My point of view of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023
If people ask me about my Kyoto trip, I will tell them about the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023. It was such an eye-opening experience for me. Let’s get to know IGF 2023 a bit, what is it? The IGF 2023 is the 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum which was hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October 2023. The Forum’s theme was: The Internet We Want – Empowering All People. The following sub-themes are: AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment. Let’s continue reading to see how my point of view of the forum is! HIGHTLIGHT OF THE PROGRAM The five-day forum was full of different program and sessions and was hosted in a hybrid format as well which some speakers gave a presentation via online. I couldn’t join all the sessions and had to schedule only selected interesting sessions. Its program was such a new experience I witnessed, involving participants from all stakeholders ranking from high-ranking level to youths. Over 355 sessions were featured in the forum with over 80 booths to share their work missions with the participants. The opening ceremony was conducted on the second day and to my surprise, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also gave a speech representing the country host of the IGF 2023. H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida said in his speech, “Generative AI not only improves operational efficiency, but also, to accelerate innovation in various fields such as drug discovery and development of new treatment, thereby bringing about dramatic changes in the world”. The United Nations Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres also paid a virtual visit to the forum by recording a video. In his speech, H.E. Mr. Antonio said, “I look to the gathering in Kyoto to provide critical input to advance our collective efforts. Together we can realize the ambition spelled out in the theme of your forum and the internet to empower all people”. In the evening of the second day, buffet was served with the music night as well as the welcoming firework outside of the conference building. INTERESTING SESSIONS As there were over 355 sessions, I couldn’t join all of sessions; therefore, I scheduled sessions I wanted to join. Below are sessions I found very interesting to share in this blog. EVOLVING TRENDS IN MIS- & DIS-INFORMATION Digital platform and social media are greatly beneficial to communication and information; however, it is also a concerning when it comes to the spread of inaccurate and falsified content as well as the information that causes harm. So, misinformation is intentionally and disinformation is not. Disinformation spreads through the action of both malicious actors and also mainstream media and social media platforms that are up for engaging ordinary users. What was so interesting about this session is that different stakeholders came together discussing on the issue and raising different perspective. One of the panelists, Ms. Maria Ressa who is the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, stressed on the risk of advancement of the technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) which could easily be used to spread false narrative. She called on all stakeholders to be cautious as AI is moving ahead of human right now. An interesting question for all panelists was, what can we do to protect and empower women and girls, refugees, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ people and what tools can they use to protect themselves? It is given the situation that these communities usually bear the brunt of harm caused by online disinformation and misinformation intended to target them. Ms. Vera Jourova, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, stated that the mantra in the EU treated what illegal offline the same as online as well. She also raised an issue that some big techs are running an attention economy which is the same as dirty business. It’s when those who runs the algorithms were making big money on hatred, alarming news, and dangerous information. The EU also discussed the issue with the big tech and tried to stop them with the legally binding digital services Act. Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Global Research Institute of the Keio University, responded to the question that attention economy become more serious in the online world than in the real physical world; containing hate speech, disinformation and misinformation. Combining these harmful acts together could become a very impregnable force; therefore, a speedy moderation would be the solution to the problem. Ms. Maria expressed that EU’s laws that are coming out is the race of the turtles while the technology is coming out every two weeks; therefore, it’s an agile development which human need to move faster and shouldn’t rely on the tech companies alone because their motive is profit. Nic Suzor, Professor at the Law School at Queensland University of Technology, responded that what lost in this debate is the acknowledgment, that it matters. It’s very difficult for tech companies to know who the online target is. When classifying hateful content, there are only high-level figures. He proposed that we need to be more proactively to ensure that the systems that we are building are built with historical inequality in mind. If we focus on what tools people use, it would be another burden on the people who are already marginalized. EDUCATION, INCLUSION, LITERACY: MUSTS FOR POSITIVE AI FUTURE This session focuses on artificial intelligence in higher education. The foundational principles for higher education were initiated globally to promote new literacies. Six principles include: (1) People, not technology must be at the center of our work, (2) We should promote digital inclusion within and beyond our institutions, (3) Digital and information literacy is an essential part of a core education, (4) AI tools should enhance teaching and learning, (5) Learning about technologies is an experiential, lifelong process, and (6) AI research and development must be done responsibly. CONTRIBUTING TO THE INTERNET GOVERNANCE IN CAMBODIA In January 2022, Cambodia’s approach to internet governance involves a mix of regulatory frameworks and policies to manage and control various aspects of the internets. The development in Cambodia’s approach to internet governance includes Regulatory Frameworks, Internet Infrastructure, Digital Economy Policy, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cybersecurity, Online Freedom, Social Media and Online Platforms, Data Protection and Privacy, and International Collaboration. After participating in the IGF 2023, I will continue to contribute to the internet governance in Cambodia by engaging with stakeholders; attend conferences, workshops, and events to build relationships and understand different perspectives. Another contribution would be advocating and raising awareness; promote an open and accessible internet and raise awareness about the importance of digital rights, freedom of expression, and the role of the internet in economic and social development. Lastly, I will join or collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on digital rights, internet freedom, and technology policy. KYOTO, JAPAN Japan Government chose just the right and best place to host its conference as Kyoto is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Visiting Kyoto, I find moments of peace and reflection while exploring the serene temples and scenic spots. It has well-maintained gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional landscapes contribute to a tranquil atmosphere. My overall feeling after visiting the city is a combination of admiration for its cultural richness, a sense of tranquility, and a deep connection to Japan’s historical legacy. SPECIAL THANKS All the way to IGF 2023 in Kyoto of Japan wouldn’t have been happened for me without a generous support from the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). The support from the ODC not only provided the necessary resources but has also served as a source of motivation and encouragement for youths who advocate internet governance in Cambodia. The impact of the support goes beyond the financial aspect; it is a testament to the power of community.
An Eyes-Opening Experience of The World: Advancement of Internet and Technology at Internet Governance Forum 2023
The 18th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, hosted by the Government of Japan at Kyoto for five days alongside the support of the United Nations, 12 Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committees had their first chance to join in the world class forum. It was an eye-opening experience which strengthened interest to foster the internet topics in their home country. More than 170 countries joined the forum to discuss and raise challenges and opportunities surrounding the topic of the internet. The global multistakeholder forum for dialogue on internet governance issues was held under the theme, ‘The Internet We Want–Empowering All People’, with the aim of gathering various international stakeholders. Cambodia delegates were also included alongside with the support from the United Nations (UN). It made our dream come true to have a chance to visit and join the international conference at Kyoto, Japan for five days, from 8th to 12th October 2023. As part of the Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committee 2023, I am enthusiastic to share what I have learnt and perspectives from the IGF 2023 at Japan for all of you, especially for those who would love to know more about this forum and internet governance topics. The program featured more than 300 sessions that span over eight sub themes. These were AI & Emerging Technologies; Avoiding Internet Fragmentation; Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety; Data Governance & Trust; Digital Divides & Inclusion; Global Digital Governance & Cooperation; Human Rights & Freedoms; and Sustainability & Environment. I would like to share some interesting topics that I have joined during the IGF 2023 below. Cultural Showcase For the first day of the event in the evening, there was an opening ceremony which takes place at the Kyoto International Conference Center with fireworks, introducing Japanese traditional drums performance and wearing Khmer traditional clothes. It’s like exchanging cultural tradition together, I got to know the taste of Japanese culture through their art performance. The next day marked an official opening day of IGF 2023, with the opening remark from the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, stating about the significant role of the internet in society. While the advancement of the internet is important, the PM of Japan also raised concerns over issues surrounding the internet, such as unlawful and harmful information including disinformation cyberattacks, which are intimidating the safe space for socioeconomic development. Hopefully the IGF 2023 will help to improve and address those problems through the discussion in this forum, aimed at strengthening the regulation of AI and cybersecurity to make the internet a safe space for all. The present United Nations’ Secretary-General, António Guterres stated that digital technologies can be used to achieve the UN’s SDGs, such as tackling climate issues and building a sustainable world. After that there was an opportunity to dress in traditional Japanese clothes (kimono) and many nationalities around the world came to try and capture the moments of wearing Japanese traditional clothes. I felt comfortable with the vibrant pink color of their clothes and smooth textile and it doesn’t take long to dress up. I hope I can have a Kimono set. Then we enjoy visiting the stalls coming from different organizations, private companies that were showcasing their new technology, discoveries and introduced us to their companies’ mission to help tackle issues in the digital era. AI Advancement As a person who works in media, I was fascinated by Multilingual Translation Technologies that have the ability to translate multiple languages to subtitles at the same time through one language voice, using AI simultaneous interpretation technology that is currently being developed by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) of Japan. Committee members and I also joined the ‘Talking with Metaverse residents– a new identity and diversity’ workshop session during the event. It has shown the advancing technology of AI in the metaverse is moving forwards to help solving gender gaps and allowing youth to express their true identity that belong to who they are without fear of judgement or social norms in transgenders. It helps them to become any gender or appearance or dressing styles in whatever they wish by generating identity avatars and doing any activities people dream to do freely in the world of metaverse. The other workshop, ‘Involving Schools of Internet Governance in achieving SDGs’ , has shown me that there are many issues from different countries regarding education and there is a good sharing from developed countries to ensure the internet is safe to use in school and improving the knowledge of SDGs. Cambodia\'s representative also delivered key research of AI in education as well. Mr. Heng Soklay, from the Cambodian Youth Internet Committee, presented his research, ‘AI-Driving Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education’. It demonstrated that AI usage likeChatGPT is controversial between students and teachers in Cambodia and we don’t have the regulations or rules yet. However, the participants from different countries also raised concerns about this matter as well, and some countries shared that it has both positive and negative sides for students’ studying and their ability to conduct research. After joining the Internet Governance Forum 2023 with Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committee, we have seen global challenges and many perspectives from different countries in AI, internet and cybersecurity usage. We see that they are moving faster than Cambodia in terms of cybersecurity protection laws, AI usage rule, and the world is gaining higher potential of the benefits from the internet usage to develop their economy, cutting down the gender gaps and solving many issues in their countries. I hope Cambodia can improve internet safety and be able to absorb the advantages from the internet in this digital era like other countries do. As a Cambodian YIGF committee member, I am curious and optimistic regarding the future of the internet. The YIGF can serve as a community safe space regarding the internet, and advocate for all Cambodians by raising awareness, sharing concerns and facilitating multi-stakeholder discussion with public, private sectors and public to achieve digital economic success for more people.
My Internet Governance Journey
Hello! My name is Soklay. With a strong interest in internet governance, I serve as a program committee of the very first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum. My commitment in this role has fueled my passion for shaping the digital landscape in the Asia Pacific region; therefore, I was selected as a fellow for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF). In this blog, I will share my experience involving internet governance from local level to regional level and my expectations for the global level.Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumMy journey began with a growing concern about the increasing number of digital threats and emerging technology like artificial intelligence. Individuals, particularly those in rural areas with limited awareness or understanding of these issues, are more vulnerable to becoming victims. At the same time, there was an absence of a dedicated platform in Cambodia for discussing and addressing these challenges. Recognizing this gap, Open Development Cambodia took the initiative to establish the first Internet Governance Forum in Cambodia, a youth-led endeavor aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue around internet-related issues. We successfully hosted the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum with approximately 170 participants. The event brought together a diverse group of experts from various sectors, including industry professionals, researchers, government representatives, and both local and international speakers. This dynamic assembly provided a rich platform for discussing and sharing knowledge on mitigating the pressing issues related to internet governance.Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum 2023I am privileged to have been chosen as a fellow for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF), which took place in Brisbane, Australia, from August 29 to 31, 2023. The conference brings together a diverse group of people sharing different backgrounds, including youths, researchers, policymakers, and others, to collaborate and discuss Internet issues happening in the Asia Pacific region. Various interesting topics were discussed, such as data privacy and protection, AI ethics, cybersecurity, human rights, online child protection, digital inclusion and connectivity, policies and regulations, and many others. Additionally, I participated in the APAC Youth Leaders Dialogue organized by yIGF, a truly enlightening experience that shed light on the significant role youth can play in Internet governance dialogues and the initiation of local Internet governance initiatives in their respective countries. My active participation in the regional internet governance forum has been a significant step forward, preparing me for engagement at the global level in internet governance discussions and initiatives.Internet Governance Forum 2023As a Cambodia Youth Internet Governance program committee, I am truly grateful for being selected by Open Development Cambodia to receive a travel support grant to join the 18th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8th to 12th.The overarching theme for this year’s forum is “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People” with an emphasis on sub-themes including AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment. By engaging in global internet governance, I expect to meet a diverse group of people coming all round the world. This will be a platform to discuss, learn, and exchange ideas, aiming to raise concerns and identify best practices that can be applied in our respective countries and to foster a stable and safe digital space for everyone.I am particularly passionate about attending the High-Level Panel V session at the IGF 2023, focused on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session, scheduled for October 9th from 11:00 to 13:00 JST, presents a vital opportunity to delve into the complexities and rapid advancements of generative AI technology. The discussion will explore the profound impacts of AI on society and how AI should be governed to foster innovation without amplifying risks. Moreover, the session will include discussions from the Hiroshima AI process under the Japanese G7 Presidency, offering insights into the future direction of AI governance. This aligns with my belief in the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to international AI governance, a principle that the UN IGF exemplifies.In conclusion, I extend my deepest appreciation to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their generous financial support, which has made it possible for me to participate in the Internet Governance Forum 2023. I am enthusiastically looking forward to being an active participant in this enlightening forum, both contributing to and gaining valuable insights from the many vital discussions on internet governance.
My Internet Governance Forum 2023 Experience
Greetings once again! I’m Soklay, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. I am eager to share my exciting experiences and insights I gained from the IGF 2023 forum. Impression about the forum:As expected, I had an amazing and unforgettable experience with the IGF 2023. The forum brought together diverse representatives from all key stakeholder groups such as press/media, technical community, private sector, IGOs, government, all united by a common goal: to shape the future of internet governance. Moreover, as a program committee of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum, I felt an immense sense of pride to be a youth representative.This opportunity has further motivated me to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in internet governance, aligning with the objective of the IGF and emphasizing the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach.The overarching theme for this year is \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People.\" With sessions including an opening ceremony, main sessions, workshops, open forums, town halls, launches, awards, lightning talks, and more, the schedule provided a wide range of interests. For someone like me, particularly interested in AI, various sessions related to AI discussion provided invaluable insights into how emerging technologies are shaping the landscape of internet governance.In addition to this, there was also an IGF Village, with its 80 booths, to represent organizations’ missions and works. Walking through the village, it offered a unique opportunity for me to learn about various initiatives and network with like-minded individuals. The village was more than just an exhibition; it was a space for collaboration and inspiration for various works related to internet governance.Interesting Sessions:Workshop#196 Evolving AI, evolving governance: from principles to actionThe session discussed the development of AI governance frameworks, highlighting international efforts like the OECD AI Principles and the EU\'s AI Act. The session also emphasized the need for AI policies that align with global values like equality and transparency, requiring international cooperation and policy adaptability. The session called for inclusive, comprehensive AI policies involving all stakeholders to ensure responsible AI development and governance.High Level Panel II - Evolving Trends in Mis- & Dis-InformationThe session explained the concept of misinformation as unintentional sharing of false information by individuals who are unaware of its inaccuracy, whereas disinformation is the intentional creation and distribution of misleading content with the intent to mislead and cause harm on digital platforms and social media. With the rapid advancement of technology, AI-generated media has become increasingly adept at manipulating audio and video content in a convincing manner. This development raises significant concerns about the potential misuse of AI in disseminating false content, as it becomes more challenging to distinguish between authentic and synthetic media. Tackling the challenges requires a comprehensive and society-wide approach, one that fosters collaboration among governments, technology companies, and civic organizations. Equipping individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to discern false information is also crucial.High Level Panel V - Artificial IntelligenceThe session discussed strategies to maximize benefits and mitigate risks of AI, such as misinformation and transparency issues, ensuring AI development is inclusive and doesn\'t widen digital divides. The session also emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach for international AI governance. Additionally, it also included insights from the Hiroshima AI process under the G7 Japanese Presidency, focusing on challenges and opportunities of AI and future AI governance directions. It has been proposed that to enhance the inclusivity of the Hiroshima AI Process, participation from a diverse group of stakeholders should be encouraged. This includes not just the G7 countries, but also other nations and private companies.Lightning Talk #115 AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher EducationI also hosted a lightning talk session. The session focused on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI-powered tools in Cambodian higher education.Cultural Enrichment:IGF 2023 wasn\'t just about a conference and discussions. The social events provided an amazing opportunity to unwind, network, and immerse myself in Japanese culture, from trying local food to enjoying traditional performances. This enlightening experience was not just about enjoyment but also about gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture.Attending IGF 2023 in Kyoto was not just an opportunity to engage with the global internet governance community; it was an immersive experience that highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping \"The Internet We Want.\" The discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences all contributed to a deeper understanding of how we can empower all people in the digital age. As the world continues to evolve digitally, forums like IGF play a crucial role in ensuring that the internet remains a stable and safe space for everyone.Special thanks to Open Development Cambodia:Last but not least, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their generous financial support. Without their assistance, my participation in this enlightening forum would not have been possible. Their support is a testament to the importance of empowering diverse voices, especially youth, in global forums like the IGF. The journey with IGF 2023 has not only broadened my horizons but has also reinforced my commitment to bringing more positive impacts to the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum.
Mr. Norbert. KLEIN’s keynote speech on the Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) 2023
Cambodia Youth IGF! Welcome everybody!Let me clarify at the beginning of my Keynote Speech what these words \"Youth IGF\" mean what is the purpose that brought us here together.And let me also say that I am almost 90 years old - I was born in 1934, long before there was something like the Internet. I feel empowered standing now here in front of you- young people who nowadays order your purchases of food, or your haircut, or your wedding rings, with your mobile phones on the go. Really a different time!The task seems to be simple today: I just put IGF into my Google search engine, and we have the answer already:The IGF is a global multistakeholder platform that facilitates the discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the InternetNow is everything clear? Maybe not so we should check word-by-word.And our meeting is special: it starts with the word \"YOUTH\". We do not have to define it, because in the original announcement for this meeting this was done already: it said \"youth\" means \"persons from 18 to 35 years of age\".But what about the next: \"IGF\"? Let’s start with the \"I\", and take the \"GF\" later. \"I\" stands for Internet.Nowadays, we all have an idea about the Internet-we use it every day, we use it on our mobile phones or on out computers to communicate.But I would like to remind us that this is a fairly recent situation. When I came to Cambodia in 1990, there was no Internet - in Cambodia not yet. Before I came to Cambodia, I was one of the fairly early users of the Internet in Germany where I came from. But after arriving (to work at the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture) I felt bad because of the inability to communicate like before- and so I started the first Internet access in Cambodia at the end of the year 1994. I was encouraged to describe the start a bit here - I think nowadays hardly anybody can imagine how difficult it was.After a visit to Europe, I had received some software. But in Phnom Penh - there was no regulate electricity: almost every day, the electricity went off for some hours. To have regular electricity for my laptop computer, bought a Japanese 24 Volt truck battery, I charged it (when there was electricity) with a Thai charger, an American friend imported an inverter - to charge the 24 Volt DC (direct current) into AC (alternate current)- but it was 110 Volts, as it was a US inverter, so I got a Vietnamese transformer to change the 110 Volts into 220 Volts.That was the hardware side. But there was also the software side; and then the use of the Khmer script.Software: first the military of the USA had developed a method for computer-based communication. Then people at different US universities became also interested - that was the beginning of the Internet. They had to develop an address system, and later there were also people in other countries involved. Jon Postel, a professor at a California university, developed an address system which everybody had to use to be able to communicate: on top two-letter country codes (like \"kh\" for Cambodia). and a hierarchy below, like \"com\" \"edu\" \"gov\" etc. I had to contact Prof. Jon Postel, and he assigned me the Cambodian country code \"kh\" and the instruction how to give addresses to people and organizations in Cambodia. Years later, I handed these things to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication.But people wanted to use also the Khmer script on computers. I found that 8 people in Cambodia and abroad, in France, Australia, the USA, Canada and Germany-had created Khmer font systems. But you could only communicate, when both the sender and the receiver used the same system. Later I found that there were actually 23 different Khmer font systems in use a big mess really hindering wide communication. Then a - friend, Prof. TAN Tin Wee at the National University of Singapore, suggested we should use Unicode. Unicode? - an international arrangement to create computer usable letters for all scripts of the world. But the Khmer script was not yet defined. With one Japanese professor and two Cambodia people living in Japan, the Khmer script started to be defined in Unicode. But some of those who had already defined their own Khmer fonds used in Cambodia, opposed the use of Unicode - with their own economic interests, partly also supported by persons with political power. Fortunately, under the Senior Minister Sok An a working group on Khmer fonts was set up, and the Khmer Unicode fonts became the official fonts for writing in Khmer.So finally, it was possible to computer communicate in and from Cambodia - but for some years only by e-mail- the World Wide Web with graphics/pictures, and quite elaborate and complex content, came only some years later.But the development of the Internet and the many new possibilities happened world wide-bringing fundamental changes in many societies, because of the availability of huge amounts of information and the possibility to share it, again worldwide.It was as if a new epoch of history had started with hopes, but also with concerns. To find some clarity in these chaotic developments, the Organization of the United Nations took the initiative to create a platform to discuss this situation.It took the form of not one, but of two large conferences: the \"World Summit on the Information Society\" meetings in 2003 in Geneva in Switzerland, and in 2005 in Tunis, in the capital city of Tunisia.These \"World Summits on the Information Society\" - abbreviated also referred to as \"WSIS\" - were, a two-phase United Nations sponsored summit on information, communication and, in broad terms, on the information society itself. One of the Summit\'s chief aims was to bridge the global digital divide, separating rich countries from economically poorer countries by increasing the accessibility to the Internet in the developing world.It was in this context - my involvement to create the first connection to the Internet from Cambodia- that the FRANCOPHONIE - the association of former French colonies and French speaking countries-sponsored me to be one of the several thousand participants invited to both meetings in Geneva and in Tunis.It is no surprise that there were sharp differences of opinion - especially about the control over the Internet - even to have the conferences ending as a failure became possible. However, finally, it was agreed to leave the control of the Internet addresses- the country names like \"kh\" for Cambodia - and the sub-structures of Internet addresses- like \"com\": \"edu\"-\"gov\" in the hands of the United States-based organization ICANN - \"Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers\", for the time being, to avoiding a major breakdown. As a compromise there was also an agreement to set up an international \"Internet Governance Forum\" - IGF with a purely consultative, not controlling, role.The summit itself was partly disturbed by criticizing the government of Tunisia for allowing attacks on journalists and human rights defenders that happened during the days leading up to the event. The Tunisian government tried to prevent one of the scheduled sessions with the heading \"Expression Under Repression\", from happening. A French reporter, Robert Ménard, the president of \"Reporters Without Border\" was refused admission to Tunisia for phase two of the Summit. A French journalist for the newspaper \"Libération\" was stabbed and beaten by unidentified men after he reported on local human rights protesters. A Belgian television crew was forced to hand over footage of Tunisian dissidents. Local human rights defenders were prevented from organizing a meeting with international civil society groups. But still WSIS Tunis came to a positive end.The establishment of the IGF was officially announced by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006. It was first convened in late 2006 and then has held annual meetings.How to describe the most important concept developed in the Tunis meeting? It is the multistakeholder structure of the Internet Governance Forum.It is a \"tripartite\" model as a result of the \"World Summit on the Information Society\". It says in Paragraph 35 of the Tunis results:\"We reaffirm that the management of the Internet encompasses both technical and public policy issues and should involve all stakeholders and relevant intergovernmental and international organizations. In this respect it is recognized that:\"Policy authority for Internet-related public policy issues is the Sovereign right of States. They have rights and responsibilities for international Internet-related public policy issues.\"The private sector (that means here especially the technology companies) has had, and should continue to have, an important role in the development of the Internet, both in the technical and economic fields.\"Civil society has also played an important role on Internet matters, especially at community level, and should continue to play such a role.\"This official document recognizes States, the Private Sector, and Civil Society and calls it the \"stakeholder\" groups. In this tri-partite structure, here are also some additional explanations:We recognize the valuable contribution by the academic and technical communities within those stakeholder groups mentioned in Paragraph 35 to the evolution, functioning and development of the Internet.So as a result of the Tunis meeting, the IGF was created. It is a \"Forum\" - but what is a Forum?A forum is a meeting where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. - \"we hope these pages act as a forum for debate\". A Forum does not define results it is not the solution, but it describes the way towards it where the three stakeholders present their - maybe different- interests, to regularly continue to work towards developing common next steps.So please - take your role, as the Cambodian Youth among the Internet Governance Forum.
Molika’s Journey with Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023 (yIGF)
Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) 2023 is a remarkable program that brings me more insights into ‘internet governance’, strengthening my soft skills and precious opportunities to connect with like-minded people and my dream country. I’m Meas Molika, 22, majoring in Global Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the National University of Management International College (NUM IC) and a young female reporter at Kiripost and also a Cambodia yIGF Organizing Committee (OC). How I get into Cambodia yIGF On May 29, I got selected to join the Cambodia yIGF OC 2023 committee. It was such a surprising and exciting moment to be part of the Cambodia yIGF OC to host the very first Internet Governance Forum in Cambodia which has been celebrated around the world annually. I first met the other OC during the kick-off meeting at the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) office. The ODC team introduced us to the previous YIGF events and informed us of our goals to organize this event in Cambodia as we observed that digital and internet literacy is playing an important role in the digital age. In addition, we would like to raise awareness of internet-related knowledge and policies. I was having a lot of fun chit-chatting with the youth team to get to know one another more. Even though we had just met at that time, we are getting along so well with one another and connecting through social media. There are three main committees such as program committee, communication committee and administration committee. I am delighted and enthusiastic to be part of the communication committee with like-minded team members and grateful to work in collaboration with other teams. My role is writing blog posts about internet-related topics focusing on Cambodian aspects. I have learned many interesting things that I have never known before while doing research and reading more articles about internet usage in Cambodia. My First Debate Experience I have gone through many public speaking contests since I was in high school. The scarier it is, the more I am willing to challenge myself. I am an introverted person and most of the time I was shy to express myself, especially my own opinion in front of crowded people. By joining the Cambodia YIGF, I have challenged myself to debate about ‘Internet Governance’ with my debate teams. On July 28, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) committees initiated the first friendly debate regarding internet governance topics to engage youths in the internet discussion. On August 11, Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) conducted the second friendly debate. As a YIGF committee member, I am eager to join the second debate and was trained on how to debate and deliver my opinion through researching various sources with a team for the first time in my life. “This house believes that digital services should be held accountable for protecting user data and providing transparent usage policies”, is the motion for the second friendly debate. Along the way, I learned how to collect more data and information from online sources, summarize main ideas, gain new insights about internet service providers, and some examples of other countries\' data and digital services policies and how it used and how other apps connect our data in many purposes that I have never known before. In addition, debating helps me to enhance my soft skills like teamwork, active listening, and critical thinking and forcing me out of my comfort zone to express myself and my team\'s opinion about the motion. Memories & Insights With Cambodia YIGF Event On September 23 and 24, Open Development Organization Cambodia (ODC) hosted the first ever yIGF\'s in the Kingdom under the topic, ‘Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, And Opportunities for All\' at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. About 250 participants attended, alongside 36 guest speakers from Japan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The event presented three sub-themes: Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, Digital rights and responsibilities online, and Internet security and data privacy. During the two days, the yIGF OC and I were actively organizing and setting the tasks for each member with volunteers to ensure everything was running smoothly. We helped facilitate participants, guest speaker presentations, a Cryptocurrency game (Phum yIGF Game), stakeholders\' discussion about the internet in Cambodia, and the next step of Cambodia yIGF. It was a two-full-day of exhausting moments, but we learned to collaborate and be open to sharing our thoughts and minds during teamwork and gain more knowledge about the internet, AI, cybersecurity, and how impactful the youth voice as well as from various stakeholders to raise their concerns about the internet aspects while providing constructive feedbacks for better safety internet for all through the forum. Alongside the forum, I have the opportunity to join the international IGF in Kyoto, Japan from October 8th to 12th this year with 12 other Cambodia yIGF OC under the theme of “The Internet We Want - Empowering All People \'\'. The 18th annual IGF program develop around the following sub-themes: AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety ,Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation Human Rights & Freedoms, Sustainability & Environment. Those are the topics that I am curious about and would like to hear more from international experts and youths around the globe to raise their perspectives and insights following the topic above. The most impressive topics that I would love to join for deeper discussion are Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms and Sustainability & Environment. I can’t wait to be involved in this global forum in Japan in the forthcoming week and share with you about my journey experiment as well as my knowledge after participating in the forum.
