NetMission Academy 2025

Planted March 1, 2025

Graduating from the NetMission Academy 2025 has been an enriching and transformative experience. The NetMission Academy is a series of online sessions designed to equip youth with the knowledge and discussion skills to participate actively in Internet policymaking. Over the past few months, I have been immersed in discussions on some of the most pressing issues in Internet governance. From thought-provoking debates to collaborative projects, every moment at the Academy has been a step toward deepening my understanding of digital rights and policymaking.

Introduction

The program consisted of 10 sessions and a closing ceremony, with each 1.5-hour workshop featuring interactive discussions and expert guest speakers. As a fellow, I was assigned to a thematic group to research and prepare for the sessions, actively contributing to discussions alongside other young visionaries passionate about making a change for the betterment of the Internet and our community.

Recruitment for the NetMission Academy 2025 took place in the latter half of 2024, with deadlines extended to November 15, 2024 (23:59 UTC). The Academy sought students currently enrolled in any tertiary institution within the Asia Pacific, aged between 18 and 30, interested in how the Internet impacts society.

One of the most memorable milestones of this journey was being awarded the title of “Future Writer,” a recognition that inspires me to continue contributing to the discourse on Internet policy and governance.

Upon completing the program, graduates become NetMission Ambassadors, working with alumni to contribute to the Internet governance community. This includes joining working groups focused on policy advocacy, research, and education, organizing youth-led events at forums like APrIGF, IGF, and ICANN, submitting workshop proposals, and applying for fellowships.

If you are a student currently enrolled in any tertiary institution within the Asia Pacific and want to make a change for the betterment of the Internet, this is the program for you.

The NetMission Academy Experience

The NetMission Academy is more than just an educational program—it’s a platform that empowers youth to take an active role in Internet governance. Through a series of interactive online sessions, we explored a wide array of topics that shape the digital landscape. Each session was an opportunity to engage with experts, participate in peer-led discussions, and critically analyze the challenges and opportunities within the Internet ecosystem.

Exploring Key Themes

Throughout the Academy, we covered a diverse range of topics, each shedding light on different aspects of Internet governance:

• Internet Governance Ecosystem & Internet Infrastructure: Understanding the key stakeholders, decision-making processes, and technical underpinnings of the Internet.
• Access and Empowerment: Addressing the digital divide, accessibility challenges, and policies aimed at bridging the gap.
• Human Rights Online: Examining the intersection of technology and fundamental rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and data protection.
• Cybersecurity, Privacy & Safer Internet: Discussing the evolving threats in cyberspace, the role of governments and corporations, and best practices for online safety.
• Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies: Analyzing the impact of AI, blockchain, and other innovations on the global economy.
• Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability: Advocating for an equitable Internet that respects cultural diversity and promotes sustainable development.
• ICANN Policies: Learning about the role of ICANN in managing domain names and ensuring a stable and secure Internet.

Each of these sessions was packed with engaging discussions, real-world case studies, and interactive elements that allowed us to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

A Glimpse into Other Sessions

While Human Rights Online was a core focus for Subgroup #1, the NetMission Academy offered a rich tapestry of sessions, each contributing to a holistic understanding of the internet governance landscape. Here’s a brief overview of some other key areas we explored:

• Internet Governance Ecosystem & Internet Infrastructure:

  • Examined key stakeholders and their roles in shaping the Internet.
  • Explored decision-making processes within the Internet governance framework.
  • Understood the technical infrastructure underpinning the Internet.

• Access and Empowerment:

  • Addressed the digital divide and its impact on communities.
  • Discussed accessibility challenges for marginalized groups.
  • Analyzed policies aimed at bridging the digital access gap.

• Human Rights Online:

  • Explored the intersection of technology and fundamental rights.
  • Discussed privacy, freedom of expression, and data protection issues.
  • Examined the role of governments and corporations in upholding digital rights.

