Greeting everyone, I am Rithiya. I have been selected to receive a travel grant by Open Development Cambodia to join the 18th Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan from 8th to 12th October 2023.

What is Internet Governance Forum?

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global multi-stakeholder platform that facilitates discussions and debates on various issues related to internet governance. It was established by the United Nations in 2006 as a result of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and operates under the mandate of the United Nations General Assembly.

The IGF provides a space for governments, civil society organizations, businesses, technical experts, and other stakeholders to come together and exchange ideas, share best practices, and address challenges related to the internet. It aims to foster an inclusive and open dialogue on internet policy issues, promoting cooperation and collaboration among different stakeholders. The IGF also serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, raising awareness, and facilitating discussions on a wide range of topics such as internet access, cybersecurity, digital rights, privacy, online content, and emerging technologies. It holds an annual global meeting where participants from around the world gather to engage in these discussions and share their perspectives.

The Internet Governance Forum plays a crucial role in shaping the global internet governance landscape by promoting dialogue, fostering collaboration, and facilitating the development of shared principles and policies for the internet.
How do I know about this program? And, how do I apply for it?

I got to know about this opportunity through my online social media friend who shared about the Open Development Cambodia’s post about the travel grant. Then, I searched more information about IGF and decided to apply for this grant. There are certain points that we need to follow in order to apply for this travel grant. First, we need to become the CamIDF member through the website and there are some questions that we are required to answer. Then, wait for the confirmation of acceptance as the CamIDF member. After that, we need to post 5 topics related to the Forum’s theme on website and actively engage with other member’s post. 

My expectation towards Internet Governance Forum

From this program, I expect to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the newly rise technologies and the various approaches to addressing them. I hope to gain more insights from all sharing speakers from various backgrounds including private and public sectors as well as interact with other participants in different sections. Additionally, I am excited to collaborate and build connections with local communities, organizations, and experts in the field.