My journey with the Internet didn’t begin in a lecture hall, but in a small village in India, where a flickering screen became my gateway to opportunity. It was a practical tool that solved a very real problem: access. That single connection gave me the chance to learn, challenge the status quo, and become the first in my family to attend university on a full scholarship. It transformed not just my path, but my purpose.
This appreciation evolved into a deeper interest in how the Internet is governed, and a growing motivation to help lead that governance. Last year, I was inducted into the NetMission Academy, which laid a strong foundation in Internet governance. From my first introduction to the multistakeholder model to the intricacies of consensus building, I came to understand the details of a complex but inclusive process, one that relies on people with lived experiences coming together to shape the Internet’s future.
That foundation led directly to my work with the NetMission team for the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) 2025. Transitioning from a learner to a contributor felt natural. I helped design program materials, contributed to the Infokit, and supported session preparation—knowing that these resources would empower others just as they had empowered me.
With the support and sponsorship from DotAsia Organisation, I had the privilege to be selected as an on-site youth leader for APIGA in Busan, South Korea. In this role, I guided the cohort through the program and supported them in tasks like developing an IGF workshop proposal on “Cybersecurity and Trust: Building Systems Worthy of Youth.” I encouraged my group to draw from their own lived experiences to reflect the challenges they face, ensuring their voices were central to the conversation. Personally, this opportunity helped me build confidence and capacity in leadership. It was indeed a privilege to hear diverse thoughts and perspectives, and to help the group build consensus and come together well-informed during the mock ICANN. I am thankful to every participant for being open to contributing to the group in different ways and making the program successful.
The most rewarding part of the experience was the people. The NetMission.Asia team was incredibly supportive, and collaborating with two youth leaders from Korea was seamless. We had access to mentors from organisations like APNIC, ICANN, and CSC, whose real-world insights were invaluable. With 39 participants from 20 countries, our discussions were rich, diverse, and deeply grounded in global perspectives.
One concrete highlight was mentoring the team representing the At-Large Advisory Committee during a mock ICANN forum. The late-night strategy sessions and policy drafting were intense, but they offered a genuine, hands-on understanding of how consensus is built in Internet governance. Watching participants grow in confidence throughout the week was incredibly fulfilling.
Looking back, APIGA was a transformative experience. It reignited my motivation to lead in this space and gave me the confidence to embrace new challenges. I’m now preparing to represent youth voices on a panel at auIGF 2025. While it may be daunting to keep pace with such a diverse and accomplished community, I’m confident that our shared commitment to Internet governance will keep us connected.
I’m deeply grateful to the NetMission.Asia team and DotAsia for sponsoring my participation. APIGA introduced me to a community of pragmatic, passionate individuals. The support and friendships I found there are what I’ll carry forward—as the real work has only just begun. Leveraging my lived experiences through the challenges and privileges of the 21st century, APIGA has enabled me to bring a unique perspective into global forums to build an inclusive digital future.