yIGF ASIA 2024 Fellowship Reflection - Taipei, Taiwan
Planted August 25, 2024
I was selected as a fellow for the yIGF ASIA 2024 program in Taipei, Taiwan to recieve accomodation support from NetMission.Asia. The program was organized by the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) and the Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC). The fellowship program aimed to bring together young professionals from the Asia Pacific region to discuss and exchange ideas on internet governance issues.
The program was held on the Day 0 of the APrIGF 2024 conference in Taipei, Taiwan at the National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center. The conference was attended by over 900 registered participants from the Asia Pacific region and beyond. The conference featured a series of panel discussions, workshops, and networking events on various topics related to the policy making and governance of the internet.
As a fellow, I had the opportunity to attend the conference and participate in the discussions on internet governance issues. I also had the opportunity to meet and network with other young professionals from the Asia Pacific region who are working on similar issues. The fellowship program provided me with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of internet governance and policy making.
yIGF ASIA 2024
yIGF Asia 2024: A Day of Youth Empowerment and Collaboration in Taipei On Day Zero of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024 in Taipei, the Asia Pacific Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) gathered young leaders from across the region to explore the future of Internet governance. The day was packed with interactive sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative workshops.
The event began with an introduction to yIGF, followed by opening remarks from Jennifer Chung of the APrIGF Secretariat, who emphasized the importance of youth engagement in Internet governance. The morning sessions included a discussion on AI in education, exploring the role of tools like ChatGPT in schools, and an introduction to Internet governance basics led by Edmon Chung, CEO of DotAsia Organisation.
A panel discussion on democratizing Internet access was a highlight, addressing strategies for making the Internet more inclusive. The session on the youth policy statement allowed participants to draft a collective vision on security and trust, which was later presented with pride.
I was part of the group focused on the theme of Security and Trust. We tackled pressing issues such as the need for stronger cybersecurity measures in the face of increasing digital threats, and the challenge of maintaining trust in an age where misinformation is rampant across Asia. Our discussions highlighted the unique challenges faced by the region, including the varying levels of digital literacy and the impact of rapid technological growth on privacy and data protection.
The hard work culminated in the presentation of the youth policy statement. This was a moment of pride for all involved, as the statement reflected the collective voice and vision of the youth participants. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of youth perspectives in shaping Internet governance.
Things discussed in the policy statement included:
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The discussions and reflections from yIGF 2024 emphasize the importance of collaboration, resilience, and ethical governance in shaping a responsible digital future. The overarching theme, “Connecting Generations: Forging a Responsible Digital Future through Collaboration and Policy Innovation,” highlights the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships to address critical issues such as security, trust, and resilience in the digital space.
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Key points include the challenges of ensuring cybersecurity, data privacy, and online safety in an increasingly complex internet ecosystem. The participants explored how enduring principles can address these challenges by fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The importance of a resilient internet, especially in the face of growing cyber threats and disruptions, was also a central focus. Participants emphasized the need for policies that reflect diverse stakeholder needs and the significance of local communities in shaping their digital futures.
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Ethical governance of emerging technologies, particularly AI, was another major topic. The discussions underscored the need for balancing innovation with regulations that address ethical concerns such as transparency, bias, and privacy. The role of AI in combating misinformation, safeguarding democratic processes, and ensuring ethical use was thoroughly examined.
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Overall, the sessions and reflections contribute to the development of a Youth Policy Statement, which will be part of the official report submitted to the Internet Governance Forum by the United Nations. This document will reflect the collective input of yIGF participants, focusing on empowering youth, democratizing internet access, and securing truth in the digital age.
In the afternoon, the APAC Youth Leaders Dialogue focused on championing youth rights, safety, and well-being in the digital age. A meetup with industry experts provided insights into combating misinformation and securing truth online.
The day concluded with debriefing, reflections, and closing remarks from Dr. Ching-Heng Ku and Jenna Manhau Fung, encouraging participants to continue their journey in shaping a more inclusive digital future.
The yIGF Asia 2024 was an inspiring day that empowered young voices and fostered meaningful connections, reinforcing the critical role of youth in the ongoing dialogue on Internet governance.
APrIGF 2024 Conference
Day 1 Reflection: Key Insights from APrIGF Asia 2024
On the first day of APrIGF Asia 2024, discussions spanned critical topics in digital security, platform accountability, and ethical governance. Here’s a brief reflection on some of the key points:
Tackling Information Disorder
The session on forming a “Regional Fact-Checking Coalition” in Asia-Pacific highlighted the need for a unified approach to combat misinformation. A coalition could pool resources and standardize protocols, though regional diversity and funding remain significant challenges.