• Cybersecurity, Privacy & Safer Internet:

  • Equipped us with knowledge to address evolving threats in cyberspace.
  • Explored best practices for online safety.
  • Delved into roles of governments and corporations in safeguarding digital spaces.
  • Examined complexities of balancing privacy rights with security measures.

• Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies:

  • Instrumental in understanding how AI, blockchain, and IoT are reshaping the global economy.
  • Analyzed potential benefits and risks of these technologies.
  • Discussed the policy challenges they present.

• Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability:

  • Highlighted the importance of creating an equitable internet that respects cultural diversity and promotes sustainable development.
  • Discussed strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure accessibility for all.
  • Focused on fostering a more inclusive online environment.

• ICANN Policies:

  • Provided a crucial understanding of how domain names are managed.
  • Emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable and secure internet.
  • Explored ICANN’s role in coordinating the internet’s naming system.

These sessions collectively ensured that we gained a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the multifaceted issues at the heart of internet governance.

Subgroup #1: A Journey of Exploration and Decision-Making

Within the Academy, I was assigned to Subgroup #1, one of five working groups, alongside my peers, with Sameer Gahlot as our buddy. At the beginning of our journey, we were brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, eager to explore multiple topics. We brainstormed extensively, considering areas like algorithmic bias, online censorship, digital identity systems, and the ethical implications of AI. However, as our discussions deepened, we realized that to make a meaningful impact, we needed to focus on a single, well-researched topic.

After multiple rounds of deliberation, we collectively decided to conduct a case study for our presentation on Human Rights Online. This approach allowed us to analyze real-world scenarios where digital policies had both positive and negative implications on fundamental rights. The process of narrowing down our topic was itself a learning experience—understanding how to evaluate the relevance, feasibility, and impact of a subject within the broader Internet governance landscape.

Initially, we debated multiple ideas, each member advocating for their perspective. We conducted research on several themes, gathering insights from past case studies and policy papers. The turning point came when we realized that many of our proposed topics intersected within the broader theme of Human Rights Online. This realization led us to structure our session around a comprehensive case study, ensuring our research was both focused and impactful.

Beyond the formal sessions, we held several internal discussions to refine our research, structure our presentation, and ensure our arguments were well-founded. The journey from idea generation to final presentation was an exercise in teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Human Rights Online: A Deep Dive

One of the most impactful sessions for us was Human Rights Online Day, where our subgroup’s case study took center stage. Our research explored critical issues such as:

• The impact of digital policies on freedom of speech and access to information.
• Balancing misinformation control with freedom of expression.
• The role of tech giants in safeguarding human rights vs. their business interests.
• The challenges of data privacy, surveillance, and government regulations.

We wanted our session to be more than just a presentation—we aimed to foster meaningful dialogue. By incorporating real-world case studies, engaging the audience with thought-provoking questions, and facilitating an interactive discussion, we were able to bring the complexities of human rights in the digital space to life.

Beyond the Academy: Becoming a NetMission Ambassador

Graduating from the Academy is not the end—it marks the beginning of an exciting journey as a NetMission Ambassador. This role presents new opportunities to apply our learnings and contribute actively to Internet governance initiatives. As an Ambassador, I look forward to:

• Joining working groups focused on policy advocacy, research, and educational initiatives.
• Organizing youth-led Internet governance events at forums such as APrIGF, IGF, and ICANN.
• Submitting workshop proposals to international forums and engaging in public consultations.
• Applying for fellowships that will expand my knowledge and engagement in global Internet policy discussions.

Conclusion

The NetMission Academy has been an incredible journey of growth, collaboration, and empowerment. It has not only deepened my understanding of Internet governance but has also connected me with a passionate network of youth leaders dedicated to shaping the digital future. The experience has reinforced my commitment to advocating for a more inclusive and equitable Internet.

If you’re a student in the Asia-Pacific region and are passionate about making a difference in Internet governance, I highly recommend applying to the NetMission Academy! It’s a journey that will challenge, inspire, and empower you to become a voice for positive change in the digital world.