Steering Dialogues at Asia Pacific Regional & Youth IGF
As a NetMission.Asia Ambassador, I get a chance to represent NetMission.Asia in Taipei, Taiwan for the Asia-Pacific Digital Rights Assembly (DRAPAC), Asia Pacific Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) and Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024. These forums provided a crucial platform to discuss and engage in discussions pertaining to issues at the intersection of policy, society, sustainability and technology. To this effect, the 5Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) have always guided me in addressing complex challenges in this dynamic environment, adapting to meet the needs and requirements of various stakeholders, including government, private sector, technical community, academia and civil society.
Mapping Ideas for Impact
During the planning stage, one of the most fulfilling aspects was engaging in purpose-driven planning and tangible outcomes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire Internet governance ecosystem. This began with selecting the overarching and sub-themes to be discussed at the forum, along with conducting research to identify feasible speakers and shortlisting the fellows who could contribute to a productive dialogue. It also involved reaching out to educational and professional institutions to host a local hub for broadcasting the yIGF proceedings, aiming to amplify our impact.
Coordinating Tasks for Desired Outcomes
Another significant achievement was my selection as Co-Chair, where I facilitated discussions and moderated a panel on “Empowering Access: Democratizing the Internet for All”. This role also includes coordinating with speakers and supporting the entire team to work collaboratively towards achieving our common goals and desired outcomes. Additionally, delivering the closing remarks during the ceremony was another significant contribution, as it provided an opportunity to summarize the outcomes of the discussions.
The said discussion revolves around a thought-provoking IGF 2024 Youth track workshop on AI & Education, the panel discussion addressing foundational values of the Internet, the engaging breakout sessions in the Meetup with Industry Experts, and the APAC Youth Leaders Dialogue focused on empowering marginalized youth through multistakeholder partnerships. Notably, our NextGen participants took the initiative to craft their Youth Policy Statements, highlighting our collective commitment to shaping a better Internet, driven by intentional design rather than chance.
Professional Development and Nurturing Future Leaders
Being part of the core team that facilitated on-ground discussions offered me invaluable insights into the complexities of planning and executing regional engagements. This experience significantly enriched my understanding of logistical considerations, stakeholder engagement, and the relevance of meaningful communication. The hands-on involvement deepened my awareness of the challenges associated with hosting such an engagement and highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience when facing unanticipated barriers.
Moreover, the forum served as a valuable learning opportunity, allowing me to facilitate discussions and actively engage in the town hall sessions. This experience not only deepened my understanding but also motivated me to explore issues that matter the most. As a team, we also supported the fellows during the huddle sessions, helping them develop a comprehensive youth policy statement that contributed to the APrIGF synthesis document.
Way Forward
This experience has equipped me to develop strategies that address these issues constructively and exponent for novel solutions to address the complexities of our digital landscape. Through this experience, I’ve also gained an informed perspective on Internet governance, promoting a secure, stable and sustainable online environment. My year-long engagement has allowed me to collaborate with a diverse group of researchers and writers, focusing on emerging topics that intertwine policy, politics, society, and technology. This exposure has not only empowered me but also enhanced collective understanding of the intricacies facing our digital landscape.