auDA is excited to bring the 2023 Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) to Australia for the first time. The APrIGF is a regional level internet governance and policy forum for the Asia Pacific region and will take place in Brisbane, Queensland on 29-31 August 2023.
In late May 2023, auDA hosted a webinar to discuss the importance of the event for the Asia Pacific region and to set out what attendees can expect from the forum. auDA’s Internet Governance and Policy Director Jordan Carter led the discussion and was joined by APrIGF Steering Committee members, Anju Mangal, who chairs the Committee, and Joyce Chen.
Below are some key takeaways from the webinar.
1. The APrIGF is open to all
The APrIGF is open to anyone with an interest in internet policy and governance- whether you are new to it, or have worked in the field for years.
It brings together a diverse community of civil society, government and non-government organisations to advance internet governance development across the Asia Pacific.
The APrIGF strives for inclusivity and actively promotes the participation of indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, rural and remote communities, youth, women and girls. It offers a Fellowship Program to support in-person participation from underrepresented communities.
The APrIGF is a hybrid event and is free to attend, supporting participation from wherever you may be based around the world. There will also be regional hubs allowing communities to join together locally in the region.
In hosting the event, auDA aims to deliver an inclusive event that attracts a diverse set of views. Whether a student, an internet user, a technology professional or academic, if you have an interest in the internet, we hope to welcome you at the 2023 APrIGF.
2. The 2023 APrIGF will focus on emerging technologies
This year’s theme is "Emerging Technologies - Is Asia Pacific Ready for the Next Phase of the Internet?”. The theme presents an opportunity to explore the challenges of keeping pace with technological change and build actionable solutions to improve digital participation and outcomes across the Asia Pacific region.
3. The APrIGF is part of a larger global initiative
Internet Governance Forums, known as IGFs, take place around the world at a local, regional and global level. Each forum provides the community an opportunity to discuss public policy issues related to the internet in their relevant region. Local and regional forums pave the way for the community to come together to determine issues and topics to be raised at the global IGF.
The APrIGF is a regional level forum for the Asia Pacific region and Australia’s local IGF is NetThing. This year’s NetThing forum will take place on Monday 28 August in Brisbane, alongside the APrIGF. A number of other IGFs will also take place alongside the APrIGF in Brisbane. These include the Pacific IGF and the Youth IGF. The United Nations is also developing a program for Parliamentarians from around the region to participate.
This year’s global IGF will take place in Kyoto, Japan, in October 2023.
4. Expect a jam-packed, interactive agenda
APrIGF sessions will take on a variety of formats, including roundtable discussions, presentations and workshops. Each session will be interactive, providing in-person and online attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives. There will also be evening events. With delegates from across Australia and the Asia Pacific, it provides a great opportunity to exchange ideas and build connections. Submissions for session proposals are now closed and the program will be released in coming weeks.
5. auDA supports the multi-stakeholder model
Supporting and championing the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance within Australia and internationally is a strategic focus for auDA, and part of the core functions of auDA’s Terms of Endorsement from the federal government. auDA believes that protecting the multi-stakeholder model is critical to ensure the internet remains open, free, secure and globally interoperable.
auDA’s support for the APrIGF reinforces our commitment to building capacity and sharing knowledge about internet governance and internet policy throughout the Asia Pacific.
Registrations for the 2023 APrIGF are now open - secure your place today. Keep an eye on the APrIGF website and auDA’s Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook for more exciting updates, including program and speaker announcements.
To learn more, watch the webinar on the auDA website.
If you have an interest in the internet, why not join us a .au member? Anyone who is eligible to hold a .au domain name is eligible to be a .au member. .au membership demonstrates your support for an open, free, secure and global internet. It’s complimentary and provides you access to a range of benefits including updates on current and emerging digital trends and invitation to exclusive events.