Back in the Real World: Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APISG) 2023 – From Pixels to People
Three years stuck in online land felt like forever since online virtual Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APSIG) 2020! So, stepping into APISG 2023 in person was like a breath of fresh air. No more flickering screens, just real faces and the buzz of human connection. Haingkheang\'s blog already dives deep into the official stuff, but let me share some cool bits that sparked my curiosity. First, we peeked behind the internet curtain. Turns out, it\'s not just magic! We learned about protocols, servers, and even cables crossing oceans like digital highways. Seeing the hidden infrastructure that connects us all, the silent language beneath every click, made me appreciate the internet even more. Next, we tackled cyber safety. In this digital age, protecting our online selves is just as important as the real thing. Experts taught us about data privacy, online security, and even digital wellbeing. It was a timely reminder that our online lives deserve protection too. Then came the exciting world of The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards. These are like special tools that can make websites better for everyone, especially for people with disabilities. We saw a live demo of how they work, making websites smoother and easier to use. This showed me that Cambodian websites can be just as awesome as any other if we use these best practices. But APISG wasn\'t all serious stuff. We had fun role-playing exercises, simulating real-life internet governance. Imagine stepping into different shoes and seeing things from other perspectives. It was a powerful reminder that collaboration and understanding are key to the internet\'s future, even when we disagree. And who can forget the social events? The infectious energy of the Filipino duck dance (yes, you read that right!), the heartwarming cultural sharing, and the delicious Filipino feast all reminded us that the internet is about connecting people and cultures. It\'s a global fiesta! APISG 2023 was more than just a conference; it was a reawakening. It showed me the power of human connection in shaping the internet\'s future. I left not just with knowledge, but with hope and optimism. This isn\'t just a screen anymore; it\'s a window to a future built on collaboration, understanding. Now, let\'s keep that momentum going and build an internet that reflects the best of us – diverse, interconnected, and ever-evolving.
“The Internet We Want – Empowering All People” My experience at the Internet Governance Forum 2023
Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was scheduled for five days from 8-12 October 2023 at the Kyoto International Conference Center, Kyoto, Japan. The 18th annual meeting of IGF was hosted by the Government of Japan. IGF originally started in 2006 to bring people together from various stakeholder groups in discussions on digital public policy. Participating in IGF 2023 was a dream come true for me. In the upcoming blog post, I will unveil the memorable moments I experienced during the event, what I have learned from the event, and share a key discussion During the five forums, 8 sub-themes were taken to discussion including 1) AI and Emerging Technologies, (2) Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, (3) Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, and Online Safety, (4) Data Governance and Trust, (5) Digital Divide and Inclusion, (6) Global Digital Governance and Cooperation, (7) Human Rights and Freedoms and (8) Sustainability and Environment. All sessions were designed in different formats including lightning talks, workshops, and high-level meetings. In addition to these informative sessions, the booth area offered diverse opportunities to connect with companies, organizations, and civil society youth groups advocating for their services and programs. On top of that, I also experienced the rich culture of Japan by wearing traditional Japanese clothing called a kimono, participating in a Japanese tea ceremony, and participating in the gala dinner where there was a traditional Japanese performance, fireworks, and Japanese cuisine. During the IGF 2023, I also participated as the moderator of the lighting talk session on “AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education” and “Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition” in which the panelists are Cambodian. It was an engaging session, and we touched upon how AI could have an impact on Cambodia\'s higher education. Participants were from various backgrounds including educational institutions, youth, journalists, civil society, government, and private sector. I am very honored and delighted to participate in the IGF 2023 opening ceremony as I get a chance to meet and listen to the speech of Mr. Fumio Kishida the Prime Minister of Japan and Mr. Vint Cerf, the father of the internet. During the ceremony, they highlighted the crucial use of the Internet in our daily lives as it helps foster development. I was interested in Prime Minister Fumio Kishida\'s speech about a significant update on the Hiroshima AI Process, which I believe will advance the AI system and also develop the code of conduct for developing and using AI. This discussion sheds light on the best approach to driving the responsible development of AI while avoiding fragmentation. Key Takeaways from Interesting Sessions The High-Level Panel on Evolving Trends in Mis & Dis-Information: In this session, I had the opportunity to listen to experts on information literacy. This session discussed the method to identify the types and patterns of misinformation and disinformation and the method to solve this issue. Can a layered policy approach stop internet fragmentation? The discussion centered around public policy which is the initiative from the government\'s civil society to overcome the issue of Internet fragmentation. The panelists present the case study that some countries have faced. The involvement of civil society and the Internet community to address this issue. Experts presented the crucial role of the Internet in socio-economic development and the need for ease of access by everyone. Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition This session mainly touches upon the Digital Technologies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals. It was the second session in IGF 2023 and the panelist is from Cambodia. The panelists also presented the global collective effort toward energy in the future that no one should leave behind. In addition, youth also play a crucial role in achieving green energy and environmental sustainability in the future. Future Plan: After returning from The IGF 2023, I am equipped with enthusiasm to sustain Internet Governance in Cambodia. The IGF has allowed me to participate in other IG forums, such as being a speaker in sharing sessions on My Digital Risk Workshop which I discuss how to make our password safe. I am inspired by IGF activities and other youth group initiatives to establish the Internet Governance community in Cambodia to exchange ideas on global digital trends, online safety, how to avoid Internet fragmentation, and other IG-related issues. I would like to take this moment to express my gratitude to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for providing the financial support and opportunity for me to attend 18th IGF in Japan. I hope I will get to work with the ODC team on the future Internet Governance-related Project to sustain the momentum of IGF and widespread the knowledge of Internet governance to future Cambodian youth.
YIGF Cambodia Joins Forces in Empowering Digital Literacy at My DigitalRisk Workshop at Paragon International University
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the need for digital proficiency is growing more pronounced. Students at Paragon University aimed to bridge this gap by providing practical insights and hands-on training across via a Digital Literacy Workshop (‘My Digital Risk’) in December 2023, covering varied digital skills. The workshop’s intent was to address the digital divide among students entering higher education.The ‘My DigitalRisk’ Workshop was developed and run by students from Paragon International University. The project also fulfilled requirements for the MIS321 course in Project Management within the Department of Management of Information Systems at Paragon International University.‘My DigitalRisk’ addressed these needs by offering practical, hands-on training in essential digital competencies for 30 students, bridging gaps to strengthen participants to confidently engage with modern technology.The Workshop’s three sessions were: How to use Digital Tools, (taught by Darapong Rith)My Digital Identity & My Password, (facilitated by Socheata Sokhachan & Chanvoleak Ros), focusing on digital literacy, security and password protection.My Device x Digital Risk, (facilitated by Socheata Sokhachan), training on security for personal tools.Ms. Socheata Sokchan and Ms. Chanvoleak Ros also previously served as organizers for Cambodia’s Youth Internet Governance Forum Cambodia (YIGF) in 2023.The ‘My Digital Risk Workshop’ was well-balanced for gender and diversity of background, with 30 participants ranging from 18 to 25 (56.76% females and 43.24% males) from a wide variety of educational backgrounds.The workshop\'s impact was evaluated through pre and post surveys (19 total), clarifying participant perceptions and skill assessments. Based on completed surveys, students demonstrated a 13.89% average improvement in average scores. This demonstrates the workshop\'s impact in elevating participants\' confidence to navigate diverse digital tools and concepts.Student feedback:“My DigitalRisk workshop provides a very comprehensive introduction to how to protect yourself on the internet. I\'ve learned a clever way to avoid getting phished as well as how to create a password so strong that no one would be able to guess it. Moreover, My DigitalRisk has provided me with various groundbreaking tools to help me in my university life.”Mr. Bol Oudom, Student in Management of Information Systems from Paragon International University\"I took the \'My DigitalRisk Workshop\' and it was eye-opening! My DigitalRisk Workshop equips participants with valuable knowledge, and shared tons about cyber threats, data breaches, and even online reputation stuff. They gave us practical tips on staying safe online, from passwords to privacy settings.”Ms. Nhorng Malin, Student in English Literature at The University of CambodiaAcknowledging Partners:The success of the My DigitalRisk Workshop is due to collaborative efforts and support of our partners and supporting organizations. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping this effort towards enhancing digital literacy. Our supporters are Paragon International University, Department of Management of Information Systems of ParagonIU, Open Development Cambodia (ODC), SecDev Foundation, Chumrum Digital, ICT4D and YIGF Cambodia.
My Unforgettable IGF 2023 Experience: Exploring Internet and Takeaways
Embarking on an incredible journey to the Internet Governance Forum 2023, hosted by the United Nations in Kyoto, Japan, was a dream come true. In this blog post, I will share my highlights from the event, shed light on key discussions, and discuss the impacts it had on me moving forward.Immersive Openings and Engaging SessionsThe forum spanned across five days, designed to engage and inspire participants. The first day saw the grand opening, filled with captivating workshops and high-level discussions on cutting-edge topics such as AI, cybersecurity, and more.Beyond the sessions, the booths area presented various opportunities to connect with companies, organizations, and youth groups advocating for their services and programs. Additionally, attendees had the chance to experience the traditional beauty of Japan through wearing traditional Japanese clothing and participating in the Japanese tea ceremony. The day ended the day with a loud celebration including fireworks and Japanese traditional performances.Building Connections:Networking was another aspect of my experience at IGF 2023. I had the privilege to invite numerous individuals to our two sessions, AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education and Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition. These sessions were the first ever session with Cambodians as the panelists in this international forum. I was glad to witness numerous participants that were interested in our topic.Powerful Opening Ceremonies: The opening ceremony of IGF 2023 was a momentous occasion, graced by esteemed individuals such as Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, and Mr. Vint Cerf, the father of the internet himself. Their speeches underscored the pivotal role of the internet in our daily lives, emphasizing its impact on socio economic activities, development, health, and security. Importantly, they recognized the threats posed by misinformation and cybercrime, while calling for responsible policies and an inclusive approach to bridge the digital divide.Key Takeaways from Interesting SessionsTalking with the Metaverse Resident:In this session, I had the opportunity to meet with Nem, a popular YouTuber and a Metaverse resident. The session discussed the benefits of using the Metaverse for creative content creation, such as cost-effectiveness, the ability to escape reality, enhanced creativity through customizable appearances and backgrounds, and promoting gender diversity.Benefits and Challenges of Immersive Realities:One of the intriguing discussions revolved around the potential benefits and challenges presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and immersive reality. We explored the need for common principles and values to guide their development, ensuring they align with human rights and ethical considerations. Transparency, accountability, and explainability were identified as crucial factors in their design and governance. The need to strike a balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches, focusing on global standards and value-based development, was identified as essential.A Decade Later: Content Creation and Access to Open Information:The conversation steered towards the importance of the users in shaping new technologies, addressing challenges related to managing user-generated content, connectivity, accessibility, and content distribution techniques. We delved into the significance of copyright frameworks in supporting content production, the need for closer coupling between network and content services, and the vital role of linguistic and cultural diversity in the streaming environment.Facing Disinformation and Digital Marketing Realities:The conversation shed light on the importance of considering local context when studying information in the global South, urging an understanding of the larger ecology of rights and struggles. Ethical safeguards, good practices in advertising, and risk analysis in marketing campaigns were highlighted to counterbalance the potential threats to journalism and free speech. The use of personal data by digital platforms for amplifying content necessitates regulatory measures and transparency to combat the dissemination of false and misleading information.Mainstreaming Cyber Resilience and Development Agenda:The discussion centered around cyber capacity building and its connection to development goals. Four key areas for prioritization were identified: strengthening the role of cyber resilience, fostering sustainable cyber capacity building, professionalizing cyber capacity building, and reinforcing the role of cyber resilience in development. Experts called for clear connections to be established between cyber resilience and sustainable development, sustained capacity building efforts on the ground, and involvement of legislators in training and resource allocation for cyber security.Impressions of Japan:Beyond the IGF 2023 proceedings, Japan left a lasting impression on me. The fast and accessible transportation, the pristine cleanliness pervading every corner, and the country\'s dedication to showcasing its rich culture were remarkable. Lessons can be drawn from Japan\'s soft power, incorporating cute merchandise, food, and cartoons as iconic symbols to attract international visitors.Future Plans and Gratitude:The IGF 2023 experience has reignited my passion for internet governance, pushing me towards participating in more forums and conferences to widen my knowledge and share it with others. I am inspired to establish a digital community to exchange insights on internet governance, generative AI, and content creation. I am immensely grateful to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for granting me the opportunity to attend the event, covering my transportation and visa expenses. Their recognition of my efforts has propelled me towards expanding my international network and knowledge.
Internet Governance forum 2023 in Japan: What did I get from IGF and how amazing it was?
Internet Governance forum was held in Japan from 8th October to 12th October 2023. I was one of the participants in this forum. Also, I was super excited and recieved an informative briefing on the first day. Attending this forum was a life-changing experience for me. From the moment I walked through the forum, I was greeted with enthusiasm and a warm welcome from organizers. Also, The event was well-planned, organized and executed, with engaging speakers and insightful sessions. The discussion and session were very informative, and I learned so much from the expert speakers. Additionally, the forum was organized in such a way that made it easy for me to navigate and access the information I needed. There were discussions on various topics, and members were actively exchanging their experiences, perspectives and knowledge.The session I was interested in during IGF 2023 was about how the energy and environmental sector connected with technology, and how digital technology enhances these sectors in society. I recall one key take away from one forum speaker, he said that “We cannot develop a national strategy on digital technology without observing the environmental sector or energy sector’’.I was also interested in the round table discussion of the topic of AI. The speakers engaged in a broader discussion on guaranteeing a trusted connectivity to address the digital divide by reducing risk of AI to society, economy, and maximizing the benefits to humanity. What truly made the event special was the opportunity to connect with other youth, and the networking opportunities provided were also valuable and helped me to build important connections. Everyone was friendly, and I was able to network with several like-minded individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. I made some connections with youth in ASEAN countries to expand networking, and share experiences and opportunities in the field of internet governance.Additionally, I had the pleasure of visiting booth displays of each tech company in the forum. I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw. The booths were eye-catching, engaging and showcased the latest cutting-edge technology in an innovative and interactive way. The representatives at the booth were knowledgeable, friendly and provided me with insightful information about their products. I enjoyed my experience at the booth and felt inspired by the way they presented their technology.It was a great experience for me to join the IGF 2023 in Japan, since Japan is well-known for its innovative technology and has a reputation for being at the cutting-edge of technological advancement. Japan is also a fascinating country with much to offer to visitors and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Japanese culture. Ultimately, I am willing to share my knowledge which I got from IGF to open minded people so that they can be motivated and inspired for joining upcoming IGF activities, also I am so glad that I was able to support the growth of others.I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to Open Development Cambodia who made it possible for me to attend this forum. I cannot thank ODC enough for its generosity and support, which gave me the opportunity to be a part of this incredible experience. Without the opportunity I got from Open Development Cambodia, I would not be able to up-skill my knowledge about how technology is adopted in society and how it is important in our daily life. In particular, I am great to explore Japan, the beautiful country with kind-hearted people.
The Aftermath of Internet Governance Forum
Never have I imagined that I would be attending the annual Internet Governance Forum, however I passed the obstacles and made it through. As an undergraduate majoring in accounting and finance, being a part of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum and attending the Internet Governance Forum was an astonishing experience.What have you learned from the Internet Governance Forum?The 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance was held at Kyoto International Conference Center, Japan. For this year, the overarching theme of the discussion was \" The Internet We Want - Empowering All People\" and the discussion also revolved around the eight sub themes ranging from AI & Emerging Technologies to Sustainability & Environment.Attending the event was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights, new perspectives, and practical experiences. I want to take this moment to reflect on what I have learned from the event and how it has impacted me.As a part of this wonderful experience, all the participants were given the opportunity to choosethe session that they wanted to attend and I was very lucky enough to be able to attend the dream session of mine.This IGF was a valuable experience that helped me to learn more about Internet governance and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Moreover, I also got to learn and hear about the other perspectives of people from different backgrounds regarding different issues. Coming from someone that is not from a tech background, I got to learn about the latest developments in AI and blockchain, and how these technologies are being used to develop new Internet applications. We also learned about the challenges of cybersecurity and data governance, and how to mitigate the risks associated with these issues. Aside from that, I learned about the importance of digital rights and the need to protect people\'s privacy online. Lastly, I learned about the work that is being done to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the Internet.What was the most interesting session about the event?Coming from an accounting and finance background, the most interesting session for me was the one on \"AI & Emerging Technologies.\" This session explored the potential benefits and risks of AI and other emerging technologies, and discussed how to ensure that these technologies are used for good.I was particularly interested in the discussion about how to mitigate the risks of AI bias and discrimination. This is an important issue, as AI systems are increasingly being used to make decisions that affect people\'s lives.Another interesting session was the one on Emerging Tech and Solutions for Digital Inclusion. It was a fascinating and informative discussion about the potential of new technologies to help bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion.This session also highlighted the importance of multi stakeholder collaboration in developing and deploying emerging technologies for digital inclusion. Speakers from government, business, civil society, and academia all emphasized the need to work together to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that benefits everyone.The session on Emerging Tech and Solutions for Digital Inclusion was a very positive and hopeful discussion about the potential of new technologies to help build a more open and inclusive digital world. It was interesting to hear from both the top-down and bottom-up perspectives on this issue, and to learn about the challenges and opportunities for digital inclusion.The High Level Panel on Evolving Trends in Mis- & Dis-Information was the final and most engaging session. Hearing the opinions of professionals from all around the worldwas an intriguing sight, particularly Nobel Laureate Ms. Maria Ressa on current patterns in disinformation and misinformation, as well as to formulate suggestions for resolving these issues.Being a part of this session has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of how misinformation and disinformation are becoming a growing issue in developing nations like Cambodia, where people have a tendency to believe anything they see online.The Highlights of the Annual MeetingAside from being able to attend all of the fascinating sessions, meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was a huge surprise. Hearing his take on the subject of \"Generative AI\" in his keynote address was really enlightening. The speech was a really uplifting, wise, and helpful addition to the IGF 2023. In addition, it aroused my curiosity and caused me to wonder how Japan would fulfill the promises made by Kishida in his speech.What is your plan after returning to Cambodia?After returning to Cambodia, I plan to share what I have learned at the IGF with my colleagues and other stakeholders. In order to spread knowledge of Internet governance concerns, I also intend to give presentations and write blog entries and articles about the IGF. I also intend to keep learning about upcoming technologies and internet governance. Finally, I intended to collaborate with civil society groups to support the use of technology for social good and to fight for digital rights. In addition, I’ll collaborate with organizations and governmental bodies to create guidelines and procedures that promote welcoming and inclusive online communities.In order to make sure that the Internet is created and used in a way that benefits all Cambodians, I think it is critical that Cambodians get involved in the global discussion on Internet governance. I’m determined to use my expertise to positively impact Cambodia’s Internet landscape in the future.Feeling about JapanRegarding Japan, I feel really good. Japan’s dedication to innovation and its robust collaborative culture are impressive. Japan’s dedication to the multistakeholder process in Internet governance also strikes me as admirable.In particular, the IGF 2023 in Kyoto left me rather impressed. Internet governance issues are discussed globally at the IGF, and it is critical that all relevant parties—governments, corporations, individuals, and civil society organizations—have a voice in these talks. Japan demonstrated its commitment to multistakeholderism and an equitable and open Internet by hosting the IGF in 2023.Japan\'s investment in developing technologies is another thing that impresses me. In many new fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and quantum computing, Japan is a leader. I think these technologies have the power to completely change the world, and I\'m thrilled to see Japan staying at the forefront of their advancement.All in all, I feel really good about Japan. Japan, in my opinion, is a nation dedicated to multistakeholderism, innovation, and teamwork. I\'m interested to see how Japan will continue to advance global development and the Internet.Gratitude to Open Development CambodiaI want to express my gratitude to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for making it possible for me to travel to Kyoto, Japan in 2023 for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).I am appreciative of ODC for acknowledging the significance of my involvement in the IGF. With the help of ODC, I\'ve been able to network with other stakeholders who share my enthusiasm for Internet governance and learn from professionals around the globe. I have no doubt that ODC and the Cambodian community as large will benefit from the information and expertise I have obtained at the IGF.I am committed to using the knowledge and experience that I have gained at the IGF to support and to contribute to the development of a more open and inclusive digital Cambodia.
Exploring the Future of Internet Governance at IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global platform where stakeholders from various backgrounds come together to discuss critical issues related to the Internet\'s impact on society. From October 8th to October 12th, I had the chance to attend the IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. In this blog post, I\'ll share my experiences and insights from this significant event, which covered a wide range of topics, from digital cooperation for environmental sustainability to the role of parliamentarians in shaping a trusted internet.IGF 2023 HighlightsThe IGF 2023 opened with powerful remarks from the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and the Prime Minister of Japan, emphasizing the importance of multistakeholder cooperation in addressing global challenges such as sustainable development and climate action. The theme of the event, \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People,\" highlighted the commitment to creating an inclusive and sustainable digital future.Day 0: Setting the StageThe event\'s first day featured an inspiring opening ceremony and a session on \"Future Network Systems as Open Service Platform in Beyond5G/6G Era.\" This session provided insights into the evolution of network systems, setting the tone for the discussions to come.Day 1: Environmental Sustainability and Trusted InternetOn the first day, I attended two enlightening sessions. \"An Untapped Resource: How Can Digital Cooperation Contribute to the Battle for Our Environment?\" explored the role of digital cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. In \"The Role of Parliamentarians in Shaping a Trusted Internet Empowering All People,\" I learned about the crucial role of legislators in shaping a trustworthy and inclusive Internet.Day 2: AI-Driven EducationDay 2 delved into the future of education with the session \"AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education.\" This discussion was particularly relevant as it explored the potential of AI in transforming Cambodia\'s educational landscape.Day 3: Inclusive Energy TransitionA highlight of my IGF experience was the session on \"Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition.\" This session provided valuable insights into the global transition toward sustainable energy sources and the role that digital technologies can play in this transition. It emphasized the importance of ensuring an energy transition that leaves no one behind.Day 4: Rule of Law for Data GovernanceThe final day featured a session on \"Rule of Law for Data Governance,\" which underscored the significance of governing data while respecting the rule of law. This is particularly crucial in the digital age, where data plays a pivotal role in shaping our world.Contributions to CambodiaMy participation in IGF 2023 has equipped me with valuable knowledge and fresh perspectives. I\'m committed to promoting responsible digital technology use, advocating for internet inclusivity, and supporting initiatives that leverage AI for education and sustainable energy transitions in Cambodia. I plan to actively engage in projects that align with these goals, working toward a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive Cambodia.I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their unwavering support in making my participation in IGF 2023 possible. Their support allowed me to engage with global thought leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the pressing issues in internet governance. I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge and contributing to Cambodia\'s digital future, all made possible by the support of ODC.In conclusion, the IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, was a transformative experience that opened doors to new opportunities and ideas for shaping the future of the internet. With a commitment to positive change, I am excited to play my part in building a brighter digital future for Cambodia and beyond.
Open Development Cambodia’s insight from The Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance (APSIG) 2023
APSIG is the edition of the capacity-building initiative of the Asia-Pacific School on Internet Governance that also serves as a regional School of Internet Governance working towards raising awareness and capacity building within the Asia Pacific region. APSIG 2023 was held for three days from 27-29 November 2023 at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA Hotel, Manila, The Philippines. Open Development Cambodia\'s team (ODC) partake in the full event. The APISIG originally started in 2016 intending to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to participate in Internet policy-making by developing a strong foundation in the following: Promote and support Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs) in the Asia-Pacific RegionProvide training services to organizers and speakers at national and local SIGsDay Zero (26 November 2023)The program officially started with an Introduction and icebreakers. On day zero of the event, the fellows get to know each other and learn from one another about the Internet governance that happens in their home country.Day One (27 November 2023)The program focused on the Internet Governance’s history and evolving ecosystem, the Role of International Organizations and NRIs, Internet Technologies and Security Standards, the Flash talk from the Fellow, Bitcoin, Blockchain and Beyond, and IP Go. Back then, all participants were informed on day zero to deliver the flash talk on the topic of Internet governance in their home country. ODC team has delivered a flash talk on the AI-driven learning Revolution In Cambodian Higher Education which is the research paper conducted by Mr. Heng Soklay AI Researcher and lecturer at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. On top of that, the ODC team also supported the speaker in explaining IP Go which the ODC team explained the description of the activity and the role of the network operator and the way the Internet works.Day Two (28 November 2023)The program focused on Accessibility and Inclusivity, Digital Economy and Future of Work, Internet shutdowns and International Human Rights Law, Cybersecurity Incidents (Role-play)/ DNS Security activity, Internet Governance, and 7th Generation Warfare.One of many interesting activities was called “Accessibility and Inclusivity” in which the Speaker presented us with the website’s accessibility. She aimed to raise awareness among the website developers to consider elements including audio, voice commands, and other available tools. The speaker also urged web developers to follow WC3 guidelines “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines” and ask people with disability to test their websites to ensure that the content available on their websites is accessible. Following this section, the speaker discusses Applying International Human Rights Law to the Internet Shutdown.In the session of Cybersecurity Incident Role-play, all participants were divided into 3 main teams including the management team, the technical team, and the legal team which were responsible for responding to the public about a case that a hacker leaked an NGO’s data. ODC team played the role of a team leader of the legal team and explained to the fellow the process and what we needed to do in the session and we also discussed the stage that we needed to follow carefully. Those activities made the participants know how to respond to such incidents that would happen in our daily lives.At the end of day two, the ODC team also presented about the Cambodia culture to all participants and presented about ODC’s work and ODC involvement in improving Internet Governance in Cambodia including the Internet governance and ICT programs including Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum, Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum, Cambodia ICT Camp.Day Three (29 November 2023)The program began with the section called Emerging Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) priorities: The next round of new Generic top-level domain (gTLD) and Universal Acceptance, Impact of Internet Fragmentation on Future of the Internet. The APISIG 2023 came to an end with the closing remark by the organizer. All participants provided their feedback to improve the program. ODC’s staff managed to learn from and build connections with other participants necessary for future cooperation. After the program ends, it is expected that the ODC team can learn or apply, if possible, any relevant lessons learned from APISIG 2023 to Cambodian youth through an event called “Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2024 (Cambodia YIGF) which ODC plan to host in Phnom Penh in the upcoming year 2024. The insight from APISIG 2023 also provides additional input for the ODC team to make use of for experience-sharing sessions related to Internet governance. Second, it is an opportunity that ODC ‘s team have build a network and exchange ideas from others with other academic, expert, and other internet governance communities.
