On Sunday, 12 August, I will be joining our hosts in Port Vila, Vanuatu, to welcome participants from around the world that are attending the annual Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF), which is being held from 13-16 August. Every year, we gather to engage in discussions, exchanges, and collaboration at a regional level around Internet-related issues. Our ultimate goal is to advance the development of Internet governance in the Asia Pacific region.
The theme for the 2018 APrIGF is “Empowering Communities in Asia Pacific to Build an Affordable, Inclusive, Open and Secure Internet.” The sub-themes include:
- Cybersecurity;
- Online privacy and protection;
- Access and empowerment;
- Digital economy and emerging Internet technologies;
- Diversity; and
- Multistakeholder participation in Internet governance.
This is the first time that APrIGF will be held in the Pacific Islands, and we want to extend our sincerest thank you to the Government of Vanuatu, as well as local representatives, for agreeing to host this event. Ongoing support and contributions from volunteers, individuals, governments, and organizations are important to ensuring the success of multistakeholder forums like this one.
Participation in regional or global Internet-related conferences has always been a challenge for community members from the Pacific Islands, largely due to accessibility and budget constraints. By bringing this year’s forum to Vanuatu, APrIGF will provide a platform for local interested stakeholders and communities to participate in an open forum, where they can learn or comment on Internet and technology-related issues.
Like the other supporting organizations, regional ICANN staff based out of our Singapore office will be attending to participate and contribute to various sessions. We look forward to engaging with you on-site or via remote participation.
More information about 2018 APrIGF sessions and remote participation is available here. We hope to see you there soon!
