CAN Federation concludes APIGA Nepal 2024 

KATHMANDU: Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) successfully concluded 'Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) Nepal 2024', a two-day workshop designed to immerse tertiary undergraduate and graduate students in Nepal into the dynamics of Internet governance. 

Held on August 30-31in Kathmandu, the capacity-building workshop provided comprehensive information to undergraduates, postgraduates, and young professionals about internet governance, ICANN policy, and the multi-stakeholder model.

This workshop, organised for the first time in Nepal, was a local version of the global APIGA programme run by ICANN and the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA). Various interactive sessions, including internet governance seminars, roundtable discussions, simulation games, and mock ICANN conferences, were conducted.

At the inaugural session, CAN Federation President Ranjeet Kumar Poddar highlighted CAN's role in youth awareness and stated that future digital policy campaigners would receive important training from programmes like APIGA.

Chief guest, Member of Parliament and former Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sumana Shrestha, emphasised youth participation and activism in the policy-making process, drawing on experiences from the IGF Kyoto and their applicability in Nepal.

Keynote speaker, CEO and Member Secretary of the E-Governance Commission, Er Dipesh Bista, stressed the need for coordination between government processes and digitalisation, and the effective implementation of a single data exchange programme.

UNESCO's Programme Manager, Bhanu Neupane, participating online, emphasised the role of all stakeholders in making the internet more open and accessible.

In the second session, Deep Rayamajhi presented an introduction to internet governance, detailing its key stakeholders. Diksha Raut then shared her journey in internet governance, urging youth to participate actively in such forums.

A session on the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) followed, where ICANN representative Yash Agrawal provided insights into ICANN's role, organisational structure, and policy-making process.

Divya Khatiwada introduced the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), where APNIC fellows Karishma Parajuli and Ishara Dhakal shared their experiences.

APIGA Nepal's team leader, Bibek Silwal, and programme coordinator, Udip Baral, discussed their journey with ICANN and highlighted opportunities for youth participation.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, Cybersecurity Expert and General Secretary of the CAN Federation delivered the vote of thanks and closing remarks, emphasising the anticipated outcomes of the programme. He highlighted that participants would gain confidence in and appreciation for multistakeholder processes, such as those found in ICANN and IGF platforms. Furthermore, they would be exposed to various Internet governance topics and maintain ongoing connections with the APAC Internet community through the academy’s partnerships with regional initiatives.

Participants were required to complete online modules from ISOC and ICANN as part of their prerequisite training, earning certificates upon completion. Additionally, graduates of the five-day academy will receive certificates from KISA and ICANN. Upon graduation, they will join the APIGA alumni network, where regional organisations will continue to share information and opportunities for participation in global Internet governance-related events, such as IGF and ICANN meetings.

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on 'Internet Governance from the Perspective of Nepal', moderated by Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Practice Lead, Bibek S Rana. Panellists shared their views on the practice and situation of internet governance in Nepal.