Experiencing Internet Governance as a Panelist
Imagine a place where the ancient meets the cutting edge, where culture dances with technology—a place like Kyoto, Japan. Now, picture being part of a global gathering of minds, all driven by a shared passion for shaping the digital world. That\'s precisely where I found myself at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of an exhilarating experience!Being a Youth RepresentativeOne of the most memorable moments in my journey was the opportunity to serve as a panelist for Session #133, titled \"Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition.\" This session was a significant part of the broader discussions on Digital Technologies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The session was expertly organized by several key entities, including the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the NLIGF, Electronic Commerce Platform Netherlands (ECP), and WEOG. As I stepped onto the stage, I carried with me not just the perspectives of Cambodia but also the dynamic ASEAN youth community. It was a moment of immense honor and responsibility to raise the my voice. The session’s mission was clear: to energize our collective efforts toward an energy future that truly leaves no one behind.In my presentation titled \"Unlocking ASEAN\'s Green Energy Future Through Youth,\" I delved into the pivotal role of youth in spearheading green energy transformation in the ASEAN region. I began by emphasizing the critical importance of green energy, not only for environmental sustainability but also for our collective future. I then highlighted the significant challenges that ASEAN faces in transitioning to green energy, including surging energy demands and issues of affordability and accessibility. I also showcased the immense potential for youth to contribute to this development. Through the adoption of green technologies, the creation of green jobs, and the initiation of green initiatives, we can use the successful model of the Cambodia Internet Governance Forum as an example, in which the forum plays a paramount role in driving the transition towards a sustainable and green energy future in ASEAN.Keynote from other significant sessions:My thoughts were not only mine; I did take some aspirations and knowledge from other experts from the other sessions I joined before my panel sessions. I will list three sessions that genuinely inspired me below:\"Transforming Technology Frameworks for the Planet\" IGF 2023 was like a digital oasis, teeming with knowledge and inspiration. This session had me envisioning a tech-powered green utopia. It was a reminder that the digital realm could be a force for planetary good as well if we were to include the environment in the framework-building process.\"High-Level Panel on Artificial Intelligence\"Artificial Intelligence, or AI, wasn\'t just a buzzword—it was the show\'s star! This session was the most inspiring for me as it showed us how AI can be an accelerator in its own right, speeding us towards a greener, more sustainable world. But wait, there are matters that we need to consider here! AI needs a moral compass, and that\'s where governance comes in.\"Without facts, you can\'t have truth, and without truth, you cannot have trust.\"Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa at IGF2023. Three suggestions were raised for approaching generative AI where it can be hijacked easily for emotional influences and often false content: \"Stop surveillance for profit. Stop coded bias against women, LGBTQI, and other minorities and use journalism as an antidote to tyranny.\"\"Youth for Digital Inclusion & Environmental Sustainability\"This session was like a rallying cry for young digital warriors to start taking action. It hammered the message that we, the youth, are not just the future; we are the drivers of change today!Nadia Owusu, Civil Society, African Group representative, emphasized the role of youth in this critical time when we need to accelerate the green digital environment. I take so much inspiration from her work and statements from the session that they shape my panel discussion as well.The Return JourneyLeaving Kyoto was bittersweet, but I carried back more than just memories. I brought back a suitcase filled with inspiration, wisdom, and a heart bursting with a determination to continue endorsing digital rights, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.I will use my knowledge to light up our digital world, one pixel at a time. Special ThanksA heartfelt thank you to my admiring team, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum Organizing Committee, our Board of Advisory Committee, and Open Development Cambodia for making this incredible opportunity possible. Your support and dedication have fueled my journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable digital world.
Bridging the Digital Divide: What IGF2023 Teach Me
The “digital divide” is the gap between people who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. It\'s a problem that affects people all over the world, but it\'s especially pronounced in developing countries.At the recent Internet Governance Forum (IGF2023), I had the opportunity to join several sessions from ‘High Level Panels’ to ‘Speakers Corner’ which varied in topics. Among the 300+ sessions that IGF2023 had to offer, I joined the sessions about Digital Divide and Inclusion, and Environment and Sustainability. I learned about the digital divide and inclusion efforts in multiple countries; however, I would only take the two countries to compare: Japan and Cambodia.Japan\'s Digital DivideJapan is a technologically advanced country, but even there, some people face barriers to accessing and using digital tools. This is especially true for the elderly and rural communities.Japan has learned some important lessons about how to bridge the digital divide such as infrastructure investment and digital literacy training.Invest in infrastructure: Japan has invested heavily in high-speed internet networks, even in rural areas. This has made it easier for everyone to get online.Provide digital literacy training: Japan offers digital literacy programs at all levels of education. This helps people learn how to use digital tools effectively.Cambodia\'s Digital DivideCambodia is a developing country with a less established ICT infrastructure and lower internet penetration rates. As a result, a large portion of the population has limited or no access to digital resources. This disparity has an especially negative impact on rural populations, women, and underprivileged groups.Cambodia is also learning valuable lessons about how to bridge the digital divide:Create a strong policy and regulatory framework. Cambodia has developed a policy and regulatory framework that encourages ICT growth and closes the digital gap. This includes efforts to improve internet infrastructure and lower internet access costs.Partner with the private sector. Cambodia is working with the private sector to harness resources and expertise to drive digital inclusion efforts.What Can We Learn from Japan and Cambodia?Japan and Cambodia can teach us a lot about how to bridge the digital divide. Here are a few key lessons:Take a personalized approach: Each country faces unique challenges, so there are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions. It\'s important to understand the local context and develop tailored solutions.Create inclusive policies: Governments should develop policies that prioritize digital inclusion. This includes investing in infrastructure, promoting digital literacy programs, and making sure that digital services are affordable.Collaborate for impact: Collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society organizations can significantly boost efforts to achieve digital inclusion.Bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion are essential for ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities, information, and resources. Japan and Cambodia are making progress, but there is still more work to be done. By learning from their experiences, we can develop more effective and inclusive solutions.
IGF 2023: The Future of the Internet Is at Stake, and We All Have a Role to Play
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) stands as the world\'s premier annual gathering of stakeholders from diverse sectors, converging to discuss and influence the trajectory of the internet\'s future. The 2023 IGF, hosted in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8-12, marked a pivotal moment. At this juncture, the internet confronts numerous challenges, elevating the significance of this event in shaping its future.Reflecting on my personal experience at IGF 2023, it was nothing short of enriching. The multitude of workshops and the community\'s eagerness to engage in spontaneous discussions left me in awe. However, amidst the vibrant exchange of ideas, a notable observation was the often marginal role played by the youth in discussions, with many assuming passive roles.The Challenges of a New Era for the InternetForemost among the challenges discussed was the looming threat of internet fragmentation. Governments and private entities are increasingly vying to control distinct sections of the internet, heightening the risk of a fractured and siloed digital landscape. The repercussions of such fragmentation include restricted access to information and services, as well as a potential stifling of innovation.Another critical challenge that emerged is the ascendancy of AI and other emerging technologies. While these technologies hold the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, they also bring forth risks, such as job displacement and the potential misuse of data. Navigating this landscape requires a concerted effort to ensure the responsible and ethical development and application of these transformative technologies.In addition to these challenges, the internet grapples with the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the surge in cybercrime, and the erosion of online privacy.The bright spot amid these challenges is the IGF 2023\'s success in bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the globe. The forum\'s overarching theme, \"The Internet We Want – Empowering All People,\" served as a reminder that the internet is a global resource that should be accessible and beneficial to everyone.What I Learned from the World\'s Leading Internet Experts:The internet is a global resource, and it needs to be governed accordingly. The current system of internet governance is fragmented and siloed, which makes it difficult to address global challenges. We need a more inclusive and participatory system of internet governance that reflects the global nature of the internet.We need to invest in digital literacy and education. Many people around the world do not have the skills and knowledge they need to use the internet safely and effectively. We need to invest in programs that teach people about digital literacy and online safety.We need to protect our online privacy and security. The internet has become a breeding ground for cybercrime and data breaches. We need to take steps to protect our online privacy and security, both as individuals and as societies.We need to ensure that the internet is accessible to everyone. The internet is still a luxury for many people around the world. We need to work to make the internet more affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or location.We need to promote diversity and inclusion on the internet. The internet should be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected. We need to work to promote diversity and inclusion on the internet, both in terms of the content that is available and the people who are participating in online communities.These are just a few of the many things that I learned from the world\'s leading internet experts at IGF 2023. It was an inspiring event, and it gave me hope for the future of the internet. I believe that if we work together, we can create a more open, inclusive, and equitable internet for everyone.What can we all do to help? From youth role perspective:Now, moving from reflection to action, the question arises: What can we all do to contribute, especially from the perspective of the youth?Active Youth Participation: A resounding call at IGF 2023 was for increased and active youth participation. It became clear that for internet governance to be truly inclusive and effective, the youth must step forward, engage in discussions, and challenge existing norms. Our unique perspectives can inject fresh ideas and innovative solutions into the discourse.Advocacy for Digital Literacy: The need for enhanced digital literacy emerged as a critical point. In a world dominated by technology, the youth can take the lead in advocating for educational programs that equip individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.Promotion of Inclusivity: Internet access should transcend geographical and socio-economic boundaries. As youth advocates, we can champion initiatives that bridge the digital divide, ensuring that the internet is a fundamental right accessible to all.Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies: Given the prominence of AI and emerging technologies, the youth, as early adopters, bear the responsibility of advocating for their ethical and responsible use. Staying informed about potential risks and benefits positions us to contribute to shaping policies that balance innovation and societal well-being.Combatting Misinformation: Misinformation emerged as a significant threat. The youth can play a pivotal role in combatting misinformation by promoting media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible information sharing.IGF 2023 underscored that the future of the internet is a shared responsibility. The active involvement of the youth is not just encouraged but essential. By embracing our role as catalysts for positive change, we can collectively work towards shaping an internet that truly empowers and benefits all. The discussions and collaborations fostered at IGF 2023 serve as a catalyst for a more inclusive, secure, and innovative digital future.
FIRST TIME KNOWING, FIRST TIME INVOLVING
Did you know, that accessing the internet alone is not enough? So, internet safety is also needed to enhance digitalization. As an Organizing Committee of YIGF Cambodia, I am so proud to be able to organize the very first forum about Internet Governance in Cambodia. After successfully organizing the YIGF Cambodia, I got selected by the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) to participate in the upcoming IGF. What makes me the proudest is getting approved by the United Nations to join the 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) at the Kyoto International Conference Centre in October 2023.NEW EXPERIENCEHearing about the Internet Governance for the first time, I had no idea what the Internet Governance is. All I think was how we needed the internet for online classes and work during the COVID-19 lockdown. Before becoming the Organizing Committee of the YIGF Cambodia, what I had preferred to see in Cambodia was an inclusive internet for everyone throughout the country, especially people living in remote and rural areas. In my perspective, Cambodia needs fundamental infrastructure especially, internet access. When they can access the internet, there will be immense opportunities for them as well as for the country’s economic growth and social welfare. However, a huge point I had missed was the unsafety it brings alongside the opportunities. Joining the YIGF Cambodia renewed my perspective that accessing the internet alone is not enough but safety should also come along. Many great ideas were coming from among us who are eager to bring the first-ever forum to our audiences. I have never thought that internet governance is one of the crucial developments we need in our daily lives and for the development of the country. Now, not only do I realize its importance but I also advocate digital empowerment to ensure access, safety, and opportunities for everyone. Though most of the topics from both international and national speakers are usually mentioned in our daily lives, the special thing is that various topics were displayed together for the whole two days. A special bonus is that our audiences can freely select the favored sessions that they want to join.Involving in the YIGF Cambodia, I am a Communication Organizing Committee that takes a role in the creative design and also supports the media team. My education and career background are in media and communication; therefore, taking in this role is just perfect for me to practice my skills by conveying the right message, visual, language tone, and social media platforms to audiences. Not only I can contribute my skills to the forum, but I simultaneously can learn from my fellow Organizing Committee as well, especially from their constructive feedback on my visual posters. Overall, the first time knowing and being involved is such a great learning experience.YIGF CAMBODIA: SUCCESSFULLY WRAP-UPThe forum was successfully held by having 127 participants joining from 23 – 24 September at the CADT. Over 40 speakers gave various presentations in different sessions to broaden audiences’ understanding of Internet Governance. My role on the event day is to support the media team by capturing pictures of the whole event. All the work has been done smoothly thanks to the team as well as our committed volunteers, especially Bonaliheng and Pichphyrom who supported in media team.THE NEXT STOP IS IGF 2023 The 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 will be held from 8 – 12 October in Kyoto by the government of Japan. The overarching theme is “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People” which there will be over 300 sessions in the 5-day conference. The sub-themes I am interested in are Data Governance and Trust and Digital Divides and Inclusion. I also can’t wait to join interesting sessions: Emerging Tech and Solutions for Digital Inclusion, The Role of Parliamentarians in Shaping a Trusted Internet Empowering All People, and Jointly Share the Responsibilities in the Digital Era.Once again, thanks Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for providing me such a great opportunity to join IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. Stay tuned for my upcoming IGF 2023 blog!
IGF Japan Track
The internet and technology have always been an intriguing topic to explore. My name is ROS Chanvoleak. I am no expert in this field, but I am an enthusiast in this subject. I evolved around technology or the internet, practically my whole life. From watching simple videos online to heavy research on international relation, this is my expertise.I was fortunate enough to be selected to be a part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and Open Development Cambodia (ODC). It was a long road before that. My first step involvement with technology was during my second year in college when I was hired as a product development coordinator. I handled the technological department alone and worked on a new prototype in building management. It was involving both Fintech and Proptech. I was collecting this personal data from many buildings with many residences.We used the data to help improve our system in matters of management, communication, and payments. We never thought that this data was necessarily vital because it was just names and phone numbers. Afterward, I worked for an international organization, where I saw this small data is meant to be highly confidential. We can see the differentiation of how one company can get mismatched information without the right knowledge or education and what are the relevant legal implications.This year, Open Development Cambodia recruited an organizing committee to organize the first-ever Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF). Luckily, I was one of them, thanks to ODC. Though my knowledge of the internet may be lacking but during these couple of months, ODC and the team, supported us in understanding, importance of data management, device protection and what are the legal aspects of these practices in various countries. YIGF was a success with 170 participants. There were over 30 sessions, and each session was equipped with a high level of experts.We were joined by DEVI Svaradiva, Chairperson of the Internet Development Institute. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she holds a master’s degree in Communication from the University of Indonesia and currently is pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Malta. She has given us a deeper understanding of AI Ethics and Data Protection Law.Furthermore, the session with Director Ly Sokphath of the Department of Project Appraisal and Development Programs, the General Secretariat of the Digital Governance Committee on the Digital Transformation of Cambodia’s Government, was well presented. He addressed our concerns on a multitude of factors, like province residences, disability accessibility, transparency, and accountability of the government. It was incredibly insightful for all participants and the organizing committee. With all the sessions of YIGF, I will be more than equipped to be in IGF in early October 2023.Towards further discussion, the director also mentioned data protection law that is being drafted by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC). A sub-decree was released in 2021 by Ministry of Interior (MoI), stating some of the factors that will be introduced but the overall assumption is personal data protection. The more intriguing part for the reader is the level of security management within the MoI and another stakeholder like MPTC and intra-ministerial. This illustrates the co-working relationship that the citizen should see. Moreover, in chapter 2, articles 4, there is an indicator of what data is personal and must kept secured by the ministry level.The Internet Governance Forum was introduced back in 2006 to facilitate a multi-stakeholder, democratic, and transparent platform for discussions on Internet governance issues. Which links to my passion for joining the organizing committee of YIGF. I want to be a part of the movement to protect and introduce the Internet public policy to the country. For my expectation, I want to have a clear goal of how I can support Cambodian society in protecting themselves online in a cohesive way in the next 5 years. A goal that is achievable and aligns with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) principles in internet governance processes. Plus, the YIGF educates the youth about Internet public policy and issues on an international level and shows practices from other countries that have good results.There are over 300 sessions for the next 5 days of the event. Generally, topics are on a specific theme. In this case, the theme is \"Internet We Want - Empowering All People.\" How is it for all? Law, children, and gender inclusivity will be the focus.I would like to thank Open Development Cambodia for giving us this opportunity to transport us to Japan to learn about internet governance and also, thank you to UNDESA for organizing the IGF 2023, I cannot wait to be there!
My experience before the event in Brisbane– yIGF & APrIGF 2023
My name is Houth Morokoth and I am currently pursuing a bachelor\'s degree at the Royal University of Phnom Penh\'s Institute for International Studies and Public Policy with a major in International Economics. I’m one of the Organizing Committee of Cambodia’s yIGF. The main reason why I joined the Asia Pacific Youth IGF 2023 is to learn more deeply about internet governance which is one of the hot topics in the contemporary world due to its huge impact on society. In my country, most people still have limited knowledge related to these topics and have little awareness of the issues that related to Internet governance or digital platforms.After I discovered Asia Pacific yIGF, my interest in Internet governance and digital platforms skyrocketed as I wanted to explore and learn more about it. Another interesting observation, this forum consists of a diversity of groups such as government, private sectors, and NGOs which is the perfect opportunity to understand different perspectives on Internet governance. These opportunities will allow me to know and connect with people who share similar interests and learn new things from various perspectives. I hope to learn more about digital governance at the conference and also to meet more individuals throughout the Asia Pacific region and broaden my network of contacts. After I decided to apply for the Asia Pacific Youth IGF 2023, I was chosen to receive accommodation support from yIGF.Asia and attend the forum in person in Brisbane, Australia. As a member of the yIGF 2023 Cambodia, I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia for covering the cost of my roundtrip flight and visa.The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) take place in Brisbane, Australia from August 29 to August 31, 2023, under the sponsorship of the au Domain Administration (auDA) and sponsored by Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), APNIC Foundation, NETTHING 2023, Australian Government, and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The yIGF provides a forum for young people in the Asia-Pacific area to discuss Internet governance. All young participants will have the chance to gain insight into hot topics like digital inclusion and sustainability through trust. This year yIGF has made an effort to bring youth as well as multi-stakeholders to the table in order to provide them with the necessary information and skills to engage in conversations around Internet governance.Before the event, all of the participants actively participated in online meetings utilizing \"Google Chat\" as the communication channel. We also have a virtual yIGF 2023 orientation when we introduce ourselves during an informal ice-breaking session. Following the icebreaker, they provide a brief overview of yIGF and an insightful introduction for individuals who have questions about yIGF. The IGF basically aims to inform young people about Internet governance. It also encourages the younger generation to engage in more deliberation and decision-making process. Therefore, the goal of the yIGF is a youth network and, most importantly, capacity building.Additionally, we received an update such as a document to review before attending the event including yIGF Infokit; containing comprehensive information about the event, including the agenda, speaker profiles, and other relevant details. I can familiarize myself with the information in Infokit and make the most of my involvement, which is incredibly convenient for me. In addition to a group chat on Google Space, we have a second group chat on Signal for the participant presentations throughout the event. This group chat is separated into four main stakeholder groups: Civil Society, Technical Community, Government, and Private Sector. Thus, prior to the in-person event, I could communicate with other members from various nations using this online platform thanks to the yIGF organizing committee.
My Journey to Internet Governance Forum 2023
The Starting PointMy name is HongTholly Sonit, a creative content copywriter at a creative agency in Phnom Penh. I hold a bachelor\'s degree in Media Management from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). For a while, my life seemed to follow a monotonous routine of going to the office and returning home. While I found satisfaction in my job, there was a lingering sense of unfulfilled passion within me. I yearned for something more, something that would ignite my spirit and give me a sense of purpose to look forward to each day.During that period, the rising number of digital threats, including cases of fraud on platforms like Telegram, became a hot topic. The rapid development of innovations such as AI further emphasized the need for heightened awareness regarding digital literacy, digital rights, and data privacy. This realization sparked a sense of urgency within me to advocate for these important issues.One day, I stumbled upon an opportunity that would change my life: the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum\'s (YIGF) organizing committee. Intrigued by the post shared by a friend and longing for a chance to give back to society, I decided to apply and was fortunate enough to be selected as a member of the committee. Little did I know that this experience would not only ignite my passion but also lead me to become the team leader of the communication team. As the communication lead in YIGF, I oversee content creation for the website and social media, oversee the design of communication materials, and foster collaboration within the team.Challenging BUT RewardingEmbarking on this journey was not without its challenges. Balancing my volunteer work with a full-time job proved to be demanding, but my effort for the cause and the inspiration I derived from my teammates pushed me forward. Despite the obstacles, we successfully organized the first-ever Cambodia YIGF, surpassing our initial expectations with approximately 170 participants. Our dedication and commitment did not go unnoticed. My registration for the prestigious United Nations Internet Governance Forum 2023 was approved, and I was selected to receive a grant from Open Development Cambodia (ODC) to travel to Japan and participate in person. I am grateful to ODC for covering my roundtrip transportation and visa expenses, for recognizing my efforts, and for providing me with the chance to expand my knowledge and network on an international scale.Learning Expectations for the Upcoming IGF 2023The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is an initiative by the United Nations to bring together people from different stakeholder groups to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet. Although there is no formal agreement reached, the IGF informs and inspires policymakers in both the public and private sectors. Delegates at the annual meeting exchange information and best practices, aiming to maximize Internet opportunities and address challenges. The 18th annual meeting of the IGF will be held in Kyoto, Japan, in October 2023, focusing on the theme of empowering all people. The sub-themes for the forum include AI and emerging technologies, avoiding Internet fragmentation, cybersecurity and online safety, data governance and trust, digital divides and inclusion, global digital governance and cooperation, human rights and freedoms, and sustainability and the environment.Attending the IGF 2023 event promises to be an enriching experience, offering a diverse range of sessions and topics to explore. Through workshops, lightning talks, launches, dynamic coalition sessions, town halls, open forums, and high-level panels, I expect to delve into fascinating subjects and gain valuable insights.One session that particularly piques my interest is the High-Level Panel on Evolving Trends in Misinformation and Disinformation. In an era where misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges, understanding the evolving trends in both is crucial. I hope to learn about the impact of social media platforms and messaging apps on the rapid spread of false content, as well as the advancements in AI-generated media content that further blur the lines between truth and fabrication.Another session that I would like to learn about is \"Next-Gen Education: Harnessing Generative AI\". By gaining insights into the latest trends, real-world examples, and tools within the field of AI in education, I will be equipped with the knowledge and ideas to drive innovation in my own educational practices. This session holds the potential to shape the future of education, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.Furthermore, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the reality of residents in the Metaverse and delve into the experiences of Nem, the world\'s first virtual YouTuber, in the \"Talk with Metaverse Residents\" session. Nem\'s unique perspective, as an active media presence within the Metaverse, will provide valuable insights into this virtual world. During the session, I look forward to witnessing demonstrations of devices that enhance the Metaverse experience, allowing residents to fully immerse themselves in a virtual life.By participating in the IGF 2023 event, I expect to gain a deeper understanding of various important topics and trends in the digital realm. Specifically, I hope to learn about the evolving trends in misinformation and disinformation, the virtual reality of the Metaverse world, and generative AI. Through attending sessions and engaging in discussions, I anticipate gaining insights into the impact of these topics on society, as well as potential strategies and solutions for addressing related challenges.
Unfamiliar yet Familiar – Road to Internet Governance Forum
Getting to Know MeHey there, this is Huot Srymanit, a sophomore majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and an aspiring Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) at CamEd Business School. Moreover, I serve as the Co-President for the CamEd Entrepreneur Club\'s 7th Generation. I am interested in subjects relating to languages and technology. Even though I don\'t have a lot of experience yet, I\'m excited to start working and advance my job experience as an open-minded learner.Prior to Joining Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumNot sure if it\'s destiny or fate, I stumbled across a post by Open Development Cambodia back in May that stated \"Call For Organizing Committee\". I was intrigued by the various aspects of internet governance and decided to give it a shot. Despite my background, I decided to embark on this unfamiliar journey. Being an open-minded learner who always welcomes and looks forward to new challenges, I always took the initiative to volunteer and participate in various activities at any given chance. Thinking back to when I applied as the one of the organizing committee for Cambodia\'s first ever Youth Internet Governance Forum, I never thought that I would make it.Journey with Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumObviously, coming from an accounting and finance background, I never thought that I am suited with anything else other than finance, hence, I decided to start this journey by becoming a member of the administrative committee, for which I handle the admin and finance.I was in charge of the fundamental tasks as part of administration, including assisting with venue quotes, event supplies, and translating the events agenda. I was also in charge of creating the presentation slides and certificates for the events day, which is held on the 23rd and 24th of September, as part of my support job on the programme committee. As a second-year student, I must balance my studies with my volunteer job. It has proven to be tough and exhausting because I have to juggle my studies, my volunteer job as a digital literacy trainer for the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, my roles as co-presidents of the CamEd Entrepreneur Club and as administrative committee of the Cam YIGF. Expectations about Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumAs a member of the Cam YIGF, my primary goal is to promote digital inclusivity, internet governance and shaping its future in Cambodia among Cambodian youth and to give young people a voice and a forum to address digital rights, literacy, and technology-driven policy in the country. This forum will serve as an area for my future research and helps to widen my knowledge on internet governance.During the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum Despite the obstacles that the team and I faced during the pre-events phase, our events went on smoothly and we successfully organized the first-ever Cambodia YIGF, surpassing our initial expectations with approximately 250 participants. During the two-day event, I had the opportunity to work as a note-taker. The majority of this role consists of making notes, hence, I got to learn in detail about various topics, about data privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation, digital security, and cybersecurity - how to successfully secure yourself online.During this conference, I\'ve had the chance to take part in two breakout sessions that address topics like digital transformation and data protection law. Learning about the perspectives of people with various backgrounds, including those in the public, private, and government sectors, was fascinating. My understanding of the subject has completely changed as a result of their perceptive observations, and they have also made me more open to potential answers.I had the privilege of serving as one of the cryptocurrency dealers during the Phum yIGF, which took place on the first day of the event. Making the participants aware of how they should safeguard and take care of themselves by being mindful of the unknown risk as well as understanding the risk of the investment in the market was a major focus of this game. It was such an enlightening experience to attend the multi-stakeholder gathering. It was wonderful to watch the simulation of individuals from all stakeholders working together to develop a better concept for how to enhance internet governance for Cambodia. Looking back, it was all worthwhile because the event reached such a significant milestone. Turning the events into a reality was such a wild fantasy after spending up late days and nights for the past three months with the dream teams to plan and develop for the events.Road to Internet Governance ForumI am very eager to attend and participate in the 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, which will be held in Kyoto, Japan from October 8 to October 12, 2023, under the theme \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People\'\' and with eight sub themes. I am eager to learn more about the sub themes of \"Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, AI & Emerging Technologies, and Sustainability & Environment\'\' because they are of particular interest to me. My willingness to participate in these discussions stems from my conviction that there are substantial chances for influence at the nexus of emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital inclusion. Additionally, I particularly anticipate the discussion of \"Rule of Law for Data Governance\" and hope to contribute to the policy dialogue on key issues such as the new Data Protection law which is currently under discussion in Cambodia.This IGF will serve as a venue for me to explore and learn beyond my capacities. It will be a fantastic chance for me to learn about current trends and advancements in internet governance as well as the perspectives of various stakeholders on important issues related to internet and data governance. This will provide me the opportunity to communicate and meet others from all over the world who are concerned about the future of the internet.Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia for their support in realizing my dream of attending the upcoming 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, which will take place in Kyoto, Japan from October 8 to October 12, 2023.