Platform Accountability in South and Southeast Asia
Discussions on “Platform Accountability” emphasized the importance of balancing content regulation with freedom of speech. There’s a need for clearer regulations and a collaborative approach between civil society and platforms to ensure accountability, particularly regarding data privacy and transparency.
Preventing Online Scams and Identity Theft
The session on “Defending Against Digital Deception” stressed the lack of a unified regulatory framework to combat online scams. The focus was on the importance of data loss prevention and the need for regional collaboration to establish enforceable regulations.
Bridging the Digital Gap in South Asia
Efforts to enhance connectivity in South Asia were discussed, with a focus on public-private partnerships and policy reforms. Investment in digital infrastructure and digital literacy, especially in rural areas, were identified as key to bridging the digital divide.
These discussions underscored the importance of regional cooperation and clear regulatory frameworks to address the complex digital challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
Day 2 Reflection: Key Insights from APrIGF Asia 2024
On the second day of APrIGF Asia 2024, the focus shifted to critical issues surrounding digital security, resilience, and ethical governance. Here’s a brief reflection on some of the key points:
Streamlining Gender Safety in the Digital Space
The session on “BreaktheSilo” emphasized the need for a coordinated, survivor-centric framework to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Creating such a framework involves engaging multiple stakeholders and ensuring that responses are contextually appropriate to effectively address and prevent gender-based violence in digital spaces.
Safeguarding Human Rights Defenders in the Cyber Age
“Digital Frontlines” highlighted the challenges in enhancing digital trust and cyber resilience for human rights defenders. Balancing freedom of expression with cybersecurity needs was a key focus, with discussions centered on how to protect these defenders while maintaining essential digital freedoms.
Developing a Digital Bill of Rights
In “Digital Bill of Rights,” the conversation revolved around crafting a comprehensive framework to counter digital authoritarianism. The session advocated for a systematic, bottom-up approach to ensure that digital rights are protected and enforced in the face of growing digital threats.
Combating Messaging Scams
“Messaging Scam and Combatting to Protect Human Rights and Democracy” explored the balance between privacy and the need for scam prevention. Key issues included determining the extent to which telecoms and governments can access messaging content and ensuring that anti-scam measures do not infringe on privacy and free speech.
Addressing Gendered Disinformation
“Gendered Disinformation” focused on developing policies to protect individuals from gender-targeted disinformation. The session highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces and inclusive platforms while involving diverse perspectives to counteract gendered attacks effectively.
Bottom-Up Advocacy for a Resilient Internet
“Bottom-Up Advocacy for a Resilient Internet” discussed the implications of local and regional decisions on internet fragmentation. The session emphasized the need for strategic advocacy and resilient policies to address potential disruptions and ensure the continuity of internet services.
Multistakeholderism in the Post-GDC Era
“Multistakeholderism in the Post-GDC Era” examined how the Global Digital Compact (GDC) might reshape multistakeholder discussions in internet governance. The session stressed the need for flexibility and inclusivity in implementing the multistakeholder model, ensuring it remains effective and representative.
Striving for EcoInternet
In “Striving for EcoInternet,” the conversation centered on integrating sustainability into internet infrastructure. The session addressed the need for initiatives to promote carbon-neutral and energy-efficient internet systems, emphasizing the importance of aligning environmental goals with digital resilience.
These discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges and opportunities in digital governance, emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches and adaptive strategies to address evolving digital issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
Day 3 Reflection: Key Insights from APrIGF Asia 2024
Security
The sessions on cybersecurity laws and internet governance revealed the delicate balance needed between national security and internet freedom. Key discussions included the challenges of enforcing IGF, GDC, and WSIS+20 outcomes, highlighting the need for case studies, net neutrality, and improved communication policies.
Resilience
Taiwan’s advancements in network resilience were showcased, with improved disaster response capabilities compared to previous years. The session on undersea cables emphasized the importance of resilience amid geopolitical tensions and privatization challenges, while discussions on DNS tampering highlighted the need for better internet standards.
Ethical Governance
The focus on ethical governance addressed balancing the benefits and risks of emerging technologies, the need for human-centric design, and the role of government and civil society. Sessions also explored AI’s role in financial inclusion, combating hate speech, and addressing fairness in AI across different jurisdictions.
