My experience at the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) 2024 has been one of the most memorable highlights of my year, especially as a youth leader passionate about Internet governance. This five-day program, held in Busan, South Korea, brought together youth leaders from across the Asia Pacific region to deepen our understanding of how the Internet functions and how decisions around it are made. I was fortunate to represent NetMission.Asia as a group leader, guiding and supporting others throughout the event.
One of my biggest challenges—and ultimately my greatest takeaway—was preparing for and leading APIGA’s Model ICANN conference. Coming from a non-technical background, I knew very little about Alternative Naming Systems (ANS), which was the focus of this year’s conference. ANS is a complex topic, and as someone who typically uses the Internet without considering the technology behind it, I found it quite overwhelming at first. However, I quickly learned how ANS operates and its importance in Internet governance.
The Model ICANN conference was designed to simulate a real ICANN meeting, with participants taking on roles from key groups such as the Government Advisory Committee (GAC), the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO), and the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC). We put in a lot of effort, even holding late-night discussions in hotel lobbies, to prepare for the conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to dive into the technical side of Internet governance while also developing our negotiation and debate skills. As a notetaker during the conference, I honed my listening abilities and learned how to summarize key points to better support my team.
At times, I wondered if I was doing a good job as a group leader, given how new the material was for me. However, the supportive environment, along with the guidance of fellow group leaders and mentors, helped me gain confidence and fully embrace the learning experience. The week wasn’t just about discussions; we engaged in games, group activities, and team exercises that made learning about Internet governance dynamic and enjoyable. It was incredibly rewarding to see participants from diverse countries and backgrounds collaborate, exchanging ideas on critical issues and reinforcing the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future of the Internet.
This experience taught me not only about the technical and policy aspects of Internet governance but also valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, communication, and fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute. I gained important insights from the experts who generously shared their knowledge, whether in person or virtually, and made lasting friendships with peers who shared my enthusiasm for Internet governance.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetMission.Asia, DotAsia Organization, ICANN, KISA, and all the organizers and sponsors who made APIGA 2024 such a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
Written by Nattaya Jaratruangsaeng (Edited by Jenna Manhau Fung)