Unlocking Potential and Opportunities Through Internet Governance Forum
Hi, I\'m VA Phavan, and I hold dual degrees in Media Management and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I am pleased to tell you about my experience related the Internet Governance Forum (IGF2023), where I will be able to learn new things and advocate for them. This one-of-a-kind annual meeting has allowed me to participate in important discussion on the eight related themes of \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People\":Artificial intelligence and emerging technologiesAvoiding Internet fragmentationCybersecurity cybercrime and online safetyData governance and trustDigital divides and inclusionGlobal digital governance and cooperationHuman rights and freedomsSustainability and environmentThe 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum will be held in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8-12, 2023. And as a selected committee to join the forum through the support of Open Development Cambodia, I will describe how I got engaged, what I learned at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum, and what I hope to see during the annual meeting in Japan.The Path That Led Me Here:I came across a post by Open Development Cambodia (ODC) encouraging young people to participate in internet policymaking while surfing Facebook. Interestingly enough, it was the first time that I made aware of the word “Internet Governance’’. I made the decision to apply to join the organizing committee, and I was tasked with Media and Evaluation lead. I was one of the fortunate twenty other committees selected to contribute to the success of the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum in 2023. In addition to working hard and collaborating with all the fantastic people I have met over the past four months of preparation for the CamYIGF 2023, I made the most of this opportunity to learn new things and have productive discussions.Notable Discussions at the Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Forum:Engaging with like-minded people and delving into many facets of internet governance at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum was a life-altering event. About 250 people attended the two-day event, which happened at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) and focused on the topic of \"Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Opportunities for All.\" The event featured 36 speakers including guests from Japan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.With over 30 sessions on the three subthemes: Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, Digital rights and online responsibilities, and Internet security and data privacy, my favorite would be the Question and Answer discussion in each room. Working as a camerawoman meant I could continue to work on my role while also absorbing the information from the speakers. Additionally, hearing a panel discuss the government\'s response to the continued issues posed by cyberspace was a highlight. Participants dug deep into the obstacles that underprivileged groups experience while trying to get online and discussed ways to overcome them. As the seminar fostered an atmosphere of cooperation, prompting us to brainstorm possible remedies and lobby for more digital access in our local communities, two of the participants particularly mentioned about how fortunate they were as they were able to attend the CamYIGF 2023, and even suggested the forum to be held again next year while promoting more people from minority groups to join.What to Look Forward to at This Year\'s Internet Governance Forum Annual Meeting in JapanTwo of the eight subthemes, \"digital divide and inclusion\" and \"sustainability and the environment,\" strike out to me as I prepare to attend the next IGF Annual Meeting in Kyoto, Japan. I anticipate that the issues plaguing these fields will become clearer after these discussions, which will then open the path for innovative solutions.In the contemporary globalized society, it is of utmost importance to address the issue of digital gaps and actively foster digital inclusion. In order to facilitate universal participation and equitable benefits inside the digital realm, it is imperative to critically evaluate existing regulatory frameworks and formulate novel strategies. I am anticipating engaging in activities such as seminars and panel discussions that aim to foster diversity and inclusion within the digital realm.Furthermore, I am enthusiastic about acquiring further knowledge on the correlation between internet governance and the sustainability in the long run. It is imperative to promote sustainable activities and undertake measures to offset the adverse impacts associated with digital technologies. The Annual Meeting will provide a platform for the exhibition of successful projects, the enhancement of public comprehension, and the coordination of endeavors aimed at fostering sustainability and ecological friendliness in the realm of the internet.Conclusion: The Internet Governance Forum has opened my eyes to the possibilities for influencing the future of the internet for the better. The Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum provided me with the foundation I needed to begin participating in important discussions about the digital divide, inclusivity, sustainability, and the environment. I am looking forward to participating in discussions, gaining knowledge, and advocating for a more equitable and environmentally sound digital future at this year\'s IGF Annual Meeting in Japan. If we work together, we can make the internet a better, more just, and more ecologically conscientious pl
The First Cambodia Youth Internet Governance – Was it how I expected?
Hey there, digital explorers and enthusiasts! I\'m Peach, a passionate environmental advocate pursuing a green job, and I\'m here to share my exciting journey throughout the first inaugural Cambodia Youth Internet Governance (CamYIGF) event. But first, let me share how I got to be part of the incredible organizing committee.The Unexpected ApplicationWith little knowledge about Internet Governance, I stumbled upon this great opportunity through my involvement in youth empowerment initiatives in Cambodia. I would laugh if I had told myself a year ago that I would be part of the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance organizing committee. I applied to be part of the team and showcase how I can contribute to building and executing the event program; thankfully, I got selected and become part of the amazing team that I will tell you about.Pre-event ActivitiesWith my expertise in the debate field, I took the lead in designing the sub-event, two debate rounds over Internet Governance.One was held between the IISPP Debate Society and the Paragon International University Debate Club. The second round was held between the organizing committee and students from CADT, and the topics revolved around internet governance, except it was more in-depth than the first round.Providing training and coordinating the pre-event was an experience I always wanted to have. The sub-event goal was to enable audiences to be equipped with some knowledge of Internet governance before attending the actual events one month apart.Highlights During the EventI think one of the most memorable experiences from CamYIGF was stepping into the role of the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the opening ceremony. Welcoming a diverse crowd, including enthusiasts and participants from Phnom Penh and other provinces, was a fantastic way to kick things off.Throughout the event, I had the privilege of moderating numerous break-out sessions, diving into discussions about digital privacy, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and the ever-expanding digital landscape. It was fascinating to hear diverse viewpoints and ideas from our speaker including international which was conducted online and our national speaker who was presented on-site, especially hearing the sharing from our fellow attendees.Managing the event flow alongside the two volunteer teams, including Event Facilitators and Operational Support, was another hurdle we hopped past together for an event of 250 participants. Ensuring each session ran smoothly and participants had an insightful and interactive experience was a rewarding challenge. Having to make many on-spot decisions was one force that kept the event on track and dynamic. CamYIGF was an intersection of brilliant minds from various sectors, including the government, private sector, experts, and netizens. Networking with many of them, each bringing unique perspectives, was the event\'s highlight. From tech gurus to policy experts, I had the opportunity to connect and learn from the best in the field.And last but not least, the incredible multi-stakeholder meeting! Being part of this dialogue was a true eye-opener as I got to experience what an actual multi-stakeholder discussion would be like. The collaborative spirit and exchange of ideas between stakeholders from different backgrounds left a lasting impression on me as we strive toward collaboration and initiating resolution to improve internet governance in Cambodia.So, did I get what I expected from CamYIGF?No, because it exceeded what I expected, and I did not think that the First Cambodia Internet Governance could achieve this milestone.To summarize my experiences, I was an internet-governance-dehydrated-sponge now soaked up with digital and internet governance knowledge. The sophistication of Internet governance, the policies that shape our online world, and how we can ensure a safer and more inclusive digital space for all were all shown and shared throughout the event; I sincerely hope you can feel them from reading this blog.What\'s next?The next step for our team is attending the 18th Annual Meeting of Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan, from the 8th until the 12th of October. As I actively pursue a green job, I\'m excited to join many sustainability sessions because they align perfectly with my passion and professional objectives.I\'m excited to be part of the \'Eco-friendly Policy System for Emerging Technology\' session that will provide essential insights into sustainable tech policy, enhancing my role in the green job sector.A summit is always a place I love to be in; the \'IGF 2023 Global Youth Summit\' will allow me to connect with fellow internet or digital enthusiasts to share experiences, learn, and collectively shape a digital landscape that prioritizes not only environmental sustainability but digital and internet governance as a whole.\'Digital Inclusion & Environmental Sustainability\' is another session that perfectly blends my interests. It allows me to delve into how digital tech can bridge societal gaps while promoting sustainability, extending my wisdom and network in these areas.Lastly, \'Community Networks: Digital Sovereignty and Sustainability\' resonates with my dedication to creating a more environmentally conscious digital world. This session will connect me with like-minded experts and practitioners.My desire to join these sessions arises from my belief that the intersection of emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital inclusion offers opportunities for significant impact.I\'m eagerly looking forward to diving headfirst into the 18th Internet Governance Forum and gaining firsthand insights that will enhance the 2nd Cambodia Internet Governance Forum next year. Our team goal and objectives for attending this year\'s Forum is to offer our participants a comparable experience in terms of content, sessions, and overall format to the Internet Governance Forum during our event the following year.
Ready to Dive into the World of Internet Governance? Join Me on My Journey with the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance For
As a third-year computer science student at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, my passion for technology and the digital world has led me to some incredible opportunities. Currently, I serve as a member of the Organizing Committee at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF), where I\'ve had the chance of delving deep into the intricate world of internet governance, web design, and graphic design.Why I Chose to Join This ProgramInternet governance is a field that has always fascinated me. I believe that understanding how the internet operates at both regional and international levels is crucial in today\'s interconnected world. My skills in design and web development have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the YIGF team, and I thrive in collaborative environments where innovation and creativity are valued.One of the driving forces behind my participation in this program is my desire to learn more about various aspects of internet governance, including Internet Governance Organizations, Cybersecurity, Trust, and Internet Governance Principles. I\'m particularly interested in how cybersecurity efforts enhance online protection and establish trust among users. Furthermore, I aim to gain insights into how principles such as openness, accessibility, security, and interoperability influence decision-making processes, shaping a stable Internet ecosystem for all.About Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF)Open Development Cambodia (ODC) first made YIGF available to young people in Cambodia in 2023. In addition to encouraging younger generations to participate more actively in policy debate and decision-making, it aimed to increase youth awareness of the discourse surrounding Internet governance. In addition to helping them understand their role in the future of society, the forum enables young people, technological professionals, policymakers, and experts to exchange knowledge and make improvements in information sharing and internet safety. The forum has provided invaluable experiences and insights into the digital landscape, fostering discussions and collaborations among passionate individualsMy Role as Technical SupportDuring the two-day event on September 23rd and 24th, I had the opportunity to contribute as technical support. My primary responsibilities included ensuring that all presentations went smoothly, the slides were in order, and addressing any technical issues that arose.These tasks might seem minor, but they are significant to the success of an event like this. As attendees discussed critical internet governance topics, it was essential that the technical aspects ran seamlessly. This allowed the focus to remain on the content, fostering productive and informative discussions.What I Expect from This ProgramDuring this program, I want to learn more about how the internet is managed. I\'m excited to learn from experts and others like me. We\'ll be talking about important things that make us think and help us in the digital world. I think this will help me understand more and share what I learn with others in Cambodia and around the world.The Experiences I Aim to GainAs an Organizing Committee member, I expect to gain multifaceted experiences. These include networking with professionals and like-minded individuals who share my passion for the digital world. I hope to further develop my organizational and leadership skills through my involvement in planning and executing various aspects of the YIGF. Additionally, I look forward to bringing home insights and knowledge that will benefit my academic pursuits and future career endeavors.From Cambodia to Kyoto - Exploring Internet Governance GloballyIn our digital age, safeguarding personal information is vital. I\'m excited to engage in policy discussions, particularly regarding Data Protection. Whether it\'s ensuring the privacy of our personal data, deliberating on the new Data Protection law, or offering insights to improve regulations that impact us all, I\'m committed to playing a part in shaping a more secure digital future.Special thanks to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for providing me with this exceptional opportunity. Through their support, I have a chance to join the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8 to 12, 2023. The IGF is a global platform that addresses internet governance issues, and I\'m happy to contribute to the discussions and learn from experts in interested sub-themes AI & Emerging Technologies, Data Governance & Trust, Sustainability & Environment. My journey as an Organizing Committee member at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum has been enlightening and rewarding. I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with the general public, as together, we explore the exciting world of internet governance and its impact on our digital lives.For more information about the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan, you can visit https://www.intgovforum.org/en .Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey, and I can\'t wait to share my experiences from the IGF in Japan with you all. Stay tuned!In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) again and all our partners, sponsors, collaborators, and supporters who have made this journey possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to internet governance education for the youth are deeply appreciated, and I hope we can continue this valuable initiative for the coming year.
4 reasons behind successful Cambodia’s first Youth Internet Governance Forum
The first-ever Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) was successfully conducted on 23rd-24th September 2023. This 2-days event took place at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) in Phnom Penh, the heart of the kingdom with the amount of attendees up to 200.Following the description on its website yIGF has aimed to raise awareness of youth on Internet governance-related topics and to encourage the young generation to have more active engagement in policy discussion and the decision-making process to understand their role in the future society, as well as to use the Internet in a safe way.This is one of the most successful tech events in Cambodia due to a number of reasons.1. Strong commitment from the whole teamThe credit for this success goes to the teams, Advisory Committees (AC), Organizing Committees (OC), and Volunteers.The AC plays a crucial role in navigating the course toward the right path. They brought the event to the country and recruited the OC. The AC also sought sponsorships, communicated with the policymakers, and guided the whole team to complete their tasks effectively in a timely manner.The OC consists of young and vibrant members who I believe will be the future leaders of this country. (I’m not joking 😉.) The team comprises many skillful people on a variety of topics. They worked as a team and produced a tremendous amount of high-quality work to ensure the event went smoothly and professionally.The website teamCredit also goes to the volunteer team who also worked so hard to contribute to the success of the event.Before the event, both OC and Volunteers worked days and nights to accomplish their jobs. Some would work with just a few hours of sleep for a number of consecutive days. You may have seen their work right at the event, if you’ve attended, or viewed the website and the social media engagement they have accomplished so far.2. InclusivenessAs stated on the website, yIGF is a dynamic and inclusive event that brings together youth, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society. People from various backgrounds came together to discuss Internet Governance, sharing experiences, networking, and learning from one another.Joining were students, social workers, government officials and policymakers, ethnic groups, people from provinces, NGOs, startups, etc. Besides joining as participants, some of them were volunteers, speakers, speaker coordinators, tech helpers, and MCs.On top of that, there were speakers from varied institutions as well, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Dot Asia, and more. Speakers were from Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, South Korea and many other countries.3. The themeThis year’s yIGF proposed a theme of “Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Opportunities for All” with three other sub-themes, such as the Introduction to AI, Digital Rights and Online Responsibility, and Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. Every topic proposed by the speaker must match these sub-themes.AI-related topics, digital rights and online responsibility-related topics, and cybersecurity-related topics are trending in today’s Cambodian society. People from all backgrounds are interested in AI and how it works, while individuals and NGOs are way more concerned about peoples’ ‘digital footprint’ and privacy leaks online, especially those who are working in areas of Child Protection.I presented \"The foundation of Web Security\"I helped Dixon with Khmer TranlsationAttendees were interested in securing themselves on the internet by learning new tips from experts like Chumrum Digital and other cyber security experts.Besides the breakout sessions, there were ‘Phum yIGF’ and ‘Multi-Stakeholder Conference’ roleplays where all participants were required to attend and learn something.Phum yIGF happened on the first day of the event where all people were encouraged to find out about digital currency–in this case Crypto Currency, the NFTs, and how the market fluctuates according to other side effects such as Hacking and Internet/Electricity interruptions. This session helped participants understand the risk of their investment in the market.Srymanit and I were the Crypto currency sellers (role play)Busy selling cryto currency (role play)The Multi-Stakeholder conference roleplay took place on the second day where some groups of participants were assigned a role to debate amongst each other. There were so-called ‘The Government Group’, the ‘Private Sector Group’, and the ‘Netizen Group’.Each group was given enough time to meet and prepare their questions and responses to other groups’ questions. The debate went well and the result from it was encouraging. The session was concluded by Mr. Thy Try, the executive director of Open Development Cambodia (ODC) who noted he had learned new tips from that debate and promised to bring them into the policy-making process with other stakeholders.The team representing the government meeting before the Multi-Stakeholder conferenceDuring the Multi-Stakeholder conference4. Engagement from all partiesThe event would not have been successful without the AC, OC, Volunteers, Speakers, and Participants. People were vibrantly communicating with one another during the session, the break, and even after the event.In my observations, people have made new friends, gained new knowledge, and raised new awareness of the current challenges in the digital sphere. Students may have good jobs through their extended network after graduation. Companies may gain more projects from potential stakeholders they met at the event.Another takeaway point is the Personal Data Protection law that is still under discussion amongst all stakeholders. I strongly believe that after the discussion, the law will gain more input and will be issued pretty soon. Since I will attend the Annual Meeting of the 18th Internet Government Forum in Kyoto, Japan next week, I’m more than happy to share my own input with what I will learn from the event via any means possible.All participants after the closing ceremonyTo conclude, I believe Cambodia’s yIGF 2023 would bring hope to every Cambodian citizen that they’d live in a safer world in the Industrial Revolution 4.0. It means they will be more cautious of what data they will share online and how much they should share, what links on the Internet are harmful and they will learn to use means that protect themselves from any cyber-attack. Furthermore, they will be aware of the trending AI technologies around them and they will learn to adapt. This will enable them to always be up-to-date with the job market.Without the help from ODC, I don’t think this kind of fruitful event can take place. I strongly hope ODC as well as other stakeholders will consider having yIGF repeat next year and every year.
Cambodia’s Internet Governance Advocate: My Road to UN IGF 2023
Journey of a Young Soul Wandering to Find HerselfFrom being a participant at the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) in 2022 to organizing the Youth Internet Governance Forum Cambodia 2023, my journey has been a transformative experience. Before APIGA, I had no idea about the vast and inclusive internet community and its role in policy development. As a third-year student majoring in Management of Information Systems at Paragon International University, self-learning and exploration are crucial for me. They\'ve helped me discover opportunities aligned with my interests and passions.Today, I\'m actively engaged in the internet community, keeping pace with technological trends in our digital transformation era. This journey has left me feeling inspired and energized.Feeling Inspired and EnergeticAfter participating in APIGA, I returned to Cambodia with a burning question: How can I raise awareness about internet governance in my country? I firmly believe in its importance for our nation\'s rapid digital development and the preservation of an open, secure, and inclusive internet for all. Fortunately, I found the answer—a remarkable opportunity to bring internet governance awareness to Cambodian youth through the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum.When I learned that Open Development Cambodia (ODC) was bringing this forum model to Cambodia and seeking an organizing committee, I wasted no time in applying. Among many candidates who underwent interviews, I was honored to be selected as a member of the organizing committee for the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023. It\'s a meaningful position that aligns perfectly with my goals and initiatives.The Process of Organizing YIGF CambodiaOrganizing an event as significant as the Youth Internet Governance Forum Cambodia is no easy feat. As an organizing committee member, I juggled various roles and responsibilities, driving the team to achieve our objectives. My contributions ranged from being in the program committee, drafting our YIGF Cambodia concept note, theme, and sub-themes, to spearheading activities such as a role-play on multistakeholder internet governance.I took pride in designing our beautiful website, yigfkh.org, and providing support in the communication committee, which included creating posters and materials. Beyond these roles, I believe my role in uniting the team, offering encouragement, and inspiring them to persevere until we achieved our forum\'s goals was invaluable.After YIGF Cambodia 2023 Came to an EndOur journey with YIGF Cambodia 2023 recently concluded on a high note, leaving me immensely grateful. I\'m proud of my own contributions and equally proud of my fellow organizing committee members. Our collective hard work, dedication, and countless sleepless nights were instrumental in making YIGF Cambodia a resounding success.What\'s Next for Me? Where Does This Journey Lead?I am deeply honored to have been selected by Open Development Cambodia as one of the organizing committee members for the 18th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, scheduled from October 8th to 12th, 2023. The forum\'s overarching theme, \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People,\" is complemented by sub-themes including AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment.The IGF serves as a platform where diverse stakeholders come together as equals to exchange information and share best practices related to the internet and technologies. While the IGF may not possess decision-making authority, it informs and inspires those who do. It fosters common understandings and knowledge exchange to maximize internet opportunities and address risks and challenges. One aspect of IGF that particularly excites me is multistakeholder internet governance meetings. These sessions enable stakeholders from all corners, including developing countries, to engage in internet governance debates, contributing to capacity building and facilitating their participation in existing internet governance institutions and arrangements.Among the many sessions at IGF 2023, I am particularly passionate about the Multistakeholder Discussion on issues related to Generative AI and the High-Level Session, which brings together speakers from diverse stakeholder groups. This session, like the rest of the program, embodies the IGF\'s commitment to multistakeholder discourse, knowledge exchange, and the belief that such exchanges among decision-makers can lead to optimal policy outcomes. At IGF 2023, the focus will revolve around pressing public interest questions related to several subthemes, including AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment.Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their financial support, which allows me to participate in the Internet Governance Forum 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. I also appreciate my own dedication and hard work, as it was driven by my desire to raise awareness about internet governance among Cambodian youth and contribute to Cambodia\'s digital technology transformation. Hard work pays off, but my motivation extends beyond personal gain. I work hard because I want to bring internet governance awareness to Cambodian youth and contribute to the digital development of Cambodia.
YIGF Cambodia’s organizing committee: Story toward IGF 2023
I am one of the members of the YIGF Cambodia’s organizing committee and one of the selected participants to attend the IGF 2023, who will receive a travel grant from Open Development Cambodia. I am thrilled to attend the IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan from 8th to 12th October 2023, as this will be an incredible opportunity to learn for me, and I look forward to gaining more knowledge about the theme \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People,\" which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable internet access for all individuals and communities. IGF 2023 will almost certainly include a diverse range of discussions, workshops, and other events focused on various elements of internet governance. These are expected to include cybersecurity, digital rights, privacy and data protection, emerging technology, and other concerns. The event will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants from different sectors and regions of the world. I will also be pleased to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas with those who are devoted to furthering the cause of digital inclusion and diversity. I can’t wait to attend all the IGF 2023 sessions that catch my interest, especially the one on digital human rights, the IGF 2023 youth summit, and others on artificial intelligence, cyber security, and child online safety.My memorable experience at YIGF Cambodia ForumBeing a part of YIGF Cambodia’s organizing committee was an amazing experience that tested my skills, abilities, and creativity. While it can be a challenging task, it was also be highly rewarding to see all the hard work and effort pay off with a thriving YIGF Cambodia forum. My experience in the YIGF Cambodia on 23-24th September 2023, which was hosted at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, it was an insightful and informative forum for all Cambodia youth, including me. During YIGF Cambodia, the youths shared their insightful ideas, thoughts, and concerns on technology in discussion. I also learnt from other organizing committees, advisory committees, honorable guests, speakers, and the participating youth. The forum was memorable because the attendees demonstrated their talent and expertise, and I applaud their eagerness to learn about the influence of technology in Cambodia. Attending YIGF Cambodia was an enriching and fulfilling experience for me as an internet governance enthusiast. It provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet like-minded people, learnt from experts, participate in discussions, and get new perspectives and information about current concerns and trends in internet governance.I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Open Development Cambodia and the donors for providing me with a wonderful opportunity to attend IGF 2023. It will be a truly enlightening experience. I feel an intense sense of dedication and responsibility to be a part of the upcoming IGF forum, and I feel enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with so many brilliant and inspiring individuals from around the world.
Post-event of Brisbane Youth Internet Governance (yIGF) 2023
The Youth Internet Governance (yIGF) was held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center. This year yIGF discussed 3 themes which were Access and Inclusion, Trust and Sustainability. All participants were divided into 4 different groups such as government, private sector, civil society, and technical community, and we were supposed to represent each actor to present our challenges and proposed solutions to improve internet governance amongst youth. Attending the event was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights, new perspectives, and practical experiences. I want to take this moment to reflect on what I have learned from the event and how it has impacted me.First of all, the yIGF along with APrIGF allowed me to dive deep into the subject matter. There were many interesting topic presentations during the sharing session such as digital security, evolving internet governance, fragmentation, the future of the internet, AI, and so on and so forth. Speakers from all across Asia Pacific and Australia with different experiences from their society shared about the challenges and response algorithms on Internet Governance. They shared what they have encountered and how they deal with all the challenges. Question and Answer sessions were all added at the end of each sharing session and all participants were not only encouraged to ask questions to the speakers but also allowed to speak up about what they wanted the world to hear as well as to share their personal challenging experiences related to the access of the internet. Second, the opportunity to interact with fellow participants as well as with speakers from various backgrounds was invaluable. It was obvious to me that all the invited speakers to the events are mostly professionals who directly work and have experience with technology and the internet. Some participants and speakers are even from the law, and business sector, and the event also invited people from the disability community to express their concerns, limits, and challenges in accessing the internet. Most of the participants were concerned about various kinds of internet fragmentation such as technical fragmentation, geographic fragmentation, and so on. For example, Chat Gpt is still not available in Cambodia as well as the other developing and isolated countries. Last but not least, the practical exercises and hands-on activities during the event were particularly beneficial. Practical exercises include public speaking, working in groups with the other participants online, and delivering good and clear messages to the international stages. We also contribute our ideas and propose algorithms to respond to all the challenges in one of the three themes with one of the actor representatives. In terms of personal growth, attending this event has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. There are still many things I need to learn to understand the outside world more apart from my home country, and I still have many soft skills and hard skills to improve in order to be a more qualified personnel on the international stage to share my personal experience more efficiently.One key takeaway for me was self-awareness of the technological product that we are using and having a clear role as an internet user. This concept really resonated with me because it is so true that in reality, people tend to not be aware of what they are using whether the origin of the developer, the purpose and the security of the software, the harm and the challenges of using the application and website and so on. One more thing, the awareness of your role toward the use of the internet is really compulsory for everyone because not all of us are internet developers or content creators. We should define our role in accessing the internet so that we can share the content on the internet more accurately and also access the content we want more efficiently. I can already see how I can integrate this into my work or personal life, and I\'m excited to explore it further.Overall, the event of Youth Internet Governance in Brisbane was an exceptional learning experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have attended and for the knowledge, connections, and inspiration it provided. I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the organizer team for their outstanding work in organizing and hosting such a wonderful youth Internet Governance Forum. The event was smooth and a huge success, thanks to their dedication, creativity, and professionalism.
