APIGA Australia 2024

Join us at APIGA Australia 2024 in Melbourne

Ever wondered how the internet is governed and how decisions are made that impact the digital lives of billions of internet users? Join us to find out! 

auDA is pleased to announce the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy Australia (APIGA Australia). Taking place at the Rydges Hotel Melbourne from 20-21 November 2024, the inaugural event will bring together participants aged 18- 35 for a two day intensive program to engage in practical global discussions about governance of the internet. 

APIGA Australia is modelled on the Asia Pacific program run annually in South Korea by KISA (the Korean Internet Security Agency), and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in collaboration with regional organisations including the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), DotAsia Organisation, the Internet Society (ISOC), Asia Pacific Top Level Domain (APTLD). Top participants from APIGA Australia 2024 will have the opportunity to be granted a fellowship to attend the South Korean program in 2025. 

There is no cost to attend APIGA Australia. To ensure accessibility, all selected participants will receive a fellowship to cover travel, accommodation and meal expenses, including domestic flights.

What is APIGA Australia?

APIGA Australia is dedicated to developing the next generation of Australian youth leaders in the internet and digital ecosystem.  

The program will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to actively engage in policy-making and internet governance. Through the intensive two-day program, you will build a strong foundation in the following areas: 

• Internet governance and the multi-stakeholder model: Understanding the fundamental principles and processes underlying the inclusive multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance and policymaking.

• Global and regional internet governance issues: Gaining insights into current global internet governance challenges and learning how to engage with these issues at local and regional levels.

• Effective communication: Building the confidence to articulate ideas and participate in discussions at regional and international forums. 

Learning at APIGA Australia is an immersive two-day program, featuring interactive sessions and dedicated mentoring from Australian and Asia-Pacific industry experts. You will also have the opportunity to build a strong network with peers, APIGA alumni, leading APAC internet organisations, policy-makers, and key community leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Why attend APIGA Australia 2024?

If you’re interested in internet governance, APIGA Australia 2024 is an exceptional opportunity to engage with and learn from some of the most renowned experts in the field.  

Over two immersive days, you will gain in-depth knowledge and insights into the key issues and trends shaping the future of the internet. The program will cover a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, digital policy, domain name systems, and much more. 

Top participants at APIGA Australia will receive the opportunity of a fully funded fellowship to attend the renowned APIGA program in South Korea in 2025 to expand their understanding of this subject matter in an international environment. 

Key features 

• Expert-led sessions: Learn from distinguished speakers and experts in internet governance from Australia and around the globe 

• Interactive workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops designed to deepen your understanding and skills in various aspects of the internet’s operation and governance 

• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded peers, industry leaders, and policy-makers to build valuable relationships 

• All-inclusive experience: Travel, accommodation and meals for participants will be covered by auDA, ensuring you can focus entirely on the enriching experience. 

Who should attend? 

APIGA Australia 2024 is designed for students and early career professionals, with experience in the digital environment, aged 18-35 from diverse academic and career backgrounds. APIGA 2024 is open to eligible students and professionals living in Australia. 

If you have a keen interest in internet governance, digital and technology policy, or digital rights, this program is for you. Whether you’re studying or working in computer science, law, human rights or any other field, applications from any background are welcome. 

We welcome aspiring leaders who are passionate about understanding and shaping the future of the internet. If you're eager to learn, engage, and make a difference in the digital world, APIGA Australia 2024 offers the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge, develop your skills, and connect with industry experts and peers. 

Join us to gain invaluable insights, enhance your expertise, and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing Internet governance in the Asia-Pacific region.

At APIGA Australia, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and professional environment for all participants. The APIGA Australia Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for behaviour to ensure a positive and engaging experience for all participants, speakers and APIGA Staff.

Participants are also expected to meet the ICANN Expected Standards of Behaviour.

APIGA 2024 preparation materials

To ensure everyone arrives with a shared understanding, we’ve collated a pre-reading and learning pack, including materials about the internet and internet governance. We ask you to please complete this pre-reading and learning ahead of 19 November.

About auDA

auDA manages the .au domain name system (DNS), which is Australian critical infrastructure that supports more than four million .au domain names and helps internet users navigate to websites and send emails with domain names ending in .au.  

We are a not-for-profit endorsed by the Australian Government. Our purpose is to deliver a trusted .au for the benefit of all Australians and champion an open, free, secure and global internet. Learn more about auDA.