On January 9, 2024, the Leadership Panel (LP) of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) called on global stakeholders, including all governments, the private sector, civil society and technical and academic communities, to come together to contribute to the Internet We Want (IWW) Process in pursuit of a shared vision for the Internet. This collective endeavor aims to not only define clear goals and targets but also to foster the necessary coordination and implementation of effective measures at local, regional, and international scales to realize this common vision.
The LP looks for potential challenges or obstacles hindering the realization of the shared vision, and all stakeholders are encouraged to share their insights under each of the five sections outlined by the IWW:
- Whole and open;
- Universal and inclusive;
- Free-flowing and trustworthy;
- Safe and secure; and
- Rights-respecting.
The following comments are made on behalf of NetMission.Asia and the Asia Pacific Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF.Asia):
1. Whole and Open
We affirm an Internet where youths are empowered to act in processes of agenda-setting, policy formulation, and evaluation of the establishment of legal frameworks that promote net neutrality and prevent Internet fragmentation. We support initiatives to leverage human creativity in order to close the intergenerational Internet governance knowledge gap.
2. Universal and Inclusive
We aspire to sustain the progression of youth engagement, meaningful participation and leadership at all levels—local, regional and global. We stress the significance of acknowledging Internet access as a fundamental right, and the inclusion of youths (of equitable gender and geographical representation) in policymaking.
3. Free-flowing and Trustworthy
We advocate for the acknowledgement of the youth perspective and contribution towards upholding Internet Freedom; and the fortification of trust in the role of youths in data protection.
4. Safe and Secure
We assert the pivotal role of resilient youths as intergenerational mediators for cybersecurity capacity building—privy to discussions on regulatory or compliance frameworks and in shaping cyberspace as digital natives.
5. Rights-respecting
We acknowledge the human-rights-based approach to Internet Governance, and appeal for the enablement of youths—students or legal professionals, to address issues of digital rights infringement through access to talent development and expertise.
To view other comments submitted by other organizations or individuals, you may visit here.
Edited by Jenna Manhau Fung, Stella Anne Ming Hui Teoh, Qurra Tul Ain Nisar, and Felicia Yunike