organisation connecting researchers, practitioners and policymakers working on sustainable development. With a growing international audience spread across multiple social platforms, the team struggled to create meaningful engagement and long-term connection in one central space.
Like many mission-driven organisations, CSID Network relied heavily on commercial social media for communication and outreach. While these platforms helped with visibility, important conversations were often lost in busy feeds, and the organisation had little control over data, moderation, or community experience.
The challenge
CSID Network wanted a dedicated digital home where members could:
- Connect and collaborate in one place
- Share research, insights and events
- Build a healthier, more focused community
- Move away from reliance on commercial social platforms
They needed a solution that was simple to launch, affordable, and aligned with their values.

The solution
Using Newsmast’s community app builder, CSID Network created a fully branded community app tailored to their global network. The app brought together discussion channels, updates, and resources in one central space, while Newsmast handled hosting, maintenance and technical support.
With built-in moderation tools and full ownership of their community data, CSID Network was able to create a welcoming, trusted environment for members around the world.
Newsmast has given us a dedicated digital space where our community can connect, share knowledge and collaborate in a healthier way. The platform is simple to use, easy to customise, and has helped us build stronger relationships beyond traditional social media.
Dr. Angela Okune, Head of Strategy, CSID Network
The results
Since launching their Newsmast app, CSID Network has seen:
- Increased engagement across discussions and events
- Stronger connections between members in different regions
- A healthier, more focused community experience
- Reduced reliance on commercial social platforms
Most importantly, CSID Network now has a digital space they own and control — designed specifically to support their mission.