Kathmandu, Nepal – August 30-31, 2024, The inaugural Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) Nepal 2024, organized by the Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN Federation), successfully concluded on August 31, 2024. This two-day capacity-building workshop aimed to immerse Nepalese undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young professionals, into the intricacies of Internet governance, ICANN policies, and the multistakeholder model.
Event Highlights:
- Interactive Learning: Participants engaged in seminars, roundtable discussions, simulation games, and a model ICANN conference, providing hands-on experience in policy deliberations. apiga.org.np
- Distinguished Speakers: The event featured notable figures such as:
- Shreedeep Rayamajhi, ICANN At Large mentor and founder of Learn Internet Governance and Rayznews, as a key speaker and Facilitator, he conducted sessions focused on multistakeholderism, digital rights, and the importance of youth participation in Internet governance.
Ranajit Kumar Podar, President of CAN Federation, who emphasized the federation’s role in raising youth awareness and the importance of such programs in training future digital policy leaders. - Sumana Shrestha, Former Education, Science, and Technology Minister and Member of Parliament, who discussed the significance of youth participation in policymaking and shared experiences from the IGF Kyoto.
- Dipesh Bista, CEO and Member-Secretary of the E-Governance Commission, who stressed the need for coordination between government processes and digitalization, highlighting the effective implementation of a single data exchange platform.
- Bhanu Neupane, UNESCO Program Manager, who highlighted the role of all stakeholders in making the internet more open and accessible.
- Shreedeep Rayamajhi, ICANN At Large mentor and founder of Learn Internet Governance and Rayznews, as a key speaker and Facilitator, he conducted sessions focused on multistakeholderism, digital rights, and the importance of youth participation in Internet governance.
Program Overview:
- Day 1: Focused on foundational topics such as Internet Governance 101, the Domain Name System (DNS), ICANN’s role, and policy development processes. The day concluded with a panel discussion on “Internet Governance: A Nepalese Landscape.” apiga.org.np
- Day 2: Participants prepared for and engaged in a Model ICANN Conference, simulating real-world policy discussions and decision-making processes. apiga.org.np
Outcomes and Future Engagement:
The workshop successfully equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of Internet governance and policy development. Top-performing participants have been selected for a fully funded opportunity to participate in APIGA 2025, scheduled to be held in South Korea in June 2025.
APIGA Nepal 2024 marks a significant milestone in empowering Nepalese youth to actively engage in shaping the future of the internet, both locally and globally.