APrIGF 2024 session
I also had the opportunity to moderate a session on the “Ethical governance of Emerging Technologies” at the conference. The session was Titled “Is Asia-Pacific Ready for AI? Balancing Innovation, Ethical Governance, and Marginalized Needs” and was well received by the audience. The session focused on the ethical and policy implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in the Asia Pacific region. The panelists discussed the need for a balanced approach to innovation and ethical governance to ensure that the benefits of emerging technologies are shared equitably across society.
We had the wonderful team of organisers and an esteemed panel of speakers for this session and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication in making this session a success.
Our Wonderful Panelists:
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| Jenna | Karlina | Dr. Ruth | Poren |
Team:
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rupam | Aviral | Socheata | Iqra | Jasmine |
There was also a wonderful support team that helped us in organizing the session and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.
Session Coordinator:
Sameer, Onsite | Socheata, Online
Session Live Notetaker:
Socheata, Aviral, Sonit, Kimhong, Sotheary
Key Takeaways from the session:
- AI Governance Challenges: Emphasized the need for ethical AI practices, particularly in culturally diverse and marginalized communities.
- Data Collection & Indigenous Knowledge: Stressed transparent data collection, preservation of Indonesia’s indigenous languages, and integration of local knowledge in AI models.
- Representation & Bias: Highlighted concerns about dominant cultures overshadowing local ones in AI, questioning the effectiveness of current data sources and stressing creativity over outdated copyright laws.
- AI’s Societal Impact: Addressed the broad impact of AI on education, job displacement, and the digital divide, emphasizing the need for human oversight and balanced innovation with ethical governance.
- Inclusive Collaboration: Urged for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including marginalized communities, in AI governance to ensure all voices are heard.
Fun Moments:
Day negative one (the day I arrived at Taipei) I accidentally got lost because of the language barier and couldn’t find my way to the hotel. I had to ask a local for directions and they were unable to understand me. I managed to get back at the metro station and find a free wi-fi spot to get directions to the hotel.
After checking in at the hotel, I met my roommate and we went out to explore the city. We visited Ximending, a popular shopping district in Taipei, and tried some local street food.
The next day was interesting as I attended the yIGF ASIA 2024 program and met the other fellows. We had a great time discussing internet governance issues and sharing our experiences.
We got our merch and badge for the conference and attended the opening ceremony for the yIGF ASIA 2024 program. The day was packed with interactive sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative workshops.
I don’t really remember what happened that day probably went to Ningxia for the first time and didn’t like the smell of the food there. But had a few things to eat and bought some trinkets at a gift shop there.
Day 1 of the APrIGF conference was exciting as we started with the opening remarks, introductions, and keynote speeches from various influential speakers. The sessions were informative and engaging, covering a wide range of topics related to internet governance.
In the evening we had a dinner reservation at a local restaurant and enjoyed some delicious Taiwanese cuisine. We also had the opportunity to network with other participants and share our experiences.
Day 2 of the conference was equally engaging, with more panel discussions, workshops, and networking events. The sessions covered critical issues such as digital security, platform accountability, and ethical governance, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field of internet governance.
In this evening we had a social event organised by LINE where we got to relax and unwind after a long day of sessions. We enjoyed some drinks, snacks, and music, and had the opportunity to connect with other participants in a more informal setting.
At night we all met at our room to play some games and have some fun. We played some card games, never have I ever, and paranoia. It was a great way to bond with our fellow participants and unwind after a long day of sessions. There were also some APrIGF fellows who joined us for the games.
Day 3 of the conference was the final day, and we wrapped up with some closing remarks, reflections, and a debriefing session. It was a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to our fellow participants and exchanged contact information to stay in touch.
We also had a networking event that day organised by Internet Society where we got to meet and connect with other participants and discuss our experiences at the conference.
After the conference, I had some free time to explore Taipei and visit some of the local attractions. I visited the Ningxia Night Market yet again and tried some more street food. I was also on the hunt for a hand held fan that day but couldn’t find one.
Day 4 was my last day in Taipei, and I spent the morning packing and checking out of the hotel. I had some free time before my flight, so I visited the Taipei 101 tower and enjoyed the view from the observation deck. I also did some last-minute shopping and picked up some souvenirs for my family and friends. I also managed to visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Palace Museum before heading to the airport.
Overall, my experience at the yIGF ASIA 2024 program and APrIGF conference was incredibly rewarding. I learned a lot about internet governance issues, met some amazing people, and had the opportunity to explore a new city. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program and look forward to applying what I have learned to my work in the future.
Important Links:
- Session Proposal
- Official Website yIGF
- Official Website APrIGF
- Session Recordings
- Synthesis Document - Please feel free to contribute to the open synthesis document (Deadline - (Extended) 1 September)
Me during the session Moderation:
