Developing the next generation of internet leaders: APIGA Australia 2024

Unlike the generations that precede them, today’s younger generation have never known life without the internet. Yet, despite its fundamental role in modern society, few are aware of how the internet is governed.

auDA is committed to engaging young people in internet governance and empowering them to take an active role in shaping the digital landscape they experience today and in years to come.

To this end, auDA launched the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy Australia (APIGA Australia) this November, providing a platform to cultivate the next generation of leaders to shape the future of the internet.

APIGA Australia is the Australian chapter of the regional APIGA program run annually in South Korea by the Internet Corporation of Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Korean Internet Security Agency (KISA), the country code manager of .kr.

The inaugural APIGA Australia welcomed participants aged between 18-35 to actively engage them in discussion on internet governance and technology policy.

Over two days, 40 bright, highly engaged participants came together, and shared diverse perspectives from their varied academic and career backgrounds including law, computer science, advocacy, cyber security and government. They were supported by expert mentors from auDA, industry and government, who guided participants through a series of workshops and interactive sessions.

A highlight of the program was the model ICANN forum, where participants were asked to address a real-world internet governance issue - defining and combatting DNS abuse. Participants were assigned to groups representing some of the key ICANN constituencies within the ICANN ecosystem (government, internet users and the technical community). The groups developed and presented their views and sought to negotiate a consensus. The exercise highlighted the importance of the multistakeholder model in ensuring all voices have a seat at the table, and also challenges of balancing diverse stakeholder interests to reach a consensus outcome.

We asked the participants to share their views on APIGA Australia. Below we set out some key takeaways from the class of 2024.

The role and art of consensus in governing the internet

“I've considered a lot of issues around what's on the internet but I didn't know much about how the internet is actually governed and internet infrastructure. We’ve discussed what can and can't be regulated, what the internet is and isn't, and then what it means to actually effectively govern the internet that we interact with.”

Wendy, young professional working in AI governance and policy

The importance and complexity of the multi-stakeholder model

“Prior to APIGA I had no idea of the amount of stakeholders involved in internet governance. I’ve also learned how crucial it is to have young people involved in internet governance, because we all use the internet, and it’s applicable to the way in which we'll be living.“

Felix, young professional, DNS abuse brand protection agency

Bridging a generational internet governance gap

“I was really excited about APIGA because I've got a huge interest in the policy aspect of IT. Young people need to be brought into internet governance conversations now, to learn from those experienced, but to also carry the internet into the future with the perspective of a generation that grew up always having access to the internet and always being online.“

Elizabeth, Bachelor of IT student

APIGA Australia 2024 showcased the remarkable potential of Australia’s next generation of digital leaders. Participants brought enthusiasm, dedication and insightful contributions that were instrumental in making the inaugural program a positive experience for all involved. We hope and encourage them to continue their involvement in the internet governance community as their voices and perspectives are crucial to the future of the internet. The top two participants will be offered a fellowship to attend the regional APIGA program in South Korea in 2025.