Pre-event of Brisbane Youth Internet Governance (yIGF) 2023
As a member of the Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF), I have learned many things and received a lot of information regarding topics such as cybersecurity, cybercrime, digital economy, digital government, and so on. I was able to learn these topics not only in Cambodia but also had many opportunities to attend various international events outside the country. The YIGF committee is constantly informing and sharing various opportunities on our platform, and as an active member, I make it a point to track and follow all of the information that the committee shares.I recently had the opportunity to attend an Asia Pacific yIGF event in Brisbane, Australia, which was organized and facilitated by NetMission ambassadors in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF). When I saw the event\'s opportunity, I began applying directly through the link shared in the group. On the application, I discussed my professional background and the experiences I\'ve gained through my work with Open Development Cambodia (ODC), as well as what I\'ve accomplished so far. After being successfully shortlisted, I had an interview with the organizers and other selected participants. Everyone was upbeat and eager to respond to and discuss any questions about internet governance. At the end of the interview, the organizers informed the candidates that those who did not receive full support would have to cover their own expenses. With additional help from ODC, I was confident in covering my expenses. One week later, I received an email stating that I had been chosen for accommodation support in Brisbane for five nights during the event.This year, the yIGF will be held as a three-day hybrid meeting in Brisbane, Australia, alongside the APrIGF 2023. The APrIGF and yIGF will be held from August 28th to August 31st, 2023. It is one of the most important regional initiatives for Internet governance. By using a multi-stakeholder approach as its guiding principle, it serves as a platform for regional discussion, exchange, and collaboration, as well as aggregating national IGF discussions where possible, to ultimately advance Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region.By attending the event, I agreed to attend the entire yIGF program as well as all selected APrIGF sessions and complete all mandatory tasks and presentations throughout the event. Last, but not least, I am expected to contribute to the yIGF youth statement and the APrIGF Synthesis Document. By attending the two events mentioned above, I hope to form collaborative partnerships with other participants and speakers from all around the world. In addition, I\'m looking forward to learning about the internet\'s future, the impact of cyberspace on youth, and digital well-being. I also intend to gain ideas regarding digital careers from the event. After receiving the agenda for the event, I began to recall an event that I used to organize named Cambodia ICT Camp 2022. There are several sessions that focus on new technology, digital platforms, data science, cybersecurity, and other topics. I hope to use my previous experience to learn as much as possible from professors, specialists, and speakers at Asia Pacific yIGF and APrIGF. I am beyond excited to fly and represent my organization at the events in Brisbane, Australia.
Key highlights of the second day of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023
On 24 September 2023, after reflecting upon what had been learned from Day 1, participants had the option to attend one of three sharing sessions. Each session includes two lightning talks and two workshops on different topics. In the main hall, Mr. Ahmad Umair Bin Suhaidi presented “Navigating the Digital World: Unpacking Online Risks & Building Digital Resilience”, joined by Mr. Harisa Shahid, who covered “AI Ethics and Governance”. In room 2, Ms. Te Sonita led a discussion on “Ensuring Security for Your Passwords and What Happens when You are Connected to wifi?”. In room 3, Ms. Chhit Kanika and Mr. Chum Rasy presented “Important securities features of Telegram”.The morning session concluded with a keynote by Mr. Ly Sokphath, Director of the Department of Project Appraisal and Development Programs and General Secretariat of the Digital Governance Committee, where he talked about “Digital Transformation”. Some of the key policies he emphasized include the Pentagon Strategy-Phase 1, the Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework, and the Cambodian Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, citing the importance of involvement from all stakeholders to create a dynamic digital economy and society. He stated, “Digital infrastructure and citizen’s trust and confidence are the fundamentals of building and transitioning toward a digital society”. At the end of the session, participants from various backgrounds engaged in the Q&A session as well as shared their experiences and impressions from participating in the event. Among them, one of the participants who belongs to the indigenous community expressed her excitement in attending the event, while hoping for similar forums on digital transformation to be accessible to a diverse range of populations, particularly indigenous populations in highland areas in the Northeast region such as Ratanakiri. It was not yet the end of the story since another participant from Thbong Khmun, further expressed his great impression of the value of the Forum from which he could learn and engage with a wide range of people, especially youth. In his opinion, even though the forum was aimed at youth, it should be extended to reach out to the elders, too, whose knowledge of digital technology is somehow lagging behind since they are also the target of digital risks such as online scams. After lunch, participants could choose from six sharing sessions under different topics. The first half of the afternoon consists of three sessions from our domestic and international speakers. In room 1, sessions consist of “AI Ethics and Data Protection Law” by Ms. Svaradiva Anurdea Devi and “For Sustainable Digital Safety Literacy” by Mr. Kurihara Kohei. In room 2, Mr. Jaewon Son presented “Empowering a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future: A Holistic Approach to Responsible Internet” and Mr. Sreng Kimhab presented “Data Privacy and Protection”. In room 3, Mr. Tepken Vannkorn led a workshop on “The Foundation of Web Security”.In the second half of the afternoon, participants can choose from three additional sessions, consisting of two lightning talks and three workshops. In room 1, Ms. Maristela Miranda presented “Youth and Data Privacy: Concerns and Ways to Address Them”, while Mr. Porhai EUNG presented “Career in Cybersecurity”. In room 2, Mr. Touch Sangrotha discussed “Web Accessibility: Build Websites That Are Inclusive to Everyone”. In room 3, Mr. Diep Kong presented “Cyber Security” and Mr. Sy Tech Hong presented “Protecting Your Identity in Digital Era”.After a coffee break came one of the most interesting activities of the day. The activity is called “Multistakeholder Internet Governance Mockup Meeting on Data Protection Law”, where participants are divided into groups and role-played as stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and netizens. An important note is that all information and opinions expressed in this mockup meeting shall not be interpreted or used by a third party due to the fact that it is not an official meeting. Each group of stakeholders is given about 05 minutes to deliver their statement on personal data protection, followed by a plenary session of 20 minutes whereby questions and answers are exchanged between the stakeholders.It is observed that questions mainly capture issues around how netizens’ personal data can be collected and stored without being leaked for any reason. Public CCTV which captures the facial data of citizens is also a concern since the data might be leaked. Questions and answers around the way consent is collected with understandable terms and conditions are another appealing point being discussed. Last but not least, some eye-opening recommendations given by netizens touch upon the possibility of cybercrime in FinTech in the way that now anyone can open a bank account through a mobile app just by completing some basic personal data and facial recognition. The point is that information like facial recognition can be generated by AI, so it makes sense to raise a concern about the risk of AI-generated cybercrimes in FinTech. Netizens also want the government, especially MPTC, to increase their efforts in promotional and informational campaigns aimed at gathering inputs or insights from citizen and civil society organizations (CSOs). It is necessary that these meetings or workshops have specific dates, times, and venues that make it easy for people to engage. The public is interested in sharing their concerns and input into any drafted law. However, limited information about consultative meetings has been a barrier. The mockup meeting then arrived at another session called Cross-Community Group Discussion in which three groups were formed to present three types of stakeholders including (1) youth group, (2) private sector group, and (3) government group. Final statements taken from the three groups include some interesting snapshots including more inclusive training and education on data protection given to people living in remote areas, affordability and accessibility of products and services provided by the private sector, and a matter of Internet gateway which genuinely aims to protect the people at all margins. The day was closed with lessons learned and reflection given by Ms. Voleak spoke on behalf of the youth team who made a great effort in organizing the event. Paying forward is something she highlighted in the way that experiences and lessons taken in the event will be shared with other Cambodian youth who have not attended the event. “Today, I am youth but tomorrow I will be an adult” is a remark by Voleak who wanted to depict that internet governance is a long-term ongoing effort to be taken not only by one person in one generation but it is an effort by all from one generation to another.Mr. Thy Try then took the podium thanking the youth organizing team and key speakers such as Mr. Klein and Mr. Dixon who devoted their restless effort to attend the event. Having a national internet governance forum is a plan that ODC is committed to organize in collaboration with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, in parallel with a global-level forum which will be organized in New York. The very last closing remark is given by Ms. Lay Puthineath, Advisory Committee of Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum. The fact that 170 participants attended 33 sessions with a good impression is a key highlight, showing that the forum was successfully carried out. Appreciation to ODC and FHI, APNIC, and Chumrum Digital is especially noted.
Day one of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023 is a success
On 23 September 2023, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) is pleased to host the first ever Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF) 2023 in Cambodia at the Cambodia Academy of Digital and Technology (CADT). The event is co-organized by CADT with the support from the Youth Internet Governance Forum Committee, Sec.Dev foundation, Chumrum Digital, APNIC, ICT4D Cambodia Network, and ICANN. The theme of the event is “Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Opportunities for All”. Approximately 250 participants from diverse backgrounds and across the country joined the events. 35 honorable guest speakers are rigorously selected based on their digital and technological knowledge, experience, and expertise, locally and internationally such as Japan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, India, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Ms. Ros Chanvoleak, representing the Organizing Committee of the YIGF, kickstarted the YIGF 2023 by welcoming remarks. She began by expressing her gratitude toward the YIGF committees, Open Development Cambodia (ODC), and volunteers for their contribution to making YIGF 2023 happen. She has also briefly discussed the themes and agenda of the event. Then, Ms. Ngoun Somaly, Director General, the Digital Governance Institute of the Digital Technology Academy of Cambodia (CADT)continued with her remark on Cambodia\'s Digital landscape and the importance of the Internet to society. Mrs. Somaly mentioned the structure and function of CADT and its institutions to the audience and provided an insightful speech on the role of Internet Governance. To conclude, she hopes the forum will give the space for participants and professionals to address internet governance, especially for youth to discuss policies regarding the internet, and digital governance, and give youth the chance to address their concerns on accountability of the internet ecosystem.Executive director of Open Development Cambodia (ODC), Mr. Thy Try gave his remark. He started by welcoming all of the honorable guest speakers and participants to the YIGF 2023. He highlighted one of the important sessions of the event which is the Discussion on the Draft law on personal data protection policies, and encouraged all relevant stakeholders and participants to share their ideas and provide input to the draft law. He also thanked all the organizing teams and the event’s honorable guest speakers His Excellency Sun Rapid, Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, CADT for their continuous support and collaboration to bring technology and digital-related events to Cambodia.His Excellency, Sun Rapid, undersecretary of state of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, took the stage and spoke to conclude the opening remark. The topic of digital governance is aligned with the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication agenda on digital development which can be found in policies such as The Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 and Digital Economy and Society 2021-2030, he added. The Internet has a broad definition that can be found in every aspect of life making the term complex and abstract, he continued. It is necessary for policymakers and users to fully understand their roles and utilize the benefits of the Internet to the fullest through the practice of Internet governance. He has also touched upon the risks, challenges and vulnerabilities of the internet such as online scams, cyber security and cyberbullying and urged youth to learn and understand the principle of internet governance in order to tackle the above-mentioned issues.Following the opening remarks, there are 5 keynote speeches by the event’s honorable guest speakers presenting consequential internet-related issues. Firstly, Mr. Norbert KLEIN, one of ODC’s original advisory board members, gave his keynote speech about the history of the internet in Cambodia. He is a part of the team to brought the first internet connection to the country during the 1990s. Speaking in front of 129 audiences, he said that the difficulty of reaching out and communicating in Cambodia was the inspiration to bring internet connection to the kingdom. During that time, Cambodia lacked the resources and infrastructure to establish an internet connection. After the internet connection was successfully established, other initiatives also emerged such as the creation of Khmer font on computers and the Cambodian country code \"KH\".Then, the floor was given to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) team to present the topic “What is Internet Governance Forum?” It was a pre-recorded session from Ms. Anja Gengo, Internet Governance Associate Programme Expert and United Nations Secretariat for the Internet Governance Forum. Due to the upsurge in the use of the internet, risks and challenges are also rising. The majority of users have limited knowledge of their role and privacy in the internet sphere. Internet Governance Forum aims to bridge those gaps and enrich users with practical knowledge of online data protection and management.After that, another keynote speech was presented by Bouy Lina on Introduction to AI. It was indeed an interactive session. Though the session is highly technical, the audience looks focused and carefully listens to the speaker\'s in-depth presentation. Dixon Siu, a Japanese software engineer - Fujitsu Limited and representative of the CamIDF Advisory gave his keynote speech on Digital Rights and Online Responsibility. His session was very beneficial as he provided a practical framework for users to surf the internet and online platforms safely. To conclude, Mr. Nget Moses, gave his keynote speech on Cyber security and Data privacy in Cambodia. He addressed one of the common cyber security problems in Cambodia which is hacking and cyber attacks on social media platforms such as Facebook and Telegram. He also put a strong emphasis on data protection as it is a valuable aspect amidst the digital age. He added that the government recognized the potential harm of security risk and has established various laws and policies to address the issues. Besides the keynote speech, there is also a panel discussion on the Personal Data Protection Draft Law. There are three panelists from CSOs and the private sector. It was indeed one of the most fruitful and interactive sessions of the event. The panel discussion addresses the advantages and disadvantages of various articles in the draft law in the realms of privacy and personal data protection.After lunch, participants are divided into three breakout rooms where guest speakers present different topics based on three themes: Cybersecurity and data security, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Rights and Online Responsibilities. In room 1, Mr. Heng Soklay, Researcher at CADT presented “AI in Education”. “Lessons in the Fight for Digital Privacy from India” by our international speaker Mr, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, “AI in the present world: Current Impact and Trends” by Mr. IM Chantola, “How to prevent being a victim of social engineering” by Mr. Oum Oudom, “Cyber Security” by Mr. Edmon Chung. In room 2, Chumrum Digital Team shared an interesting session on “Phishing Attacks vs Prevention”, “Why Data Ethics Are Important for AI/ML Solutions?” and Why Personal Data Empowerment is the Future and overview of the “My Data Operator Ecosystem?” by Dixon Siu. In room 3, Mr. Na Sambathchatovong presents a session on “Cyber Security”, Mr, Samarn Mardy on “Open Data and Privacy”, another “Cyber Security” session by DigitalHub101, “IUI Internal Universal” by Mr. Phan Daro and “Digital Skill Adaptation in 21st Century” by Mr. Cheang Thornsopanha. The first day ended with a fruitful exchange in which participants learned new insight in the realm of Internet Governance.
My experience after the event in Brisbane– yIGF & APrIGF 2023
One of the amazing events I\'ve been to was the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2023, which took place in Brisbane, Australia. The APrIGF 2023 Overarching Theme is \" Emerging Technologies – Is Asia Pacific Ready for the Next Phase of the Internet?\". Young people and multi-stakeholders from various parts of Asia-Pacific have been invited to the table to discuss Internet governance. As a member of the CamyIGF 2023 organizing committee, I had the chance to interact and converse with a variety of stakeholders and young people from diverse regions.I\'ve never been this far away from home before, so I\'m truly amazed by Brisbane, Australia\'s beauty. From day 0 of the yIGF and APAC until the closing ceremony, I have learned immensely the primary role of youth in Internet governance, how we as young people are prepared to pursue these opportunities, and how we can contribute to the advancement of technology in our own society. The conference was hosted by the.au Domain Administration (auDA) sponsored by Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), APNIC Foundation, NETTHING 2023, Australian Government and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The IGF basically aims to inform young people about Internet governance. It also encourages the younger generation to engage in more deliberation and decision-making process.The program agenda for yIGF 2023 and APrIGF includes the APAC Youth Leader dialogue on Youth Power Building Collaborative Partnership for Youth Inclusion Internet Governance, a panel discussion on algorithmic decision-making and the future of the Internet, a round table discussion on cyberspace\'s impact on youth digital wellbeing, and a meeting with industry experts. After each speaker’s presentation, there was an open floor dialogue followed by a panel discussion, where the speakers recap the discussion and receive follow-up questions from the participants. Participants can also ask their own questions to gain a deeper knowledge, and this is also one of the memorable moments when I see many enthusiastic young people and numerous stakeholders actively voicing their concerns!One of the highlights for me was getting to practice public speaking and boosting my confidence in expressing my concerns to the general public by presenting our Youth policy statement. The statement was the result of our discussion during the conference when we were divided into four groups made up of representatives from the Civil Society, the Technical Community, the Government, and the Private Sector.Everyone can participate in voicing their concerns about issues relating to Internet governance by doing so through the Youth Policy Statement in the APrIGF Synthesis Document 2023. If you\'re a Cambodian and are interested in learning more about Internet governance, join our Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum on September 23–24, 2023, at CADT!Photo by APNICFinally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to NetMission and the DotAsia Organization for giving me the chance to learn about Internet governance and develop my active participation, networking, and cooperation skills. Moreover, a special thanks to the organizing committee, who made sure that everyone is on the same page while continuing to provide us with all the essential materials from the day before the event to the last day of the conference. They put in a lot of effort, and I\'ve learned a lot from it, which has made me aspire to be like them. As a member of the yIGF 2023 Cambodia, I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia for covering the cost of my roundtrip flight and visa.
My APrIGF 2023 Fellow Experience
I am honored to be selected as one of the fellows for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) held in Brisbane, Australia from 29th to 31st August 2023. The conference brings together a diverse group of people sharing different backgrounds, including youths, researchers, policymakers, and others, to collaborate and discuss Internet issues happening in the Asia Pacific region. This highlights the importance of multistakeholder approach to shape our digital space and Internet world.This year, it\'s noteworthy that the APrIGF, NetThing, Pacific IGF, and yIGF events were hosted concurrently at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The overarching theme for this year’s conference is “Emerging Technologies – Is Asia Pacific Ready for the Next Phase of the Internet?” with an emphasis on three main themes, access & inclusion, sustainability, and trust. In a world where technology is evolving rapidly, this forum pushed us to question our readiness, our strategies, and our ethical frameworks. Various interesting topics were discussed, such as data privacy and protection, AI ethics, cybersecurity, human rights, online child protection, digital inclusion and connectivity, policies and regulations, and many others.Day 0: Capacity building for fellows and newcomersBefore the official kick-off of the event, fellows and newcomers were invited to a capacity-building session. We were introduced to Internet governance and the multi-stakeholder model. The orientation helps to ensure that all attendees are welcomed, informed, and equipped with the knowledge necessary to actively participate in the forthcoming discussions in the following days, and everyone is open to raising their voices to shape the future of the Internet during the conference.We had an opportunity to stand up, introduce ourselves, and share our interests in Internet issues. It was enlightening to hear from such a diverse group, each bringing their unique perspective about Internet governance to the room. I also had the enriching experience of attending the APAC Youth Leaders Dialogue hosted by yIGF, which provided insights into how can the youth meaningfully contribute to Internet governance discussions and initiate local Internet governance in their home country. I also had the opportunity to discuss with the IGF secretariat. The discussion was not just about gaining knowledge but also about seeking advice, sharing concerns, and envisioning pathways for youth participation in the development of Internet policy.Day 1“Policy development on generative AI based on Biometrics & Weaponizing Information Bubbles” is one of the sessions I attended on the first day.The session is about the challenges we\'re facing with new AI technologies, especially the ones that create super realistic, yet fake content. The concerns around advanced AI technologies include voice synthesis that can mimic anyone\'s voice, deepfakes which can produce convincing videos of individuals doing or saying things they haven\'t, and even the ability to replicate unique identifiers such as fingerprints, and many more. Such advancements, powered by AI tools, blur the lines between reality and deceit. The session highlighted the importance of reflecting on why we use these technologies and what we hope to achieve with them. With AI\'s ability to generate almost real content, distinguishing genuine from fake is becoming a challenge.A significant concern raised was about AI\'s potential to disseminate false information widely and rapidly. But what\'s even more challenging is that our laws and regulations aren\'t adapted quickly enough to these technological advancements. This session raises our awareness of the need to exploit new technologies, understanding, and an emphasis on ethical use.Day 2In addition to the insightful sessions on Internet-related issues happening simultaneously on day 2, all the fellows had the opportunity to present their selected topics related to Internet issues within their buddy groups. It was an enriching learning experience to listen to the diverse perspectives everyone brought to the stage on Internet governance.I had a unique and new experience working with my buddy, Eshaq. Collaborating with someone who has a disability gives me insight into the challenges he is facing in relation to Internet governance. His perspective taught me that as technology is advancing, there is often a concerning oversight - the lack of prioritization and inclusion for underprivileged groups. Therefore, we decided to give a talk centered around the theme of “Inclusion.” Our primary goal was to emphasize the importance of inclusivity in today\'s digital world, ensuring that no one gets left behind as technology continues to evolve.Day 3On day 3, I had a chance to step up to the microphone during the Town Hall session to share my insights and to contribute to the Synthesis Document input – a collection of views and concerns about Internet governance in the Asia Pacific region. This document will be presented for further discussion at the Global IGF this October in Kyoto. The questions related to the three main themes are open for both online and onsite participants to share their thoughts.Access and InclusionDo emerging technologies bridge or widen the pre-existing digital divide in the Asia Pacific?How do they impact human rights, and how should policies respond?How can we ensure their affordability and equitable benefits?TrustHow can trust in the Internet, its infrastructure, and governance be strengthened?How can we balance trust and privacy? How can we ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in emerging technologies?How do we promote trust in complex, unfamiliar technologies?SustainabilityHow can new technologies support a sustainable Internet?How do we encourage sustainable development with these technologies?How do they contribute to an equitable future?Social EventsAttending the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) was not just a learning experience, but a golden opportunity to network with like-minded individuals passionate about Internet governance. We discussed the challenges and best practices related to Internet issues in our respective countries and region. Our fruitful and informal discussions led to further collaboration to work on Internet governance activities in our country.Photo by APNICTo everyone I had the pleasure of interacting with during APrIGF 2023, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your insights and experiences help me learn a lot, and come back with many new ideas. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Shabbir, as well as DotAsia and sponsors for granting me the opportunity to participate in this insightful conference and make significant impacts and success in the region. I am looking forward to further collaboration for a better and sustainable Internet world. Please mark your calendars for two upcoming Internet governance events:Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum: Scheduled for 23rd to 24th October 2023 at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology.18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum: Scheduled for 8th to 12th October 2023 at Kyoto.
Cambodia YIGF’s First Debate Brings Spotlight On Internet Governance
The Cambodia YIGF’s friendly debate debut brings the spotlight on ‘Internet Governance’ by bringing the internet aspects to be heard among youths and the public since internet governance is still a new topic in Cambodia.On July 28, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (Cambodia YIGF) committees initiated the first friendly debate regarding internet governance topics to engage youths in the internet discussion. The very first debate program was joined by four main teams from two different universities: the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and Paragon International University, with three members each. The Fancy Cookies team, Miyoshi Yumilinda, and Soun Ratana Somany, from IFL represented the government side, and the InExp team, Lovely Long, Elite Ek, and Chamroeun Chakri Chhoeung, from Paragon University, represented the opposition side. They debated the first motion, “This house believes youths should have a greater role in Internet Governance”.And for the second motion, “This house advocates for the inclusion of digital literacy programs in school curricula to promote online responsibility and empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape safely and ethically,” the e-Ninjas team, Nin Sreyleap, Kem Bunheang and Tith Mayana Khieu, from Paragon University, characterized the government-side debate between the opposition side from the Teletubbies team, Sros Sreyneang, Vong Daly, and Prom Menglong from IFL. The Cambodia YIGF Advisory Chhit Kanika remarked about how significant it is to understand more about Internet Governance in the digital age, and by initiating the first debate related to internet governance among youths, we will help foster youth engagement and awareness as well as the public’s through debating platforms. “In this era, where the internet basically involves our lives like ordering food, shopping, and dating, it is very important for everybody to understand the internet governance and also internet security in order to seize the opportunity and also identify the endangerment of the internet in the technology world.” Kanika said. She believed that throughout the debate session, participants would be able to learn more about internet governance from the debaters and be encouraged to engage with both oppositional and supportive arguments in order to get to know more about what internet governance is, especially for those who had never heard about it before. “And I hope that by the end of this first friendly debate, we will at least find some solutions to our problems and our misunderstandings related to these topics,” She added. At the end of the debate, the judges brought up some good advice for youth debaters and motivated them to keep learning and expanding their skills like researching, critical thinking, and body language. However, the judges all admired their debating skills. As they can come up with many impressive ideas regarding internet matters with data and dive deep into the solutions while debating on stage confidently, even internet governance is a new topic for them. The winner of the first motion went to the opposition side, the InExp team from Paragon University, and the winner of the second motion went to the opposition side, the Teletubbies team from IFL.
Internet use in Cambodia
The rise of internet usage in Cambodia is a sign of a digital revolution on a wider scale in different sectors for economic growth and digital lifestyle. However, regulation to better manage the internet and improvements in security and transparency in accessing the internet are needed to gain the full potential of the internet in an inclusive way.At the beginning of 2023, there were 11.37 million internet users in Cambodia, with a total of 22.16 million cellular mobile connections active, equivalent to 131.5 percent of the total population, according to Digital 2023: Cambodia. Cambodian internet users started to increase significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic with the demand for online purchasing and online learning, according to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.E-commerceCambodian citizens found new ways of living more conveniently while beginning to adapt to the usage of digital money transactions through bank accounts instead of cash during the pandemic. This led to a boom in the e-commerce sector in Cambodia. Online selling and buying via social media apps, food delivery apps, school, healthcare, electricity, and water payments are also done digitally via QR codes. Payment begins to feel at ease, saving time and energy with your smartphone and with just a connection to the internet or Wi-Fi.According to Statista, Revenue in the e-commerce market is projected to reach US$979.90m in 2023. In the e-commerce market, the number of users is expected to amount to 8.76 million by 2027. The cyber law and e-commerce law to manage and protect consumers are needed to better govern the safety and security of the online market in Cambodia. However, online buying fraud, online money scamming, hacking, and data protection are the issues when it comes to online purchases.TourismThe findings show that there is a correlation when taking and planning tips; tourists consider the functionalities of social media as significant.Next, the most frequent source of information used by respondents when planning travel and trips is often social media (43.6%). The second most popular is family and friends (43.6%), of which the respondents often use their family or friends as their source of information. Also, mobile App sites (35.6%) are often used as the third source with tourism information (35.0%) as the last source, based on research about the \"Effect of Social Media in Tourism (Case in Cambodia)\".Therefore, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, including Google search information and recommendations online for traveling destinations, are playing a crucial role in guiding and allowing tourists to access more information regarding their favorable traveling places in the country.Online EducationAccording to the Kiripost’s article (2023), the pandemic has led to a significant increase in online education in Cambodia, with at least three students enrolled in online courses. This has created great opportunities for online education businesses to enter the Cambodian market, with regional income from online education is projected to reach $1,485 million in 2022 and $2,555 million by 2026. However, a survey found that 78% of students prefer hybrid learning, while 14% prefer online education.According to a report by the Cambodian Education Forum (2021), online learning has revolutionized the way students learn, particularly in higher education by allowing access to technology tools, digital platforms, and the Internet. The official MoEYS Facebook page, YouTube channel, and other e-learning platforms offer over 200 video lessons, allowing students to access online learning anytime and anywhere. This innovative method of learning saves money and time, making higher education more hybrid and transformative on a global scale. Digital education has also supported the development of competency-based teaching strategies, as UNESCO states that teachers receiving high-quality support, including new teaching approaches, learning activities, and hygienic supplies, ensure continuous education for learners (Cambodianess, 2020).Social Media & EntertainmentCambodia’s entertainment industry is transforming to digital platforms and social media such as Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram. Music videos, news, and a variety of content go online.Cambodia’s digital media market was valued at $74.87 million in 2022, a 17 percent growth from 2021. Video games make up the largest segment, worth $38.7 million in 2022, a 16.5 rise from 2021. Digital music revenue in 2022 was valued at $6.5 million, capturing only nine percent of the market share.Since the Internet is used widely and productively in various sectors in Cambodia, such as e-commerce, tourism, education, and entertainment. Safety and security with inclusive use of the internet are necessary to ensure everyone can obtain the opportunity and benefits of digital tools without harm or scams via cyberspace. Digital Government Infrastructure and Cyber Security are key strategic thrusts to ensure the quality, efficiency, and security of networks in the Kingdom.
