Empowering future leaders – insights from APIGA 2024

In July 2024, auDA Compliance Officer Tess Partridge attended the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA), in Busan, South Korea. The intensive five-day workshop brings together young professionals and students from the Asia Pacific to collaborate on complex internet governance challenges and solutions.

In November 2024, auDA will host APIGA Australia for this first time, modelled on the successful APIGA South Korea program.

In this blog, Tess shares her experience and insights gained from the South Korean APIGA program. She provides a glimpse into what participants can expect at APIGA Australia and offers advice on how to maximise this unique opportunity as a launchpad into the world of internet governance.

1. How did your participation at APIGA enhance your understanding of the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance?

It was a great experience. APIGA offers an intensive, hands-on learning experience. There are a range of different teaching methods designed to help participants develop a deep understanding of internet governance concepts and policymaking processes, including presentations and practical exercises.

There I obtained an in-depth experience in the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance and how different groups, from government to civil society, interact to make decisions about how internet is governed. The inclusive multi-stakeholder approach is important to how the internet has developed over time. It ensures a diverse range of perspectives are considered and supports transparent, consensus-based decision making.

2. What does a typical day participating in APIGA look like?

A typical day at APIGA started with presentations from industry leaders and experts about the different components of internet governance. After this, the group would break into workshops or smaller sessions that provided a "deep dive" into certain topics at a more detailed level. Lunchtime provided an opportunity to discuss what we learnt with our peers and get to know each other. In the afternoon, we participated in collaborative projects to reinforce key concepts through practical activities, such as preparing a mock proposal for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Government Forum.

We also had the unique opportunity to participate in a mock ICANN forum. Preparations for the forum began at the start of the week when we were divided into groups and allocated roles and committee positions within the ICANN organisation. Our groups came together daily to develop positions on key ICANN issues and we were guided and supported by our APIGA mentors along the way. At the end of the week, we presented our positions in a mock forum. We had the opportunity to set out our proposals and discuss them with participants representing other roles and committees. The forum helped us explore how ICANN operates, key issues it deals with, and the importance of engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve consensus decisions.

3. What advice can your share with young professionals in the region who want to get involved in internet governance?

Attending APIGA was a great first step. I encourage anyone interested in internet governance to seek out similar opportunities. This year, auDA is hosting APIGA Australia, another great platform for newcomers that will provide a pathway to get involved in internet governance in Australia.

The Australian internet community comes together for an annual Internet Governance Forum, the auIGF. It provides a platform for discussion and collaboration on internet governance and public policy issues in Australia. All interested stakeholders are welcome to attend.

There are also a range of international opportunities. Applications for the 2025 APIGA program in South Korea will open in coming months and the NextGen@ICANN program supports young people to attend and participate at ICANN meetings. Having young people engage in these types of forums is important. It ensures the voices of the next generation are heard in the ongoing evolution of internet governance. Ultimately, it's a chance to contribute to and shape the internet of the future that we want.

Becoming a .au member is another way of sharing your voice in the future of Australia's internet. .au membership is free to join and provides regular updates on internet governance forums and activities people can get involved in.

Applications for APIGA Australia 2024 are now closed. We look forward to sharing more about the APIGA Australia program over the coming weeks. More information on auDA's broader internet governance work is available on the auDA website.

Keep an eye on the APIGA website for details on the 2025 program.

multi-stakeholder internet governance