Towards a collaborative future with NOG networks

Participants in MVIGF 2024.

The digital landscape is evolving faster than ever and building strong, collaborative networks within the technical community is essential for keeping pace. I had the privilege of representing APNIC as a Retained Community Trainer during the Maldives Internet Governance Forum (MVIGF) 2024, held from 18 to 19 October 2024 at the Maldives National University Auditorium.

At MVIGF, I spoke on strengthening collaboration within the Internet and technology sectors across the South Asia region. My visit emphasized the importance of working together to advance Internet infrastructure, enhance technical expertise, and encourage innovation throughout the region. I also delivered a technical presentation on cybersecurity in the digital age highlighting threats, network defence, and emerging solutions.

In this post, I'll share my key highlights from the event.

Strengthening regional collaboration through NOGs

During the session 'Building a Collaborative Future Together with NOGs and APNIC', I discussed how participation in regional Network Operator Groups (NOGs) strengthens local technical communities. NOGs found all around the region, provide a platform for professionals across South Asia to work together, share experiences, and tackle shared challenges. These forums offer crucial opportunities for capacity-building, fostering innovation, and developing regional solutions to common issues.

Addressing gaps in technical skills and opportunities

While the Maldives has made significant progress in its digital journey, there are still gaps in essential technical skills, particularly in areas like IPv6, DNSSEC, and network security. Bridging these gaps will be crucial for developing a strong, secure, and scalable Internet infrastructure.

APNIC aims to offer tailored training and capacity-building initiatives to bridge these gaps. By collaborating with local stakeholders and forums like the proposed Maldives NOG (MVNOG), we can ensure that the Maldives has access to the technical knowledge and resources necessary to advance its Internet and technology sectors.

During my discussions throughout the event, I was able to highlight the various fellowship opportunities available through APNIC, APRICOT, SANOG, and APNIC Academy for online training. I also conveyed APNIC's willingness to provide customized online or onsite training sessions, as well as technical forum support, both financially and with additional resources, to further strengthen the Maldives' technical community.

Building MVNOG

While MVNOG is still a concept, we are eager to meet with Maldives tech professionals and continue these discussions in the upcoming months. To facilitate the development of MVNOG an Orbit mailing list has been created; please join the discussions to help the concept move forward. Through MVNOG, the Maldives will not only strengthen its local technical capabilities but also become more integrated into the regional NOG network, gaining access to valuable resources, training, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

APNIC is committed to supporting these efforts, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Maldives government, technology experts, and the emerging MVNOG to help realize a more connected, secure, and collaborative future for the region.

Subhashini Kadurugasyaya is a networking, data services, and cybersecurity professional and an APNIC Community Trainer.

The views expressed by the authors of this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of APNIC. Please note a Code of Conduct applies to this blog.

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