APIGA 2025: reflections from future leaders of the internet

In August, the 2025 Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) was held in South Korea. It was a week of immersive internet governance capacity-building for youth from across the Asia Pacific.

Among participants were Elizabeth Pollard, who was supported to attend through an APIGA Korea fellowship, received based on her contribution at APIGA Australia 2024, and Rohan Sachdeva, a member of auDA’s Compliance team, who served as a program youth leader.

In this blog Elizabeth and Rohan share their APIGA experience, reflect on the program’s impact and offer a glimpse of what to expect at the next APIGA Australia program taking place in February 2026.

Rohan: Youth engagement in internet governance is essential because young people are among the most active users of the internet. As technology becomes deeply integrated into every aspect of society, it’s vital that youth have a voice in shaping the policies that govern it. Their lived experiences bring fresh perspectives, highlight emerging challenges and inspire innovative solutions.

Today’s generation carries a dual responsibility: driving innovation while ensuring inclusivity across generations. Programs like APIGA offer a meaningful platform for youth to collaborate, debate, and build consensus - transforming ideas into action. APIGA creates a unique space where youth voices are not just heard, they’re empowered.

Elizabeth: Most days are a combination of listening to speakers, interactive activities, researching and drafting statements for the mock Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) session (which involved participants representing various committees and arguing various positions on real world topics), with some educational games thrown in as well. We started each day with a variety of talks covering topics such as internet governance, cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI). There’s a lot of group work that follows, with fellow participants and supported by mentors with extensive experience in internet governance.

Once the formal daytime program ended at around 6pm, the after-hours work began! Most days, my group met in the evening to prepare for the next day’s activities. Some nights we even had a chance to do some sightseeing before heading back to rest up, ready for what the next day would bring.

Rohan: As a youth leader at APIGA 2025, my role centred on guiding participants through our daily discussions, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration, facilitating group activities, fostering the exploration of diverse perspectives and supporting participants to refine their ideas.

One activity I supported was a workshop on the United Nations’ Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Participants were asked to prepare a proposal for an IGF session. I mentored a group whose proposal was “Cyber security and trust: building systems worthy of youth”. I worked with the group to shape its proposal, encouraging them to incorporate their personal experiences, whilst considering the audience’s viewpoint to enhance its impact.

I also mentored the At-Large Advisory Committee team, (which represents everyday internet users), for the mock ICANN forum. We engaged in late-night strategy sessions, consensus building and policy drafting, which deepened participants’ understanding of multi-stakeholder internet governance and policy development. It was inspiring to see participants grow in confidence and leadership throughout the week.

Elizabeth: The mock ICANN conference really accelerated my understanding of how consensus is built under the multi-stakeholder model. Even on our smaller scale, focusing on just a couple of issues, it was fascinating to see the push-and-pull of different stakeholder groups. It really emphasised to me how important it is to invite the views and contributions of all stakeholders. I truly don’t think any other method of governing the internet could ever be quite as effective or equitable.

Elizabeth: Definitely go for it! When I submitted my application back in 2024, I never could have imagined how far it would take me. The internet governance world is constantly searching for more youth participation and this is a fantastic opportunity to get started. Remember, all of this will be up to us one day!

As members of a generation who have grown up alongside the internet, watched it grow and evolve into the critical infrastructure it is today, we have a responsibility and a right to participate in the systems that determine so much of our daily life. APIGA Australia is a great place to start that journey and you may be surprised by just how many opportunities will follow.

Rohan: To anyone considering applying for APIGA Australia, kudos for taking the first step on a transformative journey! My advice is to make your application personal, reflect on the challenges that matter to you and how they affect youth. Curiosity and openness are key! APIGA is more than just a program; it’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone, build expertise, and connect with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Applicant information for APIGA Australia 2026

• Applications for APIGA Australia 2026 are now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025 (AEST/UTC+10).
• The program will take place in Melbourne over 10–12 February 2026 and is open to Australian residents aged 18–35, from technical and non-technical backgrounds
• A limited number of places are available for participants who are citizens of Pacific Island nations or territories and live in the region (not including New Zealand)
• All selected participants will receive a full fellowship covering travel, accommodation and meals
• Full eligibility criteria and program details are available on the APIGA Australia website: www.apiga.au.
• APIGA Australia is hosted by auDA and is the local chapter of the regional APIGA hosted annually in South Korea by the Korean Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
• APIGA Australia is delivered with the support of ICANN and other partners.

More information on auDA’s internet governance work is available on the auDA website.

Quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.