Written by Dalili Nuradli
I am delighted to share that from 28th to 30th August, I had the privilege of participating in the Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) and the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) in person, held in the vibrant city of Brisbane, Australia. I am thankful that I have been chosen as one of the NetMission Ambassadors to lead and facilitate sessions for the yIGF. This incredible opportunity has allowed me to contribute to the advancement of Internet Governance and engage with fellow young professionals in the field.
As a member of the organizing committee, it is safe to say that the event was a resounding success, thanks to the exceptional contributions of all individuals involved. From the initial stages of meticulous planning to the flawless execution, every step of the way was marked by the unwavering dedication and collaboration of many including Jenna Fung, Luke Teoh, Yunsol Shin, Bea Guevarra, and many more.
The yIGF was successfully conducted with the primary objective of fostering awareness and enhancing the capabilities of young individuals to actively participate in Internet governance discussions. Indeed, this year, the yIGF served as an inclusive forum for the younger generation to freely express and exchange their ideas and perspectives on matters pertaining to Internet governance through the various sessions held including the APAC Youth Leaders’ Dialogue, Panel Discussion, Roundtable Discussion, and Meetup with Industry Expert. These sessions not only captivated the attention of both on-site and online participants of yIGF but also fostered engaging discussions.
I am thankful that I had the chance to gain so many valuable insights. The yIGF sheds light on a wide range of topics, including digital literacy, the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications, data privacy, the mental well-being of youth in the context of AI advancements, and many more.
Nonetheless, in the pursuit of an effective hybrid program, it is crucial that I also acknowledge and address the challenges that inevitably arise. One such challenge lies in ensuring the seamless integration of both on-site and online participants, guaranteeing equal inclusion and engagement for all individuals involved. I am immensely grateful for the collective determination displayed by individuals across the Asia Pacific region, despite the significant hurdle posed due to the existence of different time zones, they still indeed actively engage in meaningful discussions. One vital message that I also hold onto is that every individual’s voice holds significance in shaping a more effective Internet and its governance.
Also this year, personally, I had the chance to attend some of the APrIGF sessions and was so thankful for the opportunity to voice out prominent issues during the Townhall session, one of which was fostering digital literacy among the youth, especially in Malaysia, my beloved homeland. As a youth myself who still evidently growing and learning in my Internet Governance journey, I strongly advocate for active participation in both the yIGF and APrIGF. These platforms play a crucial role in engaging the youth, including individuals like myself, in shaping a sustainable and inclusive internet ecosystem for the years to come. Thus, I strongly believe that the yIGF represents a significant milestone for both myself and fellow members of the #NextGeneration.