The Origins of the Internet
The origins of the internet are rooted in the USA of the 1950s. The Cold War was at its height and huge tensions existed between North America and the Soviet Union. The intensity between these two superpowers led people to live in fear of the nuclear weapons possessed by two countries and the US realized it needed a communications system that could not be affected by a Soviet nuclear attack by establishing an independent communication method using the internet.At that time, computers were large, expensive machines exclusively used by military scientists and university staff only.The Internet started in the 1960s as a way for government researchers to share information. January 1, 1983 is considered the official birthday of the Internet.The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.Do you know when Cambodia first used the internet?Cambodia started using the Internet for the first time in 1997, the opening history of the Internet era in Cambodia also begins during that time. The very first internet service provided was called Camnet Internet Service. The Camnet Internet Service is an Internet service provider operated by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia with the support of the International Development Research Centre of Canada. It has its headquarters in Phnom Penh city.Cambodia was connected to the internet via a 64 Kilobytes per second (kbps) satellite link to Singapore in May 1997.Meanwhile, Camnet had connected over 90 users and is taking on commercial clients, whileproviding a heavily subsidized service to government ministries, universities, and Cambodian NGOs for its first-time operation in cyberspace in Cambodia.On the commercial front, Camnet already faced stiff competition from a second Internet service, Big Pond, which was launched by the Australian telecommunications giant, Telstra, on June 2 1997. At that time in 2001, Cambodia internet price was based on prepaid internet cards, which cost approximately $3.33 per hour from the internet provider service (IPS) like Camnet, according to one case study report of the International Telecommunication Union Geneva, Switzerland. Messages used to cost $0.15 per kilobyte, which is about 150 characters of text. There is an hourly charge for dial-up Public Private Partner (PPP), so unless the files were truly enormous (software downloads, for example), the cost to receive them in Cambodia is negligible. Since the cost of the internet was high, the internet connectivity was limited even in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province had access to the internet, however, there were few Internet Cafes that initiated internet accessibility while there was no public access in the remote areas.Cambodia’s Recent Internet ExpansionLater on, the kingdom’s cyber world would become increasingly important. About 15 years later, the Internet has evolved into a central source for entertainment and information for much of Cambodia’s upper and middle classes. These changes began with the entrance of the first Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Big Pond and CamNet, into Cambodia, allowing a small group of people to access the Internet at a few coffee shops around the city. Nowadays, the internet and Wi-Fi are quite common in Cambodia with low prices and people can stay in touch with the online world almost everywhere including the coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, houses and some public places that offer free Wi-Fi for the public and customers.There were 11.37 million internet users in Cambodia in January 2023, according to the Data Reportal report, Digital 2023: Cambodia. Access to the internet is now critical in the lives of Cambodians. Almost every element of our everyday life is linked to digital devices and cyberspace in the way we interact, share information, entertain, e-learning, money transfer, online shopping, and work remotely, among other things.
Key highlights of the second day of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023
On 24 September 2023, after reflecting upon what had been learned from Day 1, participants had the option to attend one of three sharing sessions. Each session includes two lightning talks and two workshops on different topics. In the main hall, Mr. Ahmad Umair Bin Suhaidi presented “Navigating the Digital World: Unpacking Online Risks & Building Digital Resilience”, joined by Mr. Harisa Shahid, who covered “AI Ethics and Governance”. In room 2, Ms. Te Sonita led a discussion on “Ensuring Security for Your Passwords and What Happens when You are Connected to wifi?”. In room 3, Ms. Chhit Kanika and Mr. Chum Rasy presented “Important securities features of Telegram”.The morning session concluded with a keynote by Mr. Ly Sokphath, Director of the Department of Project Appraisal and Development Programs and General Secretariat of the Digital Governance Committee, where he talked about “Digital Transformation”. Some of the key policies he emphasized include the Pentagon Strategy-Phase 1, the Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework, and the Cambodian Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, citing the importance of involvement from all stakeholders to create a dynamic digital economy and society. He stated, “Digital infrastructure and citizen’s trust and confidence are the fundamentals of building and transitioning toward a digital society”. At the end of the session, participants from various backgrounds engaged in the Q&A session as well as shared their experiences and impressions from participating in the event. Among them, one of the participants who belongs to the indigenous community expressed her excitement in attending the event, while hoping for similar forums on digital transformation to be accessible to a diverse range of populations, particularly indigenous populations in highland areas in the Northeast region such as Ratanakiri. It was not yet the end of the story since another participant from Thbong Khmun, further expressed his great impression of the value of the Forum from which he could learn and engage with a wide range of people, especially youth. In his opinion, even though the forum was aimed at youth, it should be extended to reach out to the elders, too, whose knowledge of digital technology is somehow lagging behind since they are also the target of digital risks such as online scams. After lunch, participants could choose from six sharing sessions under different topics. The first half of the afternoon consists of three sessions from our domestic and international speakers. In room 1, sessions consist of “AI Ethics and Data Protection Law” by Ms. Svaradiva Anurdea Devi and “For Sustainable Digital Safety Literacy” by Mr. Kurihara Kohei. In room 2, Mr. Jaewon Son presented “Empowering a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future: A Holistic Approach to Responsible Internet” and Mr. Sreng Kimhab presented “Data Privacy and Protection”. In room 3, Mr. Tepken Vannkorn led a workshop on “The Foundation of Web Security”.In the second half of the afternoon, participants can choose from three additional sessions, consisting of two lightning talks and three workshops. In room 1, Ms. Maristela Miranda presented “Youth and Data Privacy: Concerns and Ways to Address Them”, while Mr. Porhai EUNG presented “Career in Cybersecurity”. In room 2, Mr. Touch Sangrotha discussed “Web Accessibility: Build Websites That Are Inclusive to Everyone”. In room 3, Mr. Diep Kong presented “Cyber Security” and Mr. Sy Tech Hong presented “Protecting Your Identity in Digital Era”.After a coffee break came one of the most interesting activities of the day. The activity is called “Multistakeholder Internet Governance Mockup Meeting on Data Protection Law”, where participants are divided into groups and role-played as stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and netizens. An important note is that all information and opinions expressed in this mockup meeting shall not be interpreted or used by a third party due to the fact that it is not an official meeting. Each group of stakeholders is given about 05 minutes to deliver their statement on personal data protection, followed by a plenary session of 20 minutes whereby questions and answers are exchanged between the stakeholders.It is observed that questions mainly capture issues around how netizens’ personal data can be collected and stored without being leaked for any reason. Public CCTV which captures the facial data of citizens is also a concern since the data might be leaked. Questions and answers around the way consent is collected with understandable terms and conditions are another appealing point being discussed. Last but not least, some eye-opening recommendations given by netizens touch upon the possibility of cybercrime in FinTech in the way that now anyone can open a bank account through a mobile app just by completing some basic personal data and facial recognition. The point is that information like facial recognition can be generated by AI, so it makes sense to raise a concern about the risk of AI-generated cybercrimes in FinTech. Netizens also want the government, especially MPTC, to increase their efforts in promotional and informational campaigns aimed at gathering inputs or insights from citizen and civil society organizations (CSOs). It is necessary that these meetings or workshops have specific dates, times, and venues that make it easy for people to engage. The public is interested in sharing their concerns and input into any drafted law. However, limited information about consultative meetings has been a barrier. The mockup meeting then arrived at another session called Cross-Community Group Discussion in which three groups were formed to present three types of stakeholders including (1) youth group, (2) private sector group, and (3) government group. Final statements taken from the three groups include some interesting snapshots including more inclusive training and education on data protection given to people living in remote areas, affordability and accessibility of products and services provided by the private sector, and a matter of Internet gateway which genuinely aims to protect the people at all margins. The day was closed with lessons learned and reflection given by Ms. Voleak spoke on behalf of the youth team who made a great effort in organizing the event. Paying forward is something she highlighted in the way that experiences and lessons taken in the event will be shared with other Cambodian youth who have not attended the event. “Today, I am youth but tomorrow I will be an adult” is a remark by Voleak who wanted to depict that internet governance is a long-term ongoing effort to be taken not only by one person in one generation but it is an effort by all from one generation to another.Mr. Thy Try then took the podium thanking the youth organizing team and key speakers such as Mr. Klein and Mr. Dixon who devoted their restless effort to attend the event. Having a national internet governance forum is a plan that ODC is committed to organize in collaboration with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, in parallel with a global-level forum which will be organized in New York. The very last closing remark is given by Ms. Lay Puthineath, Advisory Committee of Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum. The fact that 170 participants attended 33 sessions with a good impression is a key highlight, showing that the forum was successfully carried out. Appreciation to ODC and FHI, APNIC, and Chumrum Digital is especially noted.
YIGF Cambodia Joins Forces in Empowering Digital Literacy at My DigitalRisk Workshop at Paragon International University
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the need for digital proficiency is growing more pronounced. Students at Paragon University aimed to bridge this gap by providing practical insights and hands-on training across via a Digital Literacy Workshop (‘My Digital Risk’) in December 2023, covering varied digital skills. The workshop’s intent was to address the digital divide among students entering higher education.The ‘My DigitalRisk’ Workshop was developed and run by students from Paragon International University. The project also fulfilled requirements for the MIS321 course in Project Management within the Department of Management of Information Systems at Paragon International University.‘My DigitalRisk’ addressed these needs by offering practical, hands-on training in essential digital competencies for 30 students, bridging gaps to strengthen participants to confidently engage with modern technology.The Workshop’s three sessions were: How to use Digital Tools, (taught by Darapong Rith)My Digital Identity & My Password, (facilitated by Socheata Sokhachan & Chanvoleak Ros), focusing on digital literacy, security and password protection.My Device x Digital Risk, (facilitated by Socheata Sokhachan), training on security for personal tools.Ms. Socheata Sokchan and Ms. Chanvoleak Ros also previously served as organizers for Cambodia’s Youth Internet Governance Forum Cambodia (YIGF) in 2023.The ‘My Digital Risk Workshop’ was well-balanced for gender and diversity of background, with 30 participants ranging from 18 to 25 (56.76% females and 43.24% males) from a wide variety of educational backgrounds.The workshop\'s impact was evaluated through pre and post surveys (19 total), clarifying participant perceptions and skill assessments. Based on completed surveys, students demonstrated a 13.89% average improvement in average scores. This demonstrates the workshop\'s impact in elevating participants\' confidence to navigate diverse digital tools and concepts.Student feedback:“My DigitalRisk workshop provides a very comprehensive introduction to how to protect yourself on the internet. I\'ve learned a clever way to avoid getting phished as well as how to create a password so strong that no one would be able to guess it. Moreover, My DigitalRisk has provided me with various groundbreaking tools to help me in my university life.”Mr. Bol Oudom, Student in Management of Information Systems from Paragon International University\"I took the \'My DigitalRisk Workshop\' and it was eye-opening! My DigitalRisk Workshop equips participants with valuable knowledge, and shared tons about cyber threats, data breaches, and even online reputation stuff. They gave us practical tips on staying safe online, from passwords to privacy settings.”Ms. Nhorng Malin, Student in English Literature at The University of CambodiaAcknowledging Partners:The success of the My DigitalRisk Workshop is due to collaborative efforts and support of our partners and supporting organizations. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping this effort towards enhancing digital literacy. Our supporters are Paragon International University, Department of Management of Information Systems of ParagonIU, Open Development Cambodia (ODC), SecDev Foundation, Chumrum Digital, ICT4D and YIGF Cambodia.
Internet use in Cambodia
The rise of internet usage in Cambodia is a sign of a digital revolution on a wider scale in different sectors for economic growth and digital lifestyle. However, regulation to better manage the internet and improvements in security and transparency in accessing the internet are needed to gain the full potential of the internet in an inclusive way.At the beginning of 2023, there were 11.37 million internet users in Cambodia, with a total of 22.16 million cellular mobile connections active, equivalent to 131.5 percent of the total population, according to Digital 2023: Cambodia. Cambodian internet users started to increase significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic with the demand for online purchasing and online learning, according to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.E-commerceCambodian citizens found new ways of living more conveniently while beginning to adapt to the usage of digital money transactions through bank accounts instead of cash during the pandemic. This led to a boom in the e-commerce sector in Cambodia. Online selling and buying via social media apps, food delivery apps, school, healthcare, electricity, and water payments are also done digitally via QR codes. Payment begins to feel at ease, saving time and energy with your smartphone and with just a connection to the internet or Wi-Fi.According to Statista, Revenue in the e-commerce market is projected to reach US$979.90m in 2023. In the e-commerce market, the number of users is expected to amount to 8.76 million by 2027. The cyber law and e-commerce law to manage and protect consumers are needed to better govern the safety and security of the online market in Cambodia. However, online buying fraud, online money scamming, hacking, and data protection are the issues when it comes to online purchases.TourismThe findings show that there is a correlation when taking and planning tips; tourists consider the functionalities of social media as significant.Next, the most frequent source of information used by respondents when planning travel and trips is often social media (43.6%). The second most popular is family and friends (43.6%), of which the respondents often use their family or friends as their source of information. Also, mobile App sites (35.6%) are often used as the third source with tourism information (35.0%) as the last source, based on research about the \"Effect of Social Media in Tourism (Case in Cambodia)\".Therefore, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, including Google search information and recommendations online for traveling destinations, are playing a crucial role in guiding and allowing tourists to access more information regarding their favorable traveling places in the country.Online EducationAccording to the Kiripost’s article (2023), the pandemic has led to a significant increase in online education in Cambodia, with at least three students enrolled in online courses. This has created great opportunities for online education businesses to enter the Cambodian market, with regional income from online education is projected to reach $1,485 million in 2022 and $2,555 million by 2026. However, a survey found that 78% of students prefer hybrid learning, while 14% prefer online education.According to a report by the Cambodian Education Forum (2021), online learning has revolutionized the way students learn, particularly in higher education by allowing access to technology tools, digital platforms, and the Internet. The official MoEYS Facebook page, YouTube channel, and other e-learning platforms offer over 200 video lessons, allowing students to access online learning anytime and anywhere. This innovative method of learning saves money and time, making higher education more hybrid and transformative on a global scale. Digital education has also supported the development of competency-based teaching strategies, as UNESCO states that teachers receiving high-quality support, including new teaching approaches, learning activities, and hygienic supplies, ensure continuous education for learners (Cambodianess, 2020).Social Media & EntertainmentCambodia’s entertainment industry is transforming to digital platforms and social media such as Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram. Music videos, news, and a variety of content go online.Cambodia’s digital media market was valued at $74.87 million in 2022, a 17 percent growth from 2021. Video games make up the largest segment, worth $38.7 million in 2022, a 16.5 rise from 2021. Digital music revenue in 2022 was valued at $6.5 million, capturing only nine percent of the market share.Since the Internet is used widely and productively in various sectors in Cambodia, such as e-commerce, tourism, education, and entertainment. Safety and security with inclusive use of the internet are necessary to ensure everyone can obtain the opportunity and benefits of digital tools without harm or scams via cyberspace. Digital Government Infrastructure and Cyber Security are key strategic thrusts to ensure the quality, efficiency, and security of networks in the Kingdom.
The Origins of the Internet
The origins of the internet are rooted in the USA of the 1950s. The Cold War was at its height and huge tensions existed between North America and the Soviet Union. The intensity between these two superpowers led people to live in fear of the nuclear weapons possessed by two countries and the US realized it needed a communications system that could not be affected by a Soviet nuclear attack by establishing an independent communication method using the internet.At that time, computers were large, expensive machines exclusively used by military scientists and university staff only.The Internet started in the 1960s as a way for government researchers to share information. January 1, 1983 is considered the official birthday of the Internet.The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.Do you know when Cambodia first used the internet?Cambodia started using the Internet for the first time in 1997, the opening history of the Internet era in Cambodia also begins during that time. The very first internet service provided was called Camnet Internet Service. The Camnet Internet Service is an Internet service provider operated by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia with the support of the International Development Research Centre of Canada. It has its headquarters in Phnom Penh city.Cambodia was connected to the internet via a 64 Kilobytes per second (kbps) satellite link to Singapore in May 1997.Meanwhile, Camnet had connected over 90 users and is taking on commercial clients, whileproviding a heavily subsidized service to government ministries, universities, and Cambodian NGOs for its first-time operation in cyberspace in Cambodia.On the commercial front, Camnet already faced stiff competition from a second Internet service, Big Pond, which was launched by the Australian telecommunications giant, Telstra, on June 2 1997. At that time in 2001, Cambodia internet price was based on prepaid internet cards, which cost approximately $3.33 per hour from the internet provider service (IPS) like Camnet, according to one case study report of the International Telecommunication Union Geneva, Switzerland. Messages used to cost $0.15 per kilobyte, which is about 150 characters of text. There is an hourly charge for dial-up Public Private Partner (PPP), so unless the files were truly enormous (software downloads, for example), the cost to receive them in Cambodia is negligible. Since the cost of the internet was high, the internet connectivity was limited even in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province had access to the internet, however, there were few Internet Cafes that initiated internet accessibility while there was no public access in the remote areas.Cambodia’s Recent Internet ExpansionLater on, the kingdom’s cyber world would become increasingly important. About 15 years later, the Internet has evolved into a central source for entertainment and information for much of Cambodia’s upper and middle classes. These changes began with the entrance of the first Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Big Pond and CamNet, into Cambodia, allowing a small group of people to access the Internet at a few coffee shops around the city. Nowadays, the internet and Wi-Fi are quite common in Cambodia with low prices and people can stay in touch with the online world almost everywhere including the coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, office buildings, houses and some public places that offer free Wi-Fi for the public and customers.There were 11.37 million internet users in Cambodia in January 2023, according to the Data Reportal report, Digital 2023: Cambodia. Access to the internet is now critical in the lives of Cambodians. Almost every element of our everyday life is linked to digital devices and cyberspace in the way we interact, share information, entertain, e-learning, money transfer, online shopping, and work remotely, among other things.
My point of view of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023
If people ask me about my Kyoto trip, I will tell them about the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023. It was such an eye-opening experience for me. Let’s get to know IGF 2023 a bit, what is it? The IGF 2023 is the 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum which was hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October 2023. The Forum’s theme was: The Internet We Want – Empowering All People. The following sub-themes are: AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment. Let’s continue reading to see how my point of view of the forum is! HIGHTLIGHT OF THE PROGRAM The five-day forum was full of different program and sessions and was hosted in a hybrid format as well which some speakers gave a presentation via online. I couldn’t join all the sessions and had to schedule only selected interesting sessions. Its program was such a new experience I witnessed, involving participants from all stakeholders ranking from high-ranking level to youths. Over 355 sessions were featured in the forum with over 80 booths to share their work missions with the participants. The opening ceremony was conducted on the second day and to my surprise, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also gave a speech representing the country host of the IGF 2023. H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida said in his speech, “Generative AI not only improves operational efficiency, but also, to accelerate innovation in various fields such as drug discovery and development of new treatment, thereby bringing about dramatic changes in the world”. The United Nations Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres also paid a virtual visit to the forum by recording a video. In his speech, H.E. Mr. Antonio said, “I look to the gathering in Kyoto to provide critical input to advance our collective efforts. Together we can realize the ambition spelled out in the theme of your forum and the internet to empower all people”. In the evening of the second day, buffet was served with the music night as well as the welcoming firework outside of the conference building. INTERESTING SESSIONS As there were over 355 sessions, I couldn’t join all of sessions; therefore, I scheduled sessions I wanted to join. Below are sessions I found very interesting to share in this blog. EVOLVING TRENDS IN MIS- & DIS-INFORMATION Digital platform and social media are greatly beneficial to communication and information; however, it is also a concerning when it comes to the spread of inaccurate and falsified content as well as the information that causes harm. So, misinformation is intentionally and disinformation is not. Disinformation spreads through the action of both malicious actors and also mainstream media and social media platforms that are up for engaging ordinary users. What was so interesting about this session is that different stakeholders came together discussing on the issue and raising different perspective. One of the panelists, Ms. Maria Ressa who is the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, stressed on the risk of advancement of the technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) which could easily be used to spread false narrative. She called on all stakeholders to be cautious as AI is moving ahead of human right now. An interesting question for all panelists was, what can we do to protect and empower women and girls, refugees, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ people and what tools can they use to protect themselves? It is given the situation that these communities usually bear the brunt of harm caused by online disinformation and misinformation intended to target them. Ms. Vera Jourova, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, stated that the mantra in the EU treated what illegal offline the same as online as well. She also raised an issue that some big techs are running an attention economy which is the same as dirty business. It’s when those who runs the algorithms were making big money on hatred, alarming news, and dangerous information. The EU also discussed the issue with the big tech and tried to stop them with the legally binding digital services Act. Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Global Research Institute of the Keio University, responded to the question that attention economy become more serious in the online world than in the real physical world; containing hate speech, disinformation and misinformation. Combining these harmful acts together could become a very impregnable force; therefore, a speedy moderation would be the solution to the problem. Ms. Maria expressed that EU’s laws that are coming out is the race of the turtles while the technology is coming out every two weeks; therefore, it’s an agile development which human need to move faster and shouldn’t rely on the tech companies alone because their motive is profit. Nic Suzor, Professor at the Law School at Queensland University of Technology, responded that what lost in this debate is the acknowledgment, that it matters. It’s very difficult for tech companies to know who the online target is. When classifying hateful content, there are only high-level figures. He proposed that we need to be more proactively to ensure that the systems that we are building are built with historical inequality in mind. If we focus on what tools people use, it would be another burden on the people who are already marginalized. EDUCATION, INCLUSION, LITERACY: MUSTS FOR POSITIVE AI FUTURE This session focuses on artificial intelligence in higher education. The foundational principles for higher education were initiated globally to promote new literacies. Six principles include: (1) People, not technology must be at the center of our work, (2) We should promote digital inclusion within and beyond our institutions, (3) Digital and information literacy is an essential part of a core education, (4) AI tools should enhance teaching and learning, (5) Learning about technologies is an experiential, lifelong process, and (6) AI research and development must be done responsibly. CONTRIBUTING TO THE INTERNET GOVERNANCE IN CAMBODIA In January 2022, Cambodia’s approach to internet governance involves a mix of regulatory frameworks and policies to manage and control various aspects of the internets. The development in Cambodia’s approach to internet governance includes Regulatory Frameworks, Internet Infrastructure, Digital Economy Policy, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cybersecurity, Online Freedom, Social Media and Online Platforms, Data Protection and Privacy, and International Collaboration. After participating in the IGF 2023, I will continue to contribute to the internet governance in Cambodia by engaging with stakeholders; attend conferences, workshops, and events to build relationships and understand different perspectives. Another contribution would be advocating and raising awareness; promote an open and accessible internet and raise awareness about the importance of digital rights, freedom of expression, and the role of the internet in economic and social development. Lastly, I will join or collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on digital rights, internet freedom, and technology policy. KYOTO, JAPAN Japan Government chose just the right and best place to host its conference as Kyoto is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Visiting Kyoto, I find moments of peace and reflection while exploring the serene temples and scenic spots. It has well-maintained gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional landscapes contribute to a tranquil atmosphere. My overall feeling after visiting the city is a combination of admiration for its cultural richness, a sense of tranquility, and a deep connection to Japan’s historical legacy. SPECIAL THANKS All the way to IGF 2023 in Kyoto of Japan wouldn’t have been happened for me without a generous support from the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). The support from the ODC not only provided the necessary resources but has also served as a source of motivation and encouragement for youths who advocate internet governance in Cambodia. The impact of the support goes beyond the financial aspect; it is a testament to the power of community.
