Asia Pacific yIGF 2022 Organizing Committee Sharing
Stella Teoh (November 10, 2022)
Deciding to join the NetMission Academy 2022 was a gamble for someone from my background that is not a technology or law major. Many quotes on decision-making discuss the decisions themselves, or the consequences of those decisions. I believe that in ultimately deciding to act and join rather than wait in indecision, I did seal my fate so to speak. And as the theme of this year’s yIGF — Youth@Crossroads — reminds us, youths often find themselves at a crossroads, and it is important to build trust between youths, the larger community, and the idea of a shared future.
The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision.
– Maimonides
According to definitions from Oxford Languages, the word ‘crossroads’ refers to “an intersection of two or more roads”; as well as “a point at which a crucial decision must be made which will have far-reaching consequences”. From the first day, I discovered the existence of NetMission Academy, until the present day—working behind the scenes to prepare for this year’s NetMission Academy, I have walked through many crossroads, and am sure you will too, should you also decide to start this journey.
Crossroads #1
The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.
– B.B. King
NetMission Academy promotes itself as a platform for youth empowerment to gain knowledge and discussion skills that will facilitate sustained participation in Internet policymaking. The target group is currently enrolled students of tertiary institutions across the Asia Pacific region. There is a relatively low entry barrier for participants, but participant demographics are often skewed in favor of technology-related majors or law majors. With this in mind, it may be intimidating when looking through the profiles of past NetMission Ambassadors, thinking of perspective differences because of one’s educational background. However, everyone starts from somewhere, and a lack of background knowledge of the Internet or governance mechanisms, in general, should not be a reason for not applying. The advantage of background knowledge is most noticeable during discussions, with some participants able to move past more surface-level questions and engage more with invited speakers.
In my experience, lack of prior understanding of a topic was an issue I faced, and one of my tips for dealing with this would be to have a few tabs open just 5 – 10 mins before a session, and quickly browse through some keywords or Google’s top suggested results. Another thing to keep in mind is that no question is too stupid or silly to ask, as long as you’re respecting everyone’s time—which means try to pay attention during the speaker sharing so you don’t ask a question that repeats key points already covered, but if you do need extra clarification, then definitely take a chance to ask for some.
At this crossroads, I took a chance to learn, and not only did it bring me new knowledge, and new connections, but also opened many doors for me.
Crossroads #2
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
— Benjamin Franklin
Graduating from the NetMission Academy 2022 was simultaneously an end and a beginning. Having completed the necessary tasks to qualify for certification, all ambassadors were offered chances to continue participating in the Internet Governance scene through working groups for separate events. This chance at direct involvement in potentially international-level events was a great opportunity for all of us to continue building on what we had just learned, as well as use some of it as we continued. The working groups I joined were for the Internet Governance Forum 2022, Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy 2022, Asia Pacific Youth Internet Governance Forum 2022, and NetMission Academy 2023.
With continuous support from our community manager Jenna Fung, across working groups, I and various other NetMission Ambassadors or alumni worked together to prepare proposals for IGF2022, session materials for APIGA 2022, as well as event outlines for yIGF 2022 and NMA 2023. Deciding to involve me beyond yIGF2022 was also a decision that required some consideration. Apart from the expected time commitment to regular meetings, there is also a challenge to prepare content and think of suitable speakers; all transferable skills for future responsibilities.
At this crossroads, I seized the chance to involve myself beyond participation, direct involvement in these working groups providing me with ample opportunities to contribute to youth participation in Internet Governance.
Crossroads #3
I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
— Pablo Picasso
yIGF 2022 was organized in conjunction with APrIGF 2022, and through NetMission connections, came opportunities to be co-chair for APrIGF 2022 Townhall Sessions, as well as join the Drafting Committee for the APrIGF Synthesis Document. Pathways to such positions for youth are usually challenging, as questions of experience and expertise come to mind. However, there are moments where inexperience and lack of expertise can be solved by the willingness to learn and commitment.
As the first NetMission Ambassador to have the chance to take up such responsibilities, is proof of NetMission.Asia’s efforts to pave the way for increased, sustainable and meaningful youth participation. I had experience in neither role, but with this in mind, as well as the advice and support of more senior members like Ms. Jennifer Chung and Ms. Yien Chyn Tan, I made the bold decision to get involved.
This crossroads was another opportunity for a different role and new goals within Internet Governance.
During my NetMission.Asia journey, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with various youths from across the Asia Pacific, including Bea, Dalili, Dao, and even my brother Luke. As you consider furthering your journey, you may be wondering, what benefits can I bring to teams in this area? And truthfully, it won’t always be a clearcut benefit when you work with others. From my experience, in a conversation with the other yIGF 2022 organizing committee members Bea and Luke, we talked about our approach to work — specifically, if we were people-oriented, action-oriented, or thought-oriented. Funnily enough, all three of us perceived our individual priorities and strengths in different ways. And more likely than not, such a difference in perspectives has played a part in how we addressed issues throughout the preparation process.
There will never be an end to the crossroads we face, and it is no exaggeration to say that almost every second demands a decision from us. To all the other youth at a crossroads, sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you make the decision right. Take the leap, there’s no time to waste!
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