“From Newcomer to Advocate: My ICANN-IG Journey”

Many people reach out to me on LinkedIn seeking guidance on how I became involved in the Internet Governance (IG) community, became a fellow, and navigated the action items required to engage with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) ecosystem. I always emphasize that this journey is deeply personal. While numerous resources, mentors, and inspiring journeys offer guidance, your unique skill set, dedication, and determination ultimately shape your path and bring true satisfaction to your career.

I began my journey into Internet Governance three years ago, starting as a newcomer to the field. My introduction to the ICANN world came while preparing a document related to India’s Public DNS. This initial exposure sparked my curiosity about ICANN’s pivotal role in managing the global DNS ecosystem. Driven by a desire to learn and grow, I discovered ICANN’s Fellowship Program—a gateway to deeper engagement.

However, my path wasn’t without challenges. I faced rejections, as reflected in my APNIC portal applications—a different fellowship platform from ICANN and even in ICANN applications as well. Despite setbacks, my curiosity and determination led me to immerse myself in the Internet Governance community. Being part of the world’s largest youth population, I realized the importance of contributing to this space and advocating for youth participation. This journey has not only enriched my understanding but also strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful impact.

When I first began exploring the world of Internet Governance, I discovered my initial step into this ecosystem at the national level through the Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF). I applied to join the organizing committee and was fortunate to be selected as part of the sponsorship team. That opportunity marked the beginning of my journey into the IG community, where I started networking, engaging with like-minded individuals, and connecting with influential leaders.

Engaging with new people, exchanging ideas, and exploring this dynamic space helped me reconnect with a part of myself I believed was lost. It brought back memories of my college days when I was confident, outgoing, and proactive. This journey not only facilitated personal growth but also reignited my passion and enthusiasm, leaving me feeling reinvigorated and inspired.

Youth IGF was a beautiful and enriching experience for me, offering the opportunity to connect with young, innovative minds from across the nation. It fuelled my curiosity and eagerness to gain even more knowledge in the field of Internet Governance. Following this, I was fortunate to be selected for the ICANN78 Fellowship, which allowed me to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

For those unfamiliar with the ICANN Fellowship, it is held three times a year, corresponding to ICANN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Community Meeting, and Policy Forum. Anyone over the age of 21 can apply for the AGM and Community Meeting fellowships, while the Policy Forum is reserved exclusively for fellowship alumni. These programs provide invaluable opportunities to engage with global Internet Governance stakeholders and deepen one’s understanding of the DNS ecosystem.

The ICANN Annual General Meeting (AGM) experience was truly overwhelming, especially as a newcomer. It’s a dynamic environment where you witness the full spectrum of diversity and the multistakeholder approach in action. At first, ICANN may seem highly technical, primarily dealing with IP names and numbers, but it is so much more than that. It unites individuals from diverse fields, including technical experts, civil society, academia, and non-technical professionals.

After attending ICANN 78, I was selected for the Policy Forum for ICANN 80 in Kigali, Rwanda. Though it was yet another new experience, this time I saw some familiar faces, and connecting with people from across the globe felt like a lifelong friendship. ICANN truly enriches you with opportunities to build global relationships while expanding your horizons.

I had the opportunity to be an APSIG Fellow at the 2024 event in Taipei, Taiwan. The community’s essence is the same – the way they work, the way they view the Internet. The key is engagement. One of the most effective ways to deepen your interest in this community is by developing the habit of reading. Reading is not only an excellent exercise for your mind, but it also helps stimulate your neurons, fostering growth and learning. While I’m not offering medical advice, I am encouraging you to embrace reading as a tool to further immerse yourself in the Internet Governance community and all it has to offer. It’s about fostering interest and continuously learning.

Describing ICANN comprehensively in a single article is almost impossible because it is an expansive platform filled with endless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and learning. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a deep dive into the interconnected world of Internet Governance, where every participant has a role to play.

My journey didn’t end here; in fact, it truly began at this point. I realized that beyond my technical understanding of the Internet, I could explore other critical perspectives as well. ICANN introduced me to Universal Acceptance (UA), which emphasizes Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and the importance of making domain names accessible in multiple languages. ICANN’s belief in “One World, One Internet” underscores the need for inclusivity, and language is a key component of this vision.

For a country like India, where languages change from state to state, the concept of IDNs holds significant importance. Recognizing this, I started contributing to UA initiatives. I also became involved in the Asia-Pacific Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO), which is part of ICANN’s At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC). While ICANN’s structure might seem complex and overwhelming at first, diving into its ecosystem helped me build a clearer picture of its processes and impact. Through this journey, I found new ways to contribute and grow, making a meaningful impact in the community.

Inspired by these experiences, I, along with fellow Indian members of the Internet Governance community, am working on launching Local APIGA India. This initiative, part of the broader IG community, focuses on capacity building and educating youth about the ICANN ecosystem. It is envisioned as a regional capacity-building event aimed at empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the world of Internet Governance.

For more details, you can visit our website at apigaindia.in. While the event is still in the planning stages, updates and information will be shared soon. Stay connected with us on various social media platforms to keep up with the latest developments!


The SM page for the same are as follows:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105339260/admin/dashboard/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/49X39JS2P5LygZML/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apigaindia?igsh=eG5rNmxmeHRtYjM5

Explore These Valuable References for Internet Governance:

Whether you’re interested in national, regional, or global initiatives, these resources will guide you on your journey:

For additional insights or questions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at writeme1296@gmail.com.



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