An Eyes-Opening Experience of The World: Advancement of Internet and Technology at Internet Governance Forum 2023
The 18th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, hosted by the Government of Japan at Kyoto for five days alongside the support of the United Nations, 12 Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committees had their first chance to join in the world class forum. It was an eye-opening experience which strengthened interest to foster the internet topics in their home country. More than 170 countries joined the forum to discuss and raise challenges and opportunities surrounding the topic of the internet. The global multistakeholder forum for dialogue on internet governance issues was held under the theme, ‘The Internet We Want–Empowering All People’, with the aim of gathering various international stakeholders. Cambodia delegates were also included alongside with the support from the United Nations (UN). It made our dream come true to have a chance to visit and join the international conference at Kyoto, Japan for five days, from 8th to 12th October 2023. As part of the Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committee 2023, I am enthusiastic to share what I have learnt and perspectives from the IGF 2023 at Japan for all of you, especially for those who would love to know more about this forum and internet governance topics. The program featured more than 300 sessions that span over eight sub themes. These were AI & Emerging Technologies; Avoiding Internet Fragmentation; Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety; Data Governance & Trust; Digital Divides & Inclusion; Global Digital Governance & Cooperation; Human Rights & Freedoms; and Sustainability & Environment. I would like to share some interesting topics that I have joined during the IGF 2023 below. Cultural Showcase For the first day of the event in the evening, there was an opening ceremony which takes place at the Kyoto International Conference Center with fireworks, introducing Japanese traditional drums performance and wearing Khmer traditional clothes. It’s like exchanging cultural tradition together, I got to know the taste of Japanese culture through their art performance. The next day marked an official opening day of IGF 2023, with the opening remark from the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, stating about the significant role of the internet in society. While the advancement of the internet is important, the PM of Japan also raised concerns over issues surrounding the internet, such as unlawful and harmful information including disinformation cyberattacks, which are intimidating the safe space for socioeconomic development. Hopefully the IGF 2023 will help to improve and address those problems through the discussion in this forum, aimed at strengthening the regulation of AI and cybersecurity to make the internet a safe space for all. The present United Nations’ Secretary-General, António Guterres stated that digital technologies can be used to achieve the UN’s SDGs, such as tackling climate issues and building a sustainable world. After that there was an opportunity to dress in traditional Japanese clothes (kimono) and many nationalities around the world came to try and capture the moments of wearing Japanese traditional clothes. I felt comfortable with the vibrant pink color of their clothes and smooth textile and it doesn’t take long to dress up. I hope I can have a Kimono set. Then we enjoy visiting the stalls coming from different organizations, private companies that were showcasing their new technology, discoveries and introduced us to their companies’ mission to help tackle issues in the digital era. AI Advancement As a person who works in media, I was fascinated by Multilingual Translation Technologies that have the ability to translate multiple languages to subtitles at the same time through one language voice, using AI simultaneous interpretation technology that is currently being developed by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) of Japan. Committee members and I also joined the ‘Talking with Metaverse residents– a new identity and diversity’ workshop session during the event. It has shown the advancing technology of AI in the metaverse is moving forwards to help solving gender gaps and allowing youth to express their true identity that belong to who they are without fear of judgement or social norms in transgenders. It helps them to become any gender or appearance or dressing styles in whatever they wish by generating identity avatars and doing any activities people dream to do freely in the world of metaverse. The other workshop, ‘Involving Schools of Internet Governance in achieving SDGs’ , has shown me that there are many issues from different countries regarding education and there is a good sharing from developed countries to ensure the internet is safe to use in school and improving the knowledge of SDGs. Cambodia\'s representative also delivered key research of AI in education as well. Mr. Heng Soklay, from the Cambodian Youth Internet Committee, presented his research, ‘AI-Driving Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education’. It demonstrated that AI usage likeChatGPT is controversial between students and teachers in Cambodia and we don’t have the regulations or rules yet. However, the participants from different countries also raised concerns about this matter as well, and some countries shared that it has both positive and negative sides for students’ studying and their ability to conduct research. After joining the Internet Governance Forum 2023 with Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committee, we have seen global challenges and many perspectives from different countries in AI, internet and cybersecurity usage. We see that they are moving faster than Cambodia in terms of cybersecurity protection laws, AI usage rule, and the world is gaining higher potential of the benefits from the internet usage to develop their economy, cutting down the gender gaps and solving many issues in their countries. I hope Cambodia can improve internet safety and be able to absorb the advantages from the internet in this digital era like other countries do. As a Cambodian YIGF committee member, I am curious and optimistic regarding the future of the internet. The YIGF can serve as a community safe space regarding the internet, and advocate for all Cambodians by raising awareness, sharing concerns and facilitating multi-stakeholder discussion with public, private sectors and public to achieve digital economic success for more people.
My Internet Governance Journey
Hello! My name is Soklay. With a strong interest in internet governance, I serve as a program committee of the very first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum. My commitment in this role has fueled my passion for shaping the digital landscape in the Asia Pacific region; therefore, I was selected as a fellow for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF). In this blog, I will share my experience involving internet governance from local level to regional level and my expectations for the global level.Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumMy journey began with a growing concern about the increasing number of digital threats and emerging technology like artificial intelligence. Individuals, particularly those in rural areas with limited awareness or understanding of these issues, are more vulnerable to becoming victims. At the same time, there was an absence of a dedicated platform in Cambodia for discussing and addressing these challenges. Recognizing this gap, Open Development Cambodia took the initiative to establish the first Internet Governance Forum in Cambodia, a youth-led endeavor aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue around internet-related issues. We successfully hosted the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum with approximately 170 participants. The event brought together a diverse group of experts from various sectors, including industry professionals, researchers, government representatives, and both local and international speakers. This dynamic assembly provided a rich platform for discussing and sharing knowledge on mitigating the pressing issues related to internet governance.Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum 2023I am privileged to have been chosen as a fellow for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF), which took place in Brisbane, Australia, from August 29 to 31, 2023. The conference brings together a diverse group of people sharing different backgrounds, including youths, researchers, policymakers, and others, to collaborate and discuss Internet issues happening in the Asia Pacific region. Various interesting topics were discussed, such as data privacy and protection, AI ethics, cybersecurity, human rights, online child protection, digital inclusion and connectivity, policies and regulations, and many others. Additionally, I participated in the APAC Youth Leaders Dialogue organized by yIGF, a truly enlightening experience that shed light on the significant role youth can play in Internet governance dialogues and the initiation of local Internet governance initiatives in their respective countries. My active participation in the regional internet governance forum has been a significant step forward, preparing me for engagement at the global level in internet governance discussions and initiatives.Internet Governance Forum 2023As a Cambodia Youth Internet Governance program committee, I am truly grateful for being selected by Open Development Cambodia to receive a travel support grant to join the 18th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8th to 12th.The overarching theme for this year’s forum is “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People” with an emphasis on sub-themes including AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment. By engaging in global internet governance, I expect to meet a diverse group of people coming all round the world. This will be a platform to discuss, learn, and exchange ideas, aiming to raise concerns and identify best practices that can be applied in our respective countries and to foster a stable and safe digital space for everyone.I am particularly passionate about attending the High-Level Panel V session at the IGF 2023, focused on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session, scheduled for October 9th from 11:00 to 13:00 JST, presents a vital opportunity to delve into the complexities and rapid advancements of generative AI technology. The discussion will explore the profound impacts of AI on society and how AI should be governed to foster innovation without amplifying risks. Moreover, the session will include discussions from the Hiroshima AI process under the Japanese G7 Presidency, offering insights into the future direction of AI governance. This aligns with my belief in the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to international AI governance, a principle that the UN IGF exemplifies.In conclusion, I extend my deepest appreciation to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their generous financial support, which has made it possible for me to participate in the Internet Governance Forum 2023. I am enthusiastically looking forward to being an active participant in this enlightening forum, both contributing to and gaining valuable insights from the many vital discussions on internet governance.
My Internet Governance Forum 2023 Experience
Greetings once again! I’m Soklay, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. I am eager to share my exciting experiences and insights I gained from the IGF 2023 forum. Impression about the forum:As expected, I had an amazing and unforgettable experience with the IGF 2023. The forum brought together diverse representatives from all key stakeholder groups such as press/media, technical community, private sector, IGOs, government, all united by a common goal: to shape the future of internet governance. Moreover, as a program committee of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum, I felt an immense sense of pride to be a youth representative.This opportunity has further motivated me to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in internet governance, aligning with the objective of the IGF and emphasizing the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach.The overarching theme for this year is \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People.\" With sessions including an opening ceremony, main sessions, workshops, open forums, town halls, launches, awards, lightning talks, and more, the schedule provided a wide range of interests. For someone like me, particularly interested in AI, various sessions related to AI discussion provided invaluable insights into how emerging technologies are shaping the landscape of internet governance.In addition to this, there was also an IGF Village, with its 80 booths, to represent organizations’ missions and works. Walking through the village, it offered a unique opportunity for me to learn about various initiatives and network with like-minded individuals. The village was more than just an exhibition; it was a space for collaboration and inspiration for various works related to internet governance.Interesting Sessions:Workshop#196 Evolving AI, evolving governance: from principles to actionThe session discussed the development of AI governance frameworks, highlighting international efforts like the OECD AI Principles and the EU\'s AI Act. The session also emphasized the need for AI policies that align with global values like equality and transparency, requiring international cooperation and policy adaptability. The session called for inclusive, comprehensive AI policies involving all stakeholders to ensure responsible AI development and governance.High Level Panel II - Evolving Trends in Mis- & Dis-InformationThe session explained the concept of misinformation as unintentional sharing of false information by individuals who are unaware of its inaccuracy, whereas disinformation is the intentional creation and distribution of misleading content with the intent to mislead and cause harm on digital platforms and social media. With the rapid advancement of technology, AI-generated media has become increasingly adept at manipulating audio and video content in a convincing manner. This development raises significant concerns about the potential misuse of AI in disseminating false content, as it becomes more challenging to distinguish between authentic and synthetic media. Tackling the challenges requires a comprehensive and society-wide approach, one that fosters collaboration among governments, technology companies, and civic organizations. Equipping individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to discern false information is also crucial.High Level Panel V - Artificial IntelligenceThe session discussed strategies to maximize benefits and mitigate risks of AI, such as misinformation and transparency issues, ensuring AI development is inclusive and doesn\'t widen digital divides. The session also emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach for international AI governance. Additionally, it also included insights from the Hiroshima AI process under the G7 Japanese Presidency, focusing on challenges and opportunities of AI and future AI governance directions. It has been proposed that to enhance the inclusivity of the Hiroshima AI Process, participation from a diverse group of stakeholders should be encouraged. This includes not just the G7 countries, but also other nations and private companies.Lightning Talk #115 AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher EducationI also hosted a lightning talk session. The session focused on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI-powered tools in Cambodian higher education.Cultural Enrichment:IGF 2023 wasn\'t just about a conference and discussions. The social events provided an amazing opportunity to unwind, network, and immerse myself in Japanese culture, from trying local food to enjoying traditional performances. This enlightening experience was not just about enjoyment but also about gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture.Attending IGF 2023 in Kyoto was not just an opportunity to engage with the global internet governance community; it was an immersive experience that highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping \"The Internet We Want.\" The discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences all contributed to a deeper understanding of how we can empower all people in the digital age. As the world continues to evolve digitally, forums like IGF play a crucial role in ensuring that the internet remains a stable and safe space for everyone.Special thanks to Open Development Cambodia:Last but not least, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their generous financial support. Without their assistance, my participation in this enlightening forum would not have been possible. Their support is a testament to the importance of empowering diverse voices, especially youth, in global forums like the IGF. The journey with IGF 2023 has not only broadened my horizons but has also reinforced my commitment to bringing more positive impacts to the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum.
Mr. Norbert. KLEIN’s keynote speech on the Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) 2023
Cambodia Youth IGF! Welcome everybody!Let me clarify at the beginning of my Keynote Speech what these words \"Youth IGF\" mean what is the purpose that brought us here together.And let me also say that I am almost 90 years old - I was born in 1934, long before there was something like the Internet. I feel empowered standing now here in front of you- young people who nowadays order your purchases of food, or your haircut, or your wedding rings, with your mobile phones on the go. Really a different time!The task seems to be simple today: I just put IGF into my Google search engine, and we have the answer already:The IGF is a global multistakeholder platform that facilitates the discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the InternetNow is everything clear? Maybe not so we should check word-by-word.And our meeting is special: it starts with the word \"YOUTH\". We do not have to define it, because in the original announcement for this meeting this was done already: it said \"youth\" means \"persons from 18 to 35 years of age\".But what about the next: \"IGF\"? Let’s start with the \"I\", and take the \"GF\" later. \"I\" stands for Internet.Nowadays, we all have an idea about the Internet-we use it every day, we use it on our mobile phones or on out computers to communicate.But I would like to remind us that this is a fairly recent situation. When I came to Cambodia in 1990, there was no Internet - in Cambodia not yet. Before I came to Cambodia, I was one of the fairly early users of the Internet in Germany where I came from. But after arriving (to work at the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture) I felt bad because of the inability to communicate like before- and so I started the first Internet access in Cambodia at the end of the year 1994. I was encouraged to describe the start a bit here - I think nowadays hardly anybody can imagine how difficult it was.After a visit to Europe, I had received some software. But in Phnom Penh - there was no regulate electricity: almost every day, the electricity went off for some hours. To have regular electricity for my laptop computer, bought a Japanese 24 Volt truck battery, I charged it (when there was electricity) with a Thai charger, an American friend imported an inverter - to charge the 24 Volt DC (direct current) into AC (alternate current)- but it was 110 Volts, as it was a US inverter, so I got a Vietnamese transformer to change the 110 Volts into 220 Volts.That was the hardware side. But there was also the software side; and then the use of the Khmer script.Software: first the military of the USA had developed a method for computer-based communication. Then people at different US universities became also interested - that was the beginning of the Internet. They had to develop an address system, and later there were also people in other countries involved. Jon Postel, a professor at a California university, developed an address system which everybody had to use to be able to communicate: on top two-letter country codes (like \"kh\" for Cambodia). and a hierarchy below, like \"com\" \"edu\" \"gov\" etc. I had to contact Prof. Jon Postel, and he assigned me the Cambodian country code \"kh\" and the instruction how to give addresses to people and organizations in Cambodia. Years later, I handed these things to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication.But people wanted to use also the Khmer script on computers. I found that 8 people in Cambodia and abroad, in France, Australia, the USA, Canada and Germany-had created Khmer font systems. But you could only communicate, when both the sender and the receiver used the same system. Later I found that there were actually 23 different Khmer font systems in use a big mess really hindering wide communication. Then a - friend, Prof. TAN Tin Wee at the National University of Singapore, suggested we should use Unicode. Unicode? - an international arrangement to create computer usable letters for all scripts of the world. But the Khmer script was not yet defined. With one Japanese professor and two Cambodia people living in Japan, the Khmer script started to be defined in Unicode. But some of those who had already defined their own Khmer fonds used in Cambodia, opposed the use of Unicode - with their own economic interests, partly also supported by persons with political power. Fortunately, under the Senior Minister Sok An a working group on Khmer fonts was set up, and the Khmer Unicode fonts became the official fonts for writing in Khmer.So finally, it was possible to computer communicate in and from Cambodia - but for some years only by e-mail- the World Wide Web with graphics/pictures, and quite elaborate and complex content, came only some years later.But the development of the Internet and the many new possibilities happened world wide-bringing fundamental changes in many societies, because of the availability of huge amounts of information and the possibility to share it, again worldwide.It was as if a new epoch of history had started with hopes, but also with concerns. To find some clarity in these chaotic developments, the Organization of the United Nations took the initiative to create a platform to discuss this situation.It took the form of not one, but of two large conferences: the \"World Summit on the Information Society\" meetings in 2003 in Geneva in Switzerland, and in 2005 in Tunis, in the capital city of Tunisia.These \"World Summits on the Information Society\" - abbreviated also referred to as \"WSIS\" - were, a two-phase United Nations sponsored summit on information, communication and, in broad terms, on the information society itself. One of the Summit\'s chief aims was to bridge the global digital divide, separating rich countries from economically poorer countries by increasing the accessibility to the Internet in the developing world.It was in this context - my involvement to create the first connection to the Internet from Cambodia- that the FRANCOPHONIE - the association of former French colonies and French speaking countries-sponsored me to be one of the several thousand participants invited to both meetings in Geneva and in Tunis.It is no surprise that there were sharp differences of opinion - especially about the control over the Internet - even to have the conferences ending as a failure became possible. However, finally, it was agreed to leave the control of the Internet addresses- the country names like \"kh\" for Cambodia - and the sub-structures of Internet addresses- like \"com\": \"edu\"-\"gov\" in the hands of the United States-based organization ICANN - \"Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers\", for the time being, to avoiding a major breakdown. As a compromise there was also an agreement to set up an international \"Internet Governance Forum\" - IGF with a purely consultative, not controlling, role.The summit itself was partly disturbed by criticizing the government of Tunisia for allowing attacks on journalists and human rights defenders that happened during the days leading up to the event. The Tunisian government tried to prevent one of the scheduled sessions with the heading \"Expression Under Repression\", from happening. A French reporter, Robert Ménard, the president of \"Reporters Without Border\" was refused admission to Tunisia for phase two of the Summit. A French journalist for the newspaper \"Libération\" was stabbed and beaten by unidentified men after he reported on local human rights protesters. A Belgian television crew was forced to hand over footage of Tunisian dissidents. Local human rights defenders were prevented from organizing a meeting with international civil society groups. But still WSIS Tunis came to a positive end.The establishment of the IGF was officially announced by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2006. It was first convened in late 2006 and then has held annual meetings.How to describe the most important concept developed in the Tunis meeting? It is the multistakeholder structure of the Internet Governance Forum.It is a \"tripartite\" model as a result of the \"World Summit on the Information Society\". It says in Paragraph 35 of the Tunis results:\"We reaffirm that the management of the Internet encompasses both technical and public policy issues and should involve all stakeholders and relevant intergovernmental and international organizations. In this respect it is recognized that:\"Policy authority for Internet-related public policy issues is the Sovereign right of States. They have rights and responsibilities for international Internet-related public policy issues.\"The private sector (that means here especially the technology companies) has had, and should continue to have, an important role in the development of the Internet, both in the technical and economic fields.\"Civil society has also played an important role on Internet matters, especially at community level, and should continue to play such a role.\"This official document recognizes States, the Private Sector, and Civil Society and calls it the \"stakeholder\" groups. In this tri-partite structure, here are also some additional explanations:We recognize the valuable contribution by the academic and technical communities within those stakeholder groups mentioned in Paragraph 35 to the evolution, functioning and development of the Internet.So as a result of the Tunis meeting, the IGF was created. It is a \"Forum\" - but what is a Forum?A forum is a meeting where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. - \"we hope these pages act as a forum for debate\". A Forum does not define results it is not the solution, but it describes the way towards it where the three stakeholders present their - maybe different- interests, to regularly continue to work towards developing common next steps.So please - take your role, as the Cambodian Youth among the Internet Governance Forum.
Molika’s Journey with Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023 (yIGF)
Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) 2023 is a remarkable program that brings me more insights into ‘internet governance’, strengthening my soft skills and precious opportunities to connect with like-minded people and my dream country. I’m Meas Molika, 22, majoring in Global Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the National University of Management International College (NUM IC) and a young female reporter at Kiripost and also a Cambodia yIGF Organizing Committee (OC). How I get into Cambodia yIGF On May 29, I got selected to join the Cambodia yIGF OC 2023 committee. It was such a surprising and exciting moment to be part of the Cambodia yIGF OC to host the very first Internet Governance Forum in Cambodia which has been celebrated around the world annually. I first met the other OC during the kick-off meeting at the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) office. The ODC team introduced us to the previous YIGF events and informed us of our goals to organize this event in Cambodia as we observed that digital and internet literacy is playing an important role in the digital age. In addition, we would like to raise awareness of internet-related knowledge and policies. I was having a lot of fun chit-chatting with the youth team to get to know one another more. Even though we had just met at that time, we are getting along so well with one another and connecting through social media. There are three main committees such as program committee, communication committee and administration committee. I am delighted and enthusiastic to be part of the communication committee with like-minded team members and grateful to work in collaboration with other teams. My role is writing blog posts about internet-related topics focusing on Cambodian aspects. I have learned many interesting things that I have never known before while doing research and reading more articles about internet usage in Cambodia. My First Debate Experience I have gone through many public speaking contests since I was in high school. The scarier it is, the more I am willing to challenge myself. I am an introverted person and most of the time I was shy to express myself, especially my own opinion in front of crowded people. By joining the Cambodia YIGF, I have challenged myself to debate about ‘Internet Governance’ with my debate teams. On July 28, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) committees initiated the first friendly debate regarding internet governance topics to engage youths in the internet discussion. On August 11, Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) conducted the second friendly debate. As a YIGF committee member, I am eager to join the second debate and was trained on how to debate and deliver my opinion through researching various sources with a team for the first time in my life. “This house believes that digital services should be held accountable for protecting user data and providing transparent usage policies”, is the motion for the second friendly debate. Along the way, I learned how to collect more data and information from online sources, summarize main ideas, gain new insights about internet service providers, and some examples of other countries\' data and digital services policies and how it used and how other apps connect our data in many purposes that I have never known before. In addition, debating helps me to enhance my soft skills like teamwork, active listening, and critical thinking and forcing me out of my comfort zone to express myself and my team\'s opinion about the motion. Memories & Insights With Cambodia YIGF Event On September 23 and 24, Open Development Organization Cambodia (ODC) hosted the first ever yIGF\'s in the Kingdom under the topic, ‘Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, And Opportunities for All\' at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. About 250 participants attended, alongside 36 guest speakers from Japan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The event presented three sub-themes: Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, Digital rights and responsibilities online, and Internet security and data privacy. During the two days, the yIGF OC and I were actively organizing and setting the tasks for each member with volunteers to ensure everything was running smoothly. We helped facilitate participants, guest speaker presentations, a Cryptocurrency game (Phum yIGF Game), stakeholders\' discussion about the internet in Cambodia, and the next step of Cambodia yIGF. It was a two-full-day of exhausting moments, but we learned to collaborate and be open to sharing our thoughts and minds during teamwork and gain more knowledge about the internet, AI, cybersecurity, and how impactful the youth voice as well as from various stakeholders to raise their concerns about the internet aspects while providing constructive feedbacks for better safety internet for all through the forum. Alongside the forum, I have the opportunity to join the international IGF in Kyoto, Japan from October 8th to 12th this year with 12 other Cambodia yIGF OC under the theme of “The Internet We Want - Empowering All People \'\'. The 18th annual IGF program develop around the following sub-themes: AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety ,Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation Human Rights & Freedoms, Sustainability & Environment. Those are the topics that I am curious about and would like to hear more from international experts and youths around the globe to raise their perspectives and insights following the topic above. The most impressive topics that I would love to join for deeper discussion are Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms and Sustainability & Environment. I can’t wait to be involved in this global forum in Japan in the forthcoming week and share with you about my journey experiment as well as my knowledge after participating in the forum.
Back in the Real World: Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APISG) 2023 – From Pixels to People
Three years stuck in online land felt like forever since online virtual Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APSIG) 2020! So, stepping into APISG 2023 in person was like a breath of fresh air. No more flickering screens, just real faces and the buzz of human connection. Haingkheang\'s blog already dives deep into the official stuff, but let me share some cool bits that sparked my curiosity. First, we peeked behind the internet curtain. Turns out, it\'s not just magic! We learned about protocols, servers, and even cables crossing oceans like digital highways. Seeing the hidden infrastructure that connects us all, the silent language beneath every click, made me appreciate the internet even more. Next, we tackled cyber safety. In this digital age, protecting our online selves is just as important as the real thing. Experts taught us about data privacy, online security, and even digital wellbeing. It was a timely reminder that our online lives deserve protection too. Then came the exciting world of The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards. These are like special tools that can make websites better for everyone, especially for people with disabilities. We saw a live demo of how they work, making websites smoother and easier to use. This showed me that Cambodian websites can be just as awesome as any other if we use these best practices. But APISG wasn\'t all serious stuff. We had fun role-playing exercises, simulating real-life internet governance. Imagine stepping into different shoes and seeing things from other perspectives. It was a powerful reminder that collaboration and understanding are key to the internet\'s future, even when we disagree. And who can forget the social events? The infectious energy of the Filipino duck dance (yes, you read that right!), the heartwarming cultural sharing, and the delicious Filipino feast all reminded us that the internet is about connecting people and cultures. It\'s a global fiesta! APISG 2023 was more than just a conference; it was a reawakening. It showed me the power of human connection in shaping the internet\'s future. I left not just with knowledge, but with hope and optimism. This isn\'t just a screen anymore; it\'s a window to a future built on collaboration, understanding. Now, let\'s keep that momentum going and build an internet that reflects the best of us – diverse, interconnected, and ever-evolving.
“The Internet We Want – Empowering All People” My experience at the Internet Governance Forum 2023
Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was scheduled for five days from 8-12 October 2023 at the Kyoto International Conference Center, Kyoto, Japan. The 18th annual meeting of IGF was hosted by the Government of Japan. IGF originally started in 2006 to bring people together from various stakeholder groups in discussions on digital public policy. Participating in IGF 2023 was a dream come true for me. In the upcoming blog post, I will unveil the memorable moments I experienced during the event, what I have learned from the event, and share a key discussion During the five forums, 8 sub-themes were taken to discussion including 1) AI and Emerging Technologies, (2) Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, (3) Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, and Online Safety, (4) Data Governance and Trust, (5) Digital Divide and Inclusion, (6) Global Digital Governance and Cooperation, (7) Human Rights and Freedoms and (8) Sustainability and Environment. All sessions were designed in different formats including lightning talks, workshops, and high-level meetings. In addition to these informative sessions, the booth area offered diverse opportunities to connect with companies, organizations, and civil society youth groups advocating for their services and programs. On top of that, I also experienced the rich culture of Japan by wearing traditional Japanese clothing called a kimono, participating in a Japanese tea ceremony, and participating in the gala dinner where there was a traditional Japanese performance, fireworks, and Japanese cuisine. During the IGF 2023, I also participated as the moderator of the lighting talk session on “AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education” and “Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition” in which the panelists are Cambodian. It was an engaging session, and we touched upon how AI could have an impact on Cambodia\'s higher education. Participants were from various backgrounds including educational institutions, youth, journalists, civil society, government, and private sector. I am very honored and delighted to participate in the IGF 2023 opening ceremony as I get a chance to meet and listen to the speech of Mr. Fumio Kishida the Prime Minister of Japan and Mr. Vint Cerf, the father of the internet. During the ceremony, they highlighted the crucial use of the Internet in our daily lives as it helps foster development. I was interested in Prime Minister Fumio Kishida\'s speech about a significant update on the Hiroshima AI Process, which I believe will advance the AI system and also develop the code of conduct for developing and using AI. This discussion sheds light on the best approach to driving the responsible development of AI while avoiding fragmentation. Key Takeaways from Interesting Sessions The High-Level Panel on Evolving Trends in Mis & Dis-Information: In this session, I had the opportunity to listen to experts on information literacy. This session discussed the method to identify the types and patterns of misinformation and disinformation and the method to solve this issue. Can a layered policy approach stop internet fragmentation? The discussion centered around public policy which is the initiative from the government\'s civil society to overcome the issue of Internet fragmentation. The panelists present the case study that some countries have faced. The involvement of civil society and the Internet community to address this issue. Experts presented the crucial role of the Internet in socio-economic development and the need for ease of access by everyone. Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition This session mainly touches upon the Digital Technologies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals. It was the second session in IGF 2023 and the panelist is from Cambodia. The panelists also presented the global collective effort toward energy in the future that no one should leave behind. In addition, youth also play a crucial role in achieving green energy and environmental sustainability in the future. Future Plan: After returning from The IGF 2023, I am equipped with enthusiasm to sustain Internet Governance in Cambodia. The IGF has allowed me to participate in other IG forums, such as being a speaker in sharing sessions on My Digital Risk Workshop which I discuss how to make our password safe. I am inspired by IGF activities and other youth group initiatives to establish the Internet Governance community in Cambodia to exchange ideas on global digital trends, online safety, how to avoid Internet fragmentation, and other IG-related issues. I would like to take this moment to express my gratitude to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for providing the financial support and opportunity for me to attend 18th IGF in Japan. I hope I will get to work with the ODC team on the future Internet Governance-related Project to sustain the momentum of IGF and widespread the knowledge of Internet governance to future Cambodian youth.
My Unforgettable IGF 2023 Experience: Exploring Internet and Takeaways
Embarking on an incredible journey to the Internet Governance Forum 2023, hosted by the United Nations in Kyoto, Japan, was a dream come true. In this blog post, I will share my highlights from the event, shed light on key discussions, and discuss the impacts it had on me moving forward.Immersive Openings and Engaging SessionsThe forum spanned across five days, designed to engage and inspire participants. The first day saw the grand opening, filled with captivating workshops and high-level discussions on cutting-edge topics such as AI, cybersecurity, and more.Beyond the sessions, the booths area presented various opportunities to connect with companies, organizations, and youth groups advocating for their services and programs. Additionally, attendees had the chance to experience the traditional beauty of Japan through wearing traditional Japanese clothing and participating in the Japanese tea ceremony. The day ended the day with a loud celebration including fireworks and Japanese traditional performances.Building Connections:Networking was another aspect of my experience at IGF 2023. I had the privilege to invite numerous individuals to our two sessions, AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education and Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition. These sessions were the first ever session with Cambodians as the panelists in this international forum. I was glad to witness numerous participants that were interested in our topic.Powerful Opening Ceremonies: The opening ceremony of IGF 2023 was a momentous occasion, graced by esteemed individuals such as Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, and Mr. Vint Cerf, the father of the internet himself. Their speeches underscored the pivotal role of the internet in our daily lives, emphasizing its impact on socio economic activities, development, health, and security. Importantly, they recognized the threats posed by misinformation and cybercrime, while calling for responsible policies and an inclusive approach to bridge the digital divide.Key Takeaways from Interesting SessionsTalking with the Metaverse Resident:In this session, I had the opportunity to meet with Nem, a popular YouTuber and a Metaverse resident. The session discussed the benefits of using the Metaverse for creative content creation, such as cost-effectiveness, the ability to escape reality, enhanced creativity through customizable appearances and backgrounds, and promoting gender diversity.Benefits and Challenges of Immersive Realities:One of the intriguing discussions revolved around the potential benefits and challenges presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and immersive reality. We explored the need for common principles and values to guide their development, ensuring they align with human rights and ethical considerations. Transparency, accountability, and explainability were identified as crucial factors in their design and governance. The need to strike a balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches, focusing on global standards and value-based development, was identified as essential.A Decade Later: Content Creation and Access to Open Information:The conversation steered towards the importance of the users in shaping new technologies, addressing challenges related to managing user-generated content, connectivity, accessibility, and content distribution techniques. We delved into the significance of copyright frameworks in supporting content production, the need for closer coupling between network and content services, and the vital role of linguistic and cultural diversity in the streaming environment.Facing Disinformation and Digital Marketing Realities:The conversation shed light on the importance of considering local context when studying information in the global South, urging an understanding of the larger ecology of rights and struggles. Ethical safeguards, good practices in advertising, and risk analysis in marketing campaigns were highlighted to counterbalance the potential threats to journalism and free speech. The use of personal data by digital platforms for amplifying content necessitates regulatory measures and transparency to combat the dissemination of false and misleading information.Mainstreaming Cyber Resilience and Development Agenda:The discussion centered around cyber capacity building and its connection to development goals. Four key areas for prioritization were identified: strengthening the role of cyber resilience, fostering sustainable cyber capacity building, professionalizing cyber capacity building, and reinforcing the role of cyber resilience in development. Experts called for clear connections to be established between cyber resilience and sustainable development, sustained capacity building efforts on the ground, and involvement of legislators in training and resource allocation for cyber security.Impressions of Japan:Beyond the IGF 2023 proceedings, Japan left a lasting impression on me. The fast and accessible transportation, the pristine cleanliness pervading every corner, and the country\'s dedication to showcasing its rich culture were remarkable. Lessons can be drawn from Japan\'s soft power, incorporating cute merchandise, food, and cartoons as iconic symbols to attract international visitors.Future Plans and Gratitude:The IGF 2023 experience has reignited my passion for internet governance, pushing me towards participating in more forums and conferences to widen my knowledge and share it with others. I am inspired to establish a digital community to exchange insights on internet governance, generative AI, and content creation. I am immensely grateful to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for granting me the opportunity to attend the event, covering my transportation and visa expenses. Their recognition of my efforts has propelled me towards expanding my international network and knowledge.
Internet Governance forum 2023 in Japan: What did I get from IGF and how amazing it was?
Internet Governance forum was held in Japan from 8th October to 12th October 2023. I was one of the participants in this forum. Also, I was super excited and recieved an informative briefing on the first day. Attending this forum was a life-changing experience for me. From the moment I walked through the forum, I was greeted with enthusiasm and a warm welcome from organizers. Also, The event was well-planned, organized and executed, with engaging speakers and insightful sessions. The discussion and session were very informative, and I learned so much from the expert speakers. Additionally, the forum was organized in such a way that made it easy for me to navigate and access the information I needed. There were discussions on various topics, and members were actively exchanging their experiences, perspectives and knowledge.The session I was interested in during IGF 2023 was about how the energy and environmental sector connected with technology, and how digital technology enhances these sectors in society. I recall one key take away from one forum speaker, he said that “We cannot develop a national strategy on digital technology without observing the environmental sector or energy sector’’.I was also interested in the round table discussion of the topic of AI. The speakers engaged in a broader discussion on guaranteeing a trusted connectivity to address the digital divide by reducing risk of AI to society, economy, and maximizing the benefits to humanity. What truly made the event special was the opportunity to connect with other youth, and the networking opportunities provided were also valuable and helped me to build important connections. Everyone was friendly, and I was able to network with several like-minded individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. I made some connections with youth in ASEAN countries to expand networking, and share experiences and opportunities in the field of internet governance.Additionally, I had the pleasure of visiting booth displays of each tech company in the forum. I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw. The booths were eye-catching, engaging and showcased the latest cutting-edge technology in an innovative and interactive way. The representatives at the booth were knowledgeable, friendly and provided me with insightful information about their products. I enjoyed my experience at the booth and felt inspired by the way they presented their technology.It was a great experience for me to join the IGF 2023 in Japan, since Japan is well-known for its innovative technology and has a reputation for being at the cutting-edge of technological advancement. Japan is also a fascinating country with much to offer to visitors and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Japanese culture. Ultimately, I am willing to share my knowledge which I got from IGF to open minded people so that they can be motivated and inspired for joining upcoming IGF activities, also I am so glad that I was able to support the growth of others.I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to Open Development Cambodia who made it possible for me to attend this forum. I cannot thank ODC enough for its generosity and support, which gave me the opportunity to be a part of this incredible experience. Without the opportunity I got from Open Development Cambodia, I would not be able to up-skill my knowledge about how technology is adopted in society and how it is important in our daily life. In particular, I am great to explore Japan, the beautiful country with kind-hearted people.
The Aftermath of Internet Governance Forum
Never have I imagined that I would be attending the annual Internet Governance Forum, however I passed the obstacles and made it through. As an undergraduate majoring in accounting and finance, being a part of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum and attending the Internet Governance Forum was an astonishing experience.What have you learned from the Internet Governance Forum?The 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance was held at Kyoto International Conference Center, Japan. For this year, the overarching theme of the discussion was \" The Internet We Want - Empowering All People\" and the discussion also revolved around the eight sub themes ranging from AI & Emerging Technologies to Sustainability & Environment.Attending the event was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights, new perspectives, and practical experiences. I want to take this moment to reflect on what I have learned from the event and how it has impacted me.As a part of this wonderful experience, all the participants were given the opportunity to choosethe session that they wanted to attend and I was very lucky enough to be able to attend the dream session of mine.This IGF was a valuable experience that helped me to learn more about Internet governance and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Moreover, I also got to learn and hear about the other perspectives of people from different backgrounds regarding different issues. Coming from someone that is not from a tech background, I got to learn about the latest developments in AI and blockchain, and how these technologies are being used to develop new Internet applications. We also learned about the challenges of cybersecurity and data governance, and how to mitigate the risks associated with these issues. Aside from that, I learned about the importance of digital rights and the need to protect people\'s privacy online. Lastly, I learned about the work that is being done to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the Internet.What was the most interesting session about the event?Coming from an accounting and finance background, the most interesting session for me was the one on \"AI & Emerging Technologies.\" This session explored the potential benefits and risks of AI and other emerging technologies, and discussed how to ensure that these technologies are used for good.I was particularly interested in the discussion about how to mitigate the risks of AI bias and discrimination. This is an important issue, as AI systems are increasingly being used to make decisions that affect people\'s lives.Another interesting session was the one on Emerging Tech and Solutions for Digital Inclusion. It was a fascinating and informative discussion about the potential of new technologies to help bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion.This session also highlighted the importance of multi stakeholder collaboration in developing and deploying emerging technologies for digital inclusion. Speakers from government, business, civil society, and academia all emphasized the need to work together to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that benefits everyone.The session on Emerging Tech and Solutions for Digital Inclusion was a very positive and hopeful discussion about the potential of new technologies to help build a more open and inclusive digital world. It was interesting to hear from both the top-down and bottom-up perspectives on this issue, and to learn about the challenges and opportunities for digital inclusion.The High Level Panel on Evolving Trends in Mis- & Dis-Information was the final and most engaging session. Hearing the opinions of professionals from all around the worldwas an intriguing sight, particularly Nobel Laureate Ms. Maria Ressa on current patterns in disinformation and misinformation, as well as to formulate suggestions for resolving these issues.Being a part of this session has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of how misinformation and disinformation are becoming a growing issue in developing nations like Cambodia, where people have a tendency to believe anything they see online.The Highlights of the Annual MeetingAside from being able to attend all of the fascinating sessions, meeting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was a huge surprise. Hearing his take on the subject of \"Generative AI\" in his keynote address was really enlightening. The speech was a really uplifting, wise, and helpful addition to the IGF 2023. In addition, it aroused my curiosity and caused me to wonder how Japan would fulfill the promises made by Kishida in his speech.What is your plan after returning to Cambodia?After returning to Cambodia, I plan to share what I have learned at the IGF with my colleagues and other stakeholders. In order to spread knowledge of Internet governance concerns, I also intend to give presentations and write blog entries and articles about the IGF. I also intend to keep learning about upcoming technologies and internet governance. Finally, I intended to collaborate with civil society groups to support the use of technology for social good and to fight for digital rights. In addition, I’ll collaborate with organizations and governmental bodies to create guidelines and procedures that promote welcoming and inclusive online communities.In order to make sure that the Internet is created and used in a way that benefits all Cambodians, I think it is critical that Cambodians get involved in the global discussion on Internet governance. I’m determined to use my expertise to positively impact Cambodia’s Internet landscape in the future.Feeling about JapanRegarding Japan, I feel really good. Japan’s dedication to innovation and its robust collaborative culture are impressive. Japan’s dedication to the multistakeholder process in Internet governance also strikes me as admirable.In particular, the IGF 2023 in Kyoto left me rather impressed. Internet governance issues are discussed globally at the IGF, and it is critical that all relevant parties—governments, corporations, individuals, and civil society organizations—have a voice in these talks. Japan demonstrated its commitment to multistakeholderism and an equitable and open Internet by hosting the IGF in 2023.Japan\'s investment in developing technologies is another thing that impresses me. In many new fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and quantum computing, Japan is a leader. I think these technologies have the power to completely change the world, and I\'m thrilled to see Japan staying at the forefront of their advancement.All in all, I feel really good about Japan. Japan, in my opinion, is a nation dedicated to multistakeholderism, innovation, and teamwork. I\'m interested to see how Japan will continue to advance global development and the Internet.Gratitude to Open Development CambodiaI want to express my gratitude to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for making it possible for me to travel to Kyoto, Japan in 2023 for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).I am appreciative of ODC for acknowledging the significance of my involvement in the IGF. With the help of ODC, I\'ve been able to network with other stakeholders who share my enthusiasm for Internet governance and learn from professionals around the globe. I have no doubt that ODC and the Cambodian community as large will benefit from the information and expertise I have obtained at the IGF.I am committed to using the knowledge and experience that I have gained at the IGF to support and to contribute to the development of a more open and inclusive digital Cambodia.
Exploring the Future of Internet Governance at IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global platform where stakeholders from various backgrounds come together to discuss critical issues related to the Internet\'s impact on society. From October 8th to October 12th, I had the chance to attend the IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. In this blog post, I\'ll share my experiences and insights from this significant event, which covered a wide range of topics, from digital cooperation for environmental sustainability to the role of parliamentarians in shaping a trusted internet.IGF 2023 HighlightsThe IGF 2023 opened with powerful remarks from the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and the Prime Minister of Japan, emphasizing the importance of multistakeholder cooperation in addressing global challenges such as sustainable development and climate action. The theme of the event, \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People,\" highlighted the commitment to creating an inclusive and sustainable digital future.Day 0: Setting the StageThe event\'s first day featured an inspiring opening ceremony and a session on \"Future Network Systems as Open Service Platform in Beyond5G/6G Era.\" This session provided insights into the evolution of network systems, setting the tone for the discussions to come.Day 1: Environmental Sustainability and Trusted InternetOn the first day, I attended two enlightening sessions. \"An Untapped Resource: How Can Digital Cooperation Contribute to the Battle for Our Environment?\" explored the role of digital cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. In \"The Role of Parliamentarians in Shaping a Trusted Internet Empowering All People,\" I learned about the crucial role of legislators in shaping a trustworthy and inclusive Internet.Day 2: AI-Driven EducationDay 2 delved into the future of education with the session \"AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education.\" This discussion was particularly relevant as it explored the potential of AI in transforming Cambodia\'s educational landscape.Day 3: Inclusive Energy TransitionA highlight of my IGF experience was the session on \"Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition.\" This session provided valuable insights into the global transition toward sustainable energy sources and the role that digital technologies can play in this transition. It emphasized the importance of ensuring an energy transition that leaves no one behind.Day 4: Rule of Law for Data GovernanceThe final day featured a session on \"Rule of Law for Data Governance,\" which underscored the significance of governing data while respecting the rule of law. This is particularly crucial in the digital age, where data plays a pivotal role in shaping our world.Contributions to CambodiaMy participation in IGF 2023 has equipped me with valuable knowledge and fresh perspectives. I\'m committed to promoting responsible digital technology use, advocating for internet inclusivity, and supporting initiatives that leverage AI for education and sustainable energy transitions in Cambodia. I plan to actively engage in projects that align with these goals, working toward a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive Cambodia.I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their unwavering support in making my participation in IGF 2023 possible. Their support allowed me to engage with global thought leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the pressing issues in internet governance. I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge and contributing to Cambodia\'s digital future, all made possible by the support of ODC.In conclusion, the IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, was a transformative experience that opened doors to new opportunities and ideas for shaping the future of the internet. With a commitment to positive change, I am excited to play my part in building a brighter digital future for Cambodia and beyond.
Open Development Cambodia’s insight from The Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance (APSIG) 2023
APSIG is the edition of the capacity-building initiative of the Asia-Pacific School on Internet Governance that also serves as a regional School of Internet Governance working towards raising awareness and capacity building within the Asia Pacific region. APSIG 2023 was held for three days from 27-29 November 2023 at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA Hotel, Manila, The Philippines. Open Development Cambodia\'s team (ODC) partake in the full event. The APISIG originally started in 2016 intending to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to participate in Internet policy-making by developing a strong foundation in the following: Promote and support Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs) in the Asia-Pacific RegionProvide training services to organizers and speakers at national and local SIGsDay Zero (26 November 2023)The program officially started with an Introduction and icebreakers. On day zero of the event, the fellows get to know each other and learn from one another about the Internet governance that happens in their home country.Day One (27 November 2023)The program focused on the Internet Governance’s history and evolving ecosystem, the Role of International Organizations and NRIs, Internet Technologies and Security Standards, the Flash talk from the Fellow, Bitcoin, Blockchain and Beyond, and IP Go. Back then, all participants were informed on day zero to deliver the flash talk on the topic of Internet governance in their home country. ODC team has delivered a flash talk on the AI-driven learning Revolution In Cambodian Higher Education which is the research paper conducted by Mr. Heng Soklay AI Researcher and lecturer at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. On top of that, the ODC team also supported the speaker in explaining IP Go which the ODC team explained the description of the activity and the role of the network operator and the way the Internet works.Day Two (28 November 2023)The program focused on Accessibility and Inclusivity, Digital Economy and Future of Work, Internet shutdowns and International Human Rights Law, Cybersecurity Incidents (Role-play)/ DNS Security activity, Internet Governance, and 7th Generation Warfare.One of many interesting activities was called “Accessibility and Inclusivity” in which the Speaker presented us with the website’s accessibility. She aimed to raise awareness among the website developers to consider elements including audio, voice commands, and other available tools. The speaker also urged web developers to follow WC3 guidelines “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines” and ask people with disability to test their websites to ensure that the content available on their websites is accessible. Following this section, the speaker discusses Applying International Human Rights Law to the Internet Shutdown.In the session of Cybersecurity Incident Role-play, all participants were divided into 3 main teams including the management team, the technical team, and the legal team which were responsible for responding to the public about a case that a hacker leaked an NGO’s data. ODC team played the role of a team leader of the legal team and explained to the fellow the process and what we needed to do in the session and we also discussed the stage that we needed to follow carefully. Those activities made the participants know how to respond to such incidents that would happen in our daily lives.At the end of day two, the ODC team also presented about the Cambodia culture to all participants and presented about ODC’s work and ODC involvement in improving Internet Governance in Cambodia including the Internet governance and ICT programs including Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum, Cambodia ICT and Digital Forum, Cambodia ICT Camp.Day Three (29 November 2023)The program began with the section called Emerging Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) priorities: The next round of new Generic top-level domain (gTLD) and Universal Acceptance, Impact of Internet Fragmentation on Future of the Internet. The APISIG 2023 came to an end with the closing remark by the organizer. All participants provided their feedback to improve the program. ODC’s staff managed to learn from and build connections with other participants necessary for future cooperation. After the program ends, it is expected that the ODC team can learn or apply, if possible, any relevant lessons learned from APISIG 2023 to Cambodian youth through an event called “Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2024 (Cambodia YIGF) which ODC plan to host in Phnom Penh in the upcoming year 2024. The insight from APISIG 2023 also provides additional input for the ODC team to make use of for experience-sharing sessions related to Internet governance. Second, it is an opportunity that ODC ‘s team have build a network and exchange ideas from others with other academic, expert, and other internet governance communities.
Experiencing Internet Governance as a Panelist
Imagine a place where the ancient meets the cutting edge, where culture dances with technology—a place like Kyoto, Japan. Now, picture being part of a global gathering of minds, all driven by a shared passion for shaping the digital world. That\'s precisely where I found myself at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of an exhilarating experience!Being a Youth RepresentativeOne of the most memorable moments in my journey was the opportunity to serve as a panelist for Session #133, titled \"Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition.\" This session was a significant part of the broader discussions on Digital Technologies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The session was expertly organized by several key entities, including the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the NLIGF, Electronic Commerce Platform Netherlands (ECP), and WEOG. As I stepped onto the stage, I carried with me not just the perspectives of Cambodia but also the dynamic ASEAN youth community. It was a moment of immense honor and responsibility to raise the my voice. The session’s mission was clear: to energize our collective efforts toward an energy future that truly leaves no one behind.In my presentation titled \"Unlocking ASEAN\'s Green Energy Future Through Youth,\" I delved into the pivotal role of youth in spearheading green energy transformation in the ASEAN region. I began by emphasizing the critical importance of green energy, not only for environmental sustainability but also for our collective future. I then highlighted the significant challenges that ASEAN faces in transitioning to green energy, including surging energy demands and issues of affordability and accessibility. I also showcased the immense potential for youth to contribute to this development. Through the adoption of green technologies, the creation of green jobs, and the initiation of green initiatives, we can use the successful model of the Cambodia Internet Governance Forum as an example, in which the forum plays a paramount role in driving the transition towards a sustainable and green energy future in ASEAN.Keynote from other significant sessions:My thoughts were not only mine; I did take some aspirations and knowledge from other experts from the other sessions I joined before my panel sessions. I will list three sessions that genuinely inspired me below:\"Transforming Technology Frameworks for the Planet\" IGF 2023 was like a digital oasis, teeming with knowledge and inspiration. This session had me envisioning a tech-powered green utopia. It was a reminder that the digital realm could be a force for planetary good as well if we were to include the environment in the framework-building process.\"High-Level Panel on Artificial Intelligence\"Artificial Intelligence, or AI, wasn\'t just a buzzword—it was the show\'s star! This session was the most inspiring for me as it showed us how AI can be an accelerator in its own right, speeding us towards a greener, more sustainable world. But wait, there are matters that we need to consider here! AI needs a moral compass, and that\'s where governance comes in.\"Without facts, you can\'t have truth, and without truth, you cannot have trust.\"Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa at IGF2023. Three suggestions were raised for approaching generative AI where it can be hijacked easily for emotional influences and often false content: \"Stop surveillance for profit. Stop coded bias against women, LGBTQI, and other minorities and use journalism as an antidote to tyranny.\"\"Youth for Digital Inclusion & Environmental Sustainability\"This session was like a rallying cry for young digital warriors to start taking action. It hammered the message that we, the youth, are not just the future; we are the drivers of change today!Nadia Owusu, Civil Society, African Group representative, emphasized the role of youth in this critical time when we need to accelerate the green digital environment. I take so much inspiration from her work and statements from the session that they shape my panel discussion as well.The Return JourneyLeaving Kyoto was bittersweet, but I carried back more than just memories. I brought back a suitcase filled with inspiration, wisdom, and a heart bursting with a determination to continue endorsing digital rights, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.I will use my knowledge to light up our digital world, one pixel at a time. Special ThanksA heartfelt thank you to my admiring team, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum Organizing Committee, our Board of Advisory Committee, and Open Development Cambodia for making this incredible opportunity possible. Your support and dedication have fueled my journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable digital world.
Bridging the Digital Divide: What IGF2023 Teach Me
The “digital divide” is the gap between people who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. It\'s a problem that affects people all over the world, but it\'s especially pronounced in developing countries.At the recent Internet Governance Forum (IGF2023), I had the opportunity to join several sessions from ‘High Level Panels’ to ‘Speakers Corner’ which varied in topics. Among the 300+ sessions that IGF2023 had to offer, I joined the sessions about Digital Divide and Inclusion, and Environment and Sustainability. I learned about the digital divide and inclusion efforts in multiple countries; however, I would only take the two countries to compare: Japan and Cambodia.Japan\'s Digital DivideJapan is a technologically advanced country, but even there, some people face barriers to accessing and using digital tools. This is especially true for the elderly and rural communities.Japan has learned some important lessons about how to bridge the digital divide such as infrastructure investment and digital literacy training.Invest in infrastructure: Japan has invested heavily in high-speed internet networks, even in rural areas. This has made it easier for everyone to get online.Provide digital literacy training: Japan offers digital literacy programs at all levels of education. This helps people learn how to use digital tools effectively.Cambodia\'s Digital DivideCambodia is a developing country with a less established ICT infrastructure and lower internet penetration rates. As a result, a large portion of the population has limited or no access to digital resources. This disparity has an especially negative impact on rural populations, women, and underprivileged groups.Cambodia is also learning valuable lessons about how to bridge the digital divide:Create a strong policy and regulatory framework. Cambodia has developed a policy and regulatory framework that encourages ICT growth and closes the digital gap. This includes efforts to improve internet infrastructure and lower internet access costs.Partner with the private sector. Cambodia is working with the private sector to harness resources and expertise to drive digital inclusion efforts.What Can We Learn from Japan and Cambodia?Japan and Cambodia can teach us a lot about how to bridge the digital divide. Here are a few key lessons:Take a personalized approach: Each country faces unique challenges, so there are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions. It\'s important to understand the local context and develop tailored solutions.Create inclusive policies: Governments should develop policies that prioritize digital inclusion. This includes investing in infrastructure, promoting digital literacy programs, and making sure that digital services are affordable.Collaborate for impact: Collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society organizations can significantly boost efforts to achieve digital inclusion.Bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion are essential for ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities, information, and resources. Japan and Cambodia are making progress, but there is still more work to be done. By learning from their experiences, we can develop more effective and inclusive solutions.
IGF 2023: The Future of the Internet Is at Stake, and We All Have a Role to Play
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) stands as the world\'s premier annual gathering of stakeholders from diverse sectors, converging to discuss and influence the trajectory of the internet\'s future. The 2023 IGF, hosted in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8-12, marked a pivotal moment. At this juncture, the internet confronts numerous challenges, elevating the significance of this event in shaping its future.Reflecting on my personal experience at IGF 2023, it was nothing short of enriching. The multitude of workshops and the community\'s eagerness to engage in spontaneous discussions left me in awe. However, amidst the vibrant exchange of ideas, a notable observation was the often marginal role played by the youth in discussions, with many assuming passive roles.The Challenges of a New Era for the InternetForemost among the challenges discussed was the looming threat of internet fragmentation. Governments and private entities are increasingly vying to control distinct sections of the internet, heightening the risk of a fractured and siloed digital landscape. The repercussions of such fragmentation include restricted access to information and services, as well as a potential stifling of innovation.Another critical challenge that emerged is the ascendancy of AI and other emerging technologies. While these technologies hold the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, they also bring forth risks, such as job displacement and the potential misuse of data. Navigating this landscape requires a concerted effort to ensure the responsible and ethical development and application of these transformative technologies.In addition to these challenges, the internet grapples with the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the surge in cybercrime, and the erosion of online privacy.The bright spot amid these challenges is the IGF 2023\'s success in bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the globe. The forum\'s overarching theme, \"The Internet We Want – Empowering All People,\" served as a reminder that the internet is a global resource that should be accessible and beneficial to everyone.What I Learned from the World\'s Leading Internet Experts:The internet is a global resource, and it needs to be governed accordingly. The current system of internet governance is fragmented and siloed, which makes it difficult to address global challenges. We need a more inclusive and participatory system of internet governance that reflects the global nature of the internet.We need to invest in digital literacy and education. Many people around the world do not have the skills and knowledge they need to use the internet safely and effectively. We need to invest in programs that teach people about digital literacy and online safety.We need to protect our online privacy and security. The internet has become a breeding ground for cybercrime and data breaches. We need to take steps to protect our online privacy and security, both as individuals and as societies.We need to ensure that the internet is accessible to everyone. The internet is still a luxury for many people around the world. We need to work to make the internet more affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or location.We need to promote diversity and inclusion on the internet. The internet should be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected. We need to work to promote diversity and inclusion on the internet, both in terms of the content that is available and the people who are participating in online communities.These are just a few of the many things that I learned from the world\'s leading internet experts at IGF 2023. It was an inspiring event, and it gave me hope for the future of the internet. I believe that if we work together, we can create a more open, inclusive, and equitable internet for everyone.What can we all do to help? From youth role perspective:Now, moving from reflection to action, the question arises: What can we all do to contribute, especially from the perspective of the youth?Active Youth Participation: A resounding call at IGF 2023 was for increased and active youth participation. It became clear that for internet governance to be truly inclusive and effective, the youth must step forward, engage in discussions, and challenge existing norms. Our unique perspectives can inject fresh ideas and innovative solutions into the discourse.Advocacy for Digital Literacy: The need for enhanced digital literacy emerged as a critical point. In a world dominated by technology, the youth can take the lead in advocating for educational programs that equip individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.Promotion of Inclusivity: Internet access should transcend geographical and socio-economic boundaries. As youth advocates, we can champion initiatives that bridge the digital divide, ensuring that the internet is a fