SINGAPORE - The Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) will resume in 2021 with a new format that combines virtual participation with a hybrid event day. The application window is now open, according to the official website of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, APIGA 2021 will be specially adapted with the aim to deliver the same outcomes as the original five-day capacity-development program.

The APIGA 2021 program will mainly be conducted virtually between 1 October and 30 November 2021.1 Sessions will be held once or twice a week in the latter part of the day. This will better accommodate the schedules of students and young working adults. Participants will be expected to complete preparatory work between sessions. The final day of the program will be conducted in a hybrid manner, where Korean participants will be gathered for an in-person event in South Korea while regional participants can join virtually.

Launched in 2016, APIGA is targeted at youth leaders in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Past data shows that one in four APIGA alumni continue to participate in Internet governance (IG) fora locally, regionally, and globally. Through the program, participants build a solid foundation in IG fundamentals, with guided pathways to continue participating in the IG space including at ICANN, the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Society (ISOC), and various IG forums.

Learning is through immersive, hands-on sessions with dedicated mentoring by regional industry experts. Participants will also build a strong network with peers, APIGA alumni, leading APAC Internet organizations, and key APAC community leaders.

How to Apply

Individuals from APAC who are interested in IG issues and who are between the ages of 18 and 35 are welcome to apply. Applications are now open until 8 August 2021. Please note that a stable Internet connection is required for participation.