Youth IGF and inSIG 2024 Fellowship Reflection - Bangalore, India
Planted October 5, 2024
I was selected as a fellow for both Youth IGF India 2024 and inSIG 2024, two premier programs aimed at empowering young voices and building capacity in internet governance. These fellowships provided me with a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of digital policy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, all while interacting with global experts and fellow youth advocates.
inSIG Fellow
Youth IGF India Fellow
The Youth IGF India serves as a forum for young professionals to engage in discussions on internet governance topics, with a specific focus on Indian and global perspectives. inSIG (India School on Internet Governance), on the other hand, is a capacity-building program that offers hands-on learning in public policy-making, proposal drafting, and critical digital skills. Participating in these two programs enriched my understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in the field of internet governance.
Youth IGF India 2024
The Youth IGF India 2024 program kicked off on Day Zero of inSIG 2024. It was an incredible experience that brought together youth leaders from across India to engage in interactive sessions on digital security, trust, and governance. The day’s agenda was packed with panel discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative workshops.
One of the key discussions revolved around the role of youth in shaping AI governance. The session explored how young professionals can contribute to making AI more transparent, ethical, and accessible, especially for marginalized communities. We also delved into issues of data privacy and the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age.
As part of the Security and Trust working group, I collaborated with fellow participants to address the need for stronger cybersecurity frameworks. We discussed how countries across Asia, with diverse levels of digital literacy, are tackling online security challenges. Our group highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in building secure digital ecosystems, particularly in regions facing rapid technological advancement.
At the end of the day, we collectively drafted a Youth Policy Statement that captured our vision for a secure, inclusive, and ethical digital future. Presenting the policy statement was a moment of pride, as it truly reflected the collaborative efforts of all participants in shaping the future of internet governance.
inSIG 2024: A Deep Dive into Internet Governance
Following the Youth IGF India program, I participated in the main inSIG 2024 sessions, which took place at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Same Place XD, inSIG 2024 provided a comprehensive view of the internet governance ecosystem, covering a wide array of topics, from cybersecurity to AI ethics.
The first day started with a powerful inaugural session, where industry leaders discussed India’s growing role in global internet governance. This set the stage for in-depth discussions on the evolving nature of the internet and its governance, particularly from both global and Indian perspectives.
One of the highlights of inSIG was the Cybersecurity Incident Roleplay. During this exercise, we simulated a cyberattack and worked in teams to respond to the crisis. As part of the IT team and the representative of the technical community, I was responsible for implementing immediate security measures to contain the breach. The roleplay was a valuable learning experience that underscored the importance of cross-team collaboration in cybersecurity incidents. It taught me not only the technical aspects of incident response but also the strategic decision-making required in high-stakes situations.
The session on DNS and Its Future was another standout, where we discussed the foundational role of DNS in maintaining a stable and secure internet. The speaker emphasized the need for wider adoption of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to address vulnerabilities in the system, especially as the internet continues to expand.
In the morning of the 3rd day I was also tasked to present a session proposal for a mock proposal for India Internet Governance Forum which will be happening in Delhi, I also made most of the proposal content for my group with the wonderful help from my fellow inSIG delegates, Maitri Singh, Kushagra Singh, Chetan GS.
In the panel on AI Governance, experts from diverse fields debated the balance between innovation and regulation. The discussions centered around ensuring fairness in AI systems and preventing algorithmic bias, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and education. We also explored the ethical dimensions of AI in combating misinformation, which aligned well with the earlier discussions at Youth IGF India.
Fun Times and Social Events
The fellowship wasn’t just about serious discussions; the social events provided an excellent opportunity to unwind and bond with fellow participants. My adventure actually started even before Day Zero! I had the amazing chance to dive headfirst into Bangalore’s culture with some authentic South Indian food. The flavors were incredible, and it was the perfect introduction to the city. Later that evening, the early-arriving Youth IGF India fellows and I all piled into a restaurant together, getting to know each other over a fantastic meal. The energy was buzzing with anticipation for the week ahead!
The next evening brought the official inSIG social event, and it was there that I truly met the diverse and brilliant delegates. The highlight was a feast at a barbecue place near the hotel. Picture this: delicious, smoky food, lively conversations, and new friendships sparking under the Bangalore night sky. It was a fantastic way to relax after a day of intense learning.
The socializing didn’t stop there! Another party was organized, and it was a blast. We danced, laughed, shared stories, and networked in a much more relaxed setting. It was incredible to connect with people from all over India and beyond, not just as colleagues, but as friends.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The last day of inSIG arrived far too quickly. Kushagra and I packed our bags, snapped a ton of pictures to preserve the memories, and then ventured into central Bangalore for the night. We hit up Church Street, soaking in the vibrant market atmosphere and browsing the quirky shops.
After a restful night at a backpacker’s hostel, the real adventure began! We woke up bright and early the next morning and headed to Bannerghatta National Park. The safari was absolutely thrilling! Seeing so many animals roaming freely was an incredible experience. We also explored the zoo, mesmerized by the exotic creatures, and wandered through the enchanting butterfly garden, surrounded by fluttering wings of all colors. To cap off the day, we visited Bangalore Palace, soaking in its regal grandeur after grabbing some well-deserved food.
Finally, it was time to head to the airport. I was immediately struck by the airport’s awesome design – truly a modern architectural marvel! We boarded the flight and arrived in Pune. We explored the city a bit, checking out some malls and grabbing a late-night snack. Pune’s airport was much smaller, but it served its purpose! We spent the night there before catching another flight back to Delhi. It was a whirlwind of experiences, and I’m so grateful for every moment!
Me after Presenting Something:
