For the past two years, I had the privilege of serving as part of the organizing committee for the Asia Pacific Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF). This enriching experience allowed me to engage with young leaders across the region, creating a platform where their voices could be heard in the evolving landscape of Internet governance. During this time, I learned the power of collaboration, the importance of digital rights, and the critical role of youth in shaping the future of the Internet. It was a learning experience that cemented my passion for advocacy in the digital space.
This year marked a significant transition in my journey as I stepped into new challenges as an APrIGF fellow and co-chair of the Synthesis Document Drafting Committee. These roles provided fresh perspectives and deeper engagement allowing me to grow, both personally and professionally.
The Fellowship: Expanding My Horizons
Becoming an APrIGF fellow was truly transformative, pushing me to new heights of engagement and growth. Pre-conference, I immersed myself in Internet governance courses, participated in webinars, and actively coordinated with my buddy group. As part of the fellowship, I used my social media platforms to promote APrIGF and spread awareness about the important issues being discussed. This amplified key conversations and helped me grow more confident in advocating for the causes I’m passionate about.
During the conference, I took on new responsibilities, as a mentor I guided my buddy group through rapporteur work and contributed to the APrIGF Synthesis Document. This hands-on role allowed me to engage deeply with the discussions, translating complex ideas into meaningful outputs.
Co-Chairing the Synthesis Document Drafting Committee: Leading the Dialogue
Stepping into the role of co-chair for the Synthesis Document Drafting Committee was both exciting and challenging. Tasked with synthesizing synthesizing the diverse discussions from the APrIGF sessions into a single cohesive document, I learned the importance of balancing different viewpoints from various sectors and countries. This document is not just a summary; it is a key output that guides future policy discussions and actions for the region.
In this leadership role, I honed my ability to build consensus, ensuring that voices—especially those from underrepresented communities—were accurately reflected. The experience deepened my understanding of how to facilitate meaningful dialogue and navigate the complexities of policy drafting in a multi-stakeholder environment.
Reflecting on the Journey
As I continue this journey, I am excited about the opportunities. Whether advocating for children’s digital rights or leading discussions on ethical governance, I remain driven by the belief that everyone should have a voice in shaping our digital future. These roles have shaped me both as a leader and advocate, reaffirming my commitment to making a lasting impact in the Internet governance community.