Announcements

(Click here for the Fellowship Program announcement on Apr 12, 2024) Acknowledgements Fellowship Program Sponsors and Partners Fellowship Application Statistics Overview Fellowship Application Statistics Overview Total Application received: 586 (Female: 215 / Male: 371 )  Initial Round Selected Fellows: 32 (Female: 16 / Male: 16)  Sub-Region Distributions Eastern Asia: 4 Southeastern Asia: 11 Southern Asia: 12 Central Asia: 2 Australia and New Zealand: 1 Pacific Ocean: 2 Stakeholder Balance Academia: 6 Civil Society: 9 Government/ Inter-governmental : 4 Private Sector: 3 Youth / Students: 9 Technical Community: 1 Final Selected Fellows No. Name Gender Economy Stakeholder 1 Elizabeth O’Shea F Australia (AU) Civil Society 2 Md Saimum Reza Talukder M Bangladesh (BD) Academia 3 Rumky Farhana F Bangladesh (BD) Civil Society 4 Namkha Zangpo M Bhutan (BT) Technical 5 Prerna Chhetri F Bhutan (BT) Youth/Students 6 Tsz Kin Hui M Hong Kong (HK) Youth/Students 7 Mabda Haerunnisa Fajrilla Sidiq F Indonesia (ID) Civil Society 8 Unggul Sagena M Indonesia (ID) Civil Society 9 Mongapreeti Kamra F India (IN) Academia 10 Lokendra Sharma M India (IN) Academia 11 Alisher Moidunov M Kyrgyzstan (KG) Civil Society 12 Chanvoleak Ros F Cambodia (KH) Inter-governmental Organization 13 Seoyeon Lee F South Korea (KR) Youth/Students 14 Kavindu Sandee M Sri Lanka (LK) Private Sector 15 Sandamini Hansamali Karunarathna F Sri Lanka (LK) Private Sector 16 Zin Myo Htet M Myanmar (MM) Youth/Students 17 Byambajargal Ayushjav F Mongolia (MN) Civil Society 18 Galbaatar Lkhagvasuren M Mongolia (MN) Civil Society 19 Luke Rong Guang Teoh M Malaysia (MY) Youth/Students 20 Nur Adin Hanisah Binti Shahul Ikram. F Malaysia (MY) Academia 21 Aarju Aryal F Nepal (NP) Youth/Students 22 Bikas Adhikari M Nepal (NP) Government 23 Nancy Kanasa F Papua New Guinea (PG) Government 24 Filimoni Pelenato M Samoa (WS) Government 25 Jessamine Pacis F Philippines (PH) Civil Society 26 John Rojell Yangat Elizaga M Philippines (PH) Youth/Students 27 Fouad Riaz Bajwa M Pakistan (PK) Private Sector 28 Saima Nisar F Pakistan (PK) Academia 29 Alex Wen Jie Lew M Singapore (SG) Academia 30 Farzona Rakhimova F Uzbekistan (UZ) Youth/Students 31 Hung Van Vo M Vietnam (VN) Youth/Students 32 Thi Ngoc Huyen F Vietnam (VN) Civil Society For questions or inquiries, please contact the secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia.

Registrations are now open for APrIGF 2024 and TWIGF 2024. The forum will be held at the NTUH International Convention Center, Taipei City from 21-23 August 2024. Registration is free and required for all on-site and online participants.

We are excited to announce that Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024 will be held on 21 -23 August in Taipei.  This year we are pleased to announce TWNIC (Taiwan Network Information Center 財團法人台灣網路資訊中心) as the official host of APrIGF 2024. The conference will be held in Taipei at the NTUH International Convention Center. APrIGF is organized by the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF, hosted by TWNIC and supported by APrIGF Secretariat – DotAsia. The forum will be hosted in a hybrid format, combining physical attendance for people in the region able to travel to Taipei, and to gather at various local hubs; while others can also participate and enjoy the APrIGF conference virtually. Local Hubs We welcome the participation of local hubs which, by definition, will be self-organized and self-supported local meetings that take place in parallel with the APrIGF sessions. Hub organizers are expected to stimulate discussions at the national and sub-national levels by promoting local points of presence (hubs) where small audiences will, where possible, enjoy an opportunity to be physically present throughout the event. Further details on how to host an APrIGF 2024 local hub will be announced shortly. Online Participation Since the pandemic, online participation has been an important part of any conference. We will use one of the most popular video conferencing apps as our main platform for sessions, and also offer live streaming on other platforms like Youtube, Facebook, etc.. Registration will be open soon for all on-site or online participants. Registration, fellowship application, and call for session proposals will be open soon. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. You may also subscribe to our Discussion and Announcement mailing lists to stay connected with the Asia Pacific Internet Governance community. Should you have any queries, please contact sec@aprigf.asia We look forward to seeing you in Taipei!

The Internet governance landscape in the Asia Pacific region is continually transforming. Internet connectivity and adoption are steadily increasing yet the challenges around inclusion, safety and security, affordability and digital rights remain critical. As stakeholders of the Internet ecosystem diligently work to address these challenges, the core Internet principles of openness, decentralization, and accessibility for all are still relevant today. With the advent of new and emerging technologies, and the potential for AI to accelerate these new changes, how should we tackle the corresponding governance issues that arise? As the Internet evolves, the Internet governance processes will also need to evolve according to the core Internet principles. The APrIGF 2024 will discuss issues related to global governance and ways for Internet actors to shape these processes responsibly. Thematic Tracks Security & Trust The Internet ecosystem is evolving day by day due to continuous development and expansion of technologies, platforms and services. It is a very dynamic and continuous process driven by innovation, market demands and emerging technologies. Diverse stakeholders, technological advancements, increasing dynamic nature of ecosystems has introduced many complex issues for security and trust of the Internet, making it challenging to ensure robust security measures and maintain trust. How can enduring principles address those complex challenges including cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, information integrity, online safety, child protection online and trust in innovation in a collaborative manner for shaping responsible Internet governance? Resilience Resilient internet is critical for ensuring that communication infrastructure, services, and data exchange remain reliable even in the face of various challenges. Concerted effort by multiple stakeholder groups is required to mitigate disruptions to the Internet. They need to work together closely when developing policies that impact the interoperability of the Internet. In the face of growing cyberthreats and disruptions, what measures may be taken to improve sustainability and strengthen resilience of digital infrastructures in the APAC region? Furthermore, how can stakeholders collaborate and ensure that local communities and businesses have the autonomy to shape their digital futures in alignment with their socio-economic priorities and values? Ethical governance of Emerging Technologies It is crucial to achieve a balance between regulations and innovation when navigating the present realities of new and emerging technologies such as AI. This delicate equilibrium is necessary to harness the positive impact of emerging technologies on society. However, ethical concerns remain around transparency in technology design, mitigating bias, privacy and data protection, impact on human rights, and the need for effective oversight and internationally recognised standards for regulation.  How can regulatory frameworks be adapted to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI while fostering innovation and positive societal impact? What criteria can be established to responsibly develop applications and services using these emerging technologies? Should you have any queries, please contact the secretariat at sec@aprigf.asia

(Last updated: Apr 18, 2024) ADVISORY: The Call for session proposal is extended to 26th April, 2024 (Fri) 23:59 UTC. APrIGF 2024 is now calling for session proposals from the community. Help shape the program agenda with your submission. Read the CFP guideline now. Please refer to the overarching theme and thematic tracks here. Session Submission Deadline: 19 April 2024 (Fri) 23:59 UTC. Extended to – 26 April 2024 (Fri) 23:59 UTC.

Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2025 & 2026 Local Host March 28, 2024 Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is one of the key regional initiatives on Internet governance. By adopting the multi-stakeholder approach as its core principle, APrIGF serves as a platform for discussion exchange and collaboration at a regional level and also where possible to aggregate national IGF discussions ultimately advance Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region. The APrIGF community has grown significantly since its initiation in 2010. We are now bringing together over 400 multi-stakeholders from over 20 economies across the region each year to participate in advancing Internet governance development. The annual conference program consists of three sessions: the prep-day with capacity building, a 3-day main conference and a Youth IGF Camp. The Multi-stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF now would like to call for any interested organizations to submit proposals for hosting the APrIGF 2025. We also welcome inquiry and expression of interest as a host for 2026 and the years after. Submission Deadline: 31 May 2024RFP Guidelines: Download Here Kindly submit your proposal to sec[at]aprigf.asia. For any enquiries or expression of interest, please contact the Secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia. Secretariat of APrIGF Renewed Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2024 Local Host July 5, 2023 Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is one of the key regional initiatives on Internet governance. By adopting the multi-stakeholder approach as its core principle, APrIGF serves as a platform for discussion exchange and collaboration at a regional level and also where possible to aggregate national IGF discussions ultimately advance Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region. The APrIGF community has grown significantly since its initiation in 2010. We are now bringing together over 400 multi-stakeholders from over 20 economies across the region each year to participate in advancing Internet governance development. The annual conference program consists of three sessions: the prep-day with capacity building, a 3-day main conference and a Youth IGF Camp. The Multi-stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF now would like to call for any interested organizations to submit proposal for hosting the APrIGF & YIGF 2024. We also welcome inquiry and expression of interest as a host for 2025 and the years after. Submission Deadline: 14 August 2023RFP Guidelines: Download Here Kindly submit your proposal to sec[at]aprigf.asia. For any enquiries or expression of interest, please contact the Secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia. Secretariat of APrIGF Renewed Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2023 Local Host February 10, 2023 Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is one of the key regional initiatives on Internet governance. By adopting the multi-stakeholder approach as its core principle, APrIGF serves as a platform for discussion exchange and collaboration at a regional level and also where possible to aggregate national IGF discussions ultimately advance the Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region. The APrIGF community has grown significantly since its initiation in 2010. We are now bringing together over 400 multi-stakeholders from over 20 economies across the region each year to participate in advancing the Internet governance development. The annual conference program consists of three sessions: the prep-day with capacity building, a 3-day main conference and a Youth IGF Camp. The Multi-stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF now would like to call for any interested organizations to submit proposal for hosting the APrIGF & YIGF 2023. Submission Deadline: 13 March 2023RFP Guidelines: Download Here Kindly submit your proposal to sec[at]aprigf.asia. For any enquiries or expression of interest, please contact the Secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia. Secretariat of APrIGF Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2023 Local Host June 28, 2022 Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is one of the key regional initiatives on Internet governance. By adopting the multi-stakeholder approach as its core principle, APrIGF serves as a platform for discussion exchange and collaboration at a regional level and also where possible to aggregate national IGF discussions ultimately advance the Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region. The APrIGF community has grown significantly since its initiation in 2010. We are now bringing together over 400 multi-stakeholders from over 20 economies across the region each year to participate in advancing the Internet governance development. The annual conference program consists of three sessions: the prep-day with capacity building, a 3-day main conference and a Youth IGF Camp. The Multi-stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF now would like to call for any interested organizations to submit proposal for hosting the APrIGF & YIGF 2023. Submission Deadline: 30 September 2022RFP Guidelines: Download Here Kindly submit your proposal to sec[at]aprigf.asia. For any enquiries or expression of interest, please contact the Secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia. Secretariat of APrIGF RFP for 2022 Local Host June 9, 2021  Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is one of the key regional initiatives on Internet governance. By adopting the multi-stakeholder approach as its core principle. APrIGF serves as a platform for discussion exchange and collaboration at a regional level and also where possible to aggregate national IGF discussions ultimately advance the Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region. The APrIGF community has grown significantly since its initiation in 2010. We are now bringing together over 400 multi-stakeholders from over 20 economies across the region each year to participate in advancing the Internet governance development. The annual conference program consists of three sessions: the prep-day with capacity building, a 3-day main conference and a Youth IGF Camp. The Multi-stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF now would like to call for any interested organizations to submit proposal for hosting the APrIGF & YIGF 2022. Submission Deadline: 18 Aug 2021 (Wed)RFP Guidelines: Download Here Kindly submit your proposal to sec[at]aprigf.asia. For any enquiries, please contact the secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia. Secretariat of APrIGF RFP for 2021 Local Host January 8, 2020 (Last updated: March 2, 2020) Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is one of the key regional initiatives on Internet governance. By adopting the multi-stakeholder approach as its core principle. APrIGF serves as a platform for discussion exchange and collaboration at a regional level and also where possible to aggregate national IGF discussions

Local Hubs Local hubs are physical meeting places that facilitate remote participation in APrIGF in parallel with the APrIGF sessions. The audience can watch the webcast of sessions and send questions (via text, audio or video) that will be answered by panelists and otherwise contribute to the discussion. In addition, hub organizers are encouraged to hold debates in the room to discuss a local perspective on topics discussed in the virtual APrIGF session. This way, hubs play an important role in the APrIGF as they: APrIGF Code of Conduct The local hub attendees are expected to abide by the APrIGF Code of Conduct. Just like all other online attendees all the hubs are expected to follow the same participation guideline and the same protocol for handling Zoom bombing, whose details will be shared before the Forum. All hub organizers should take every possible effort to prevent Zoom bombing. If Zoom bombing occurs from your hub, the Secretariat will disconnect your hub until you have resolved the issue. How to Organize a Hub? The setup can be very simple. All you need is: Please note that the hub moderator and technical coordinators have to be present at the hub site. APrIGF MSG will be happy to offer general guidance on administrative and technical matters, but matters of detail depending on local conditions are the responsibility of the local organizers. Expected Contributions by Local Hubs Equipment Interpretation & Live Captioning APrIGF sessions are mainly conducted in English with real-time transcripts in English. In case English is not the first language where your hub is located, it will be a benefit to the local  attendees to provide simultaneous interpretation and live captioning in your local language to enhance interaction. Registration & Attendance You may use the standard APrIGF registration form, or you may adapt it – but in the latter case, you must ensure that your registration form still includes questions to gather key data on the following items for reporting back to APrIGF.    The following information must be included: It is required for the hub organizer to take attendance at each session. You will share the registration information and attendance at your local hub with the Secretariat for record. The registered participants should be reminded that the personal information will be shared with the Secretariat of APrIGF. Breaks During APrIGF, there will be breaks and Zoom chat rooms will remain open for your convenience. Communication A Whatsapp group will be created for hub organizers as a direct messaging channel for any communications with the Secretariat/event organizers. All hub organizers are expected to join this group for the duration of the event or selected dates. If you are unable to use Whatsapp, please contact the Secretariat for alternative channels. Branding Guideline / Use of Logos All local hubs shall be provided with the official event logo in high resolution, together with the main sponsor logos. Hub organizers are requested not to use low-resolution copies. You may add logos of your local sponsors but they should not be larger than the official event logo and main sponsor logos. Guideline: You may send the artwork to the Secretariat for advice if in doubt. Security and Safety If you use any venue, whether public or private, as a hub organizer you should be aware of the security guidelines and make sure your attendees are made aware of them too. Also, because of COVID-19, the organizers should take every possible effort to ensure the audience complies with sanitary, hygiene and social distancing requirements. To this end, please engage with local authorities and make sure their instructions are observed at all times. It will be the obligation of the local hub operator to ensure compliance with all local/national requirements relating to COVID-19 safety/security guidelines issued by the national governments. Liability Waiver While arranging and running the hub, please bear in mind that the ultimate responsibility for its operation, safety and security on site lies with the hub organizer only. Hub organizers must agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless APrIGF, its governing bodies, the Secretariat, affiliates, partners, suppliers, sponsors and volunteers from any and all liability, claims, costs, or damages arising from the preparations for and operation of your hub. Hub organizers additionally are solely responsible for adhering to all local regulations, requirements and policies for the safety of hub participants due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Expression of Interest Anyone interested in organizing a local hub is invited to complete this form below before 30 June 2024. We will contact you later for further details. SUBMIT NOW If you are unable to access the online form or have any queries, please contact sec[at]aprigf.asia.

This year, APrIGF is excited to continue with a hybrid conference in Taipei, Taiwan. The aim of the APrIGF Fellowships is to bring diversity into the Internet Governance community by fostering the participation of underrepresented communities in the Internet Governance discussions. Through the program, fellows can develop a greater understanding of pressing and emerging Internet Governance issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally, and network with peers from diverse Internet Governance fields. Fellows are selected to represent the diversity of different economies, genders and stakeholders including Academia, Civil society representatives, Government/IGO, Private sector, Technical and students. Fellowship Program Sponsors and Partners APrIGF Fellowship applications are open to both new and experienced participants. Selected Fellows may be offered a full or partial fellowship, depending on the evaluation of the Fellowship Committee based on a points system with the set of criteria listed below. The number of selected fellows from the large number of applications we expect to receive will be limited by the funding that is available for our Fellowship Program this year. FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS: 12 April 2024 (Fri) 00:00 UTC – 5 May 2024 (Sun) 23:59 UTC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2024 RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT: On or before 16th June 2024ELIGIBILITY: Individuals residing in the Asia-Pacific region Central Asia Eastern Asia South-eastern Asia South Asia Kazakhstan China Brunei Darussalam Afghanistan Kyrgyzstan Hong Kong Cambodia Bangladesh Tajikistan Japan Indonesia Bhutan Turkmenistan Macao Lao People’s Democratic Republic India Uzbekistan Mongolia Malaysia Iran   North Korea Myanmar Maldives   South Korea Philippines Nepal   Taiwan Singapore Pakistan     Thailand Sri Lanka     Timor-Leste       Viet Nam   Australia & New Zealand Melanesia Micronesia Polynesia Australia Fiji Guam American Samoa Christmas Island New Caledonia Kiribati Cook Islands Cocos (Keeling) Islands Papua New Guinea Marshall Islands French Polynesia New Zealand Solomon Islands Micronesia (Federated States of) Niue Norfolk Island Vanuatu Nauru Pitcairn     Northern Mariana Islands Samoa     Palau Tokelau       Tonga       Tuvalu       Wallis and Futuna Islands Requirements for Selected Fellows (Must Read) VACCINATION There are no health notices currently in effect for Taiwan. However, visitors are advised to ensure that all vaccinations for covid, etc, are up to date.However, you will be asked to produce proof of vaccination before final sponsorship for flights and accommodation will be granted. TRAVEL INSURANCE All in-person Fellows are encouraged to purchase a suitable and adequate level of travel insurance at their own expense before arriving in Taiwan. While there are currently no health notices about covid or any other illnesses, a comprehensive level of cover is recommended. PASSPORT & VISA Please check if you have a valid passport until the end of the trip. Most countries expect at least 6 months remaining in passports before allowing entry, and whether a valid visa to enter Taiwan is required.Fellows who are selected to travel to Taiwan and who require a visa must do so at their own expense. We will be happy to assist in case you need any supporting documents for the application. Visa Entry Requirement : https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-149-4486-7785a-2.html The applicant may need to email an Invitation letter, guarantee letter, passport copy, and business card of the invitee with the list of the countries that the applicant visited.***The local host will provide the recommendation letter to the fellows. Evaluation Criteria Priorities Nationality & City of Residence Engagement Contribution to Diversity Return Fellowship Engagement Requirements of Fellows Pre-Conference During Conference Post Conference Fellowship support: APPLY NOW If you have any technical difficulties aquiring access to the Fellowship Platform, please email us via sec[at]aprigf.asia for requesting an offline Fellowship Application. For other enquiries, please feel free to contact the Secretariat at sec[at]aprigf.asia. Follow APrIGF on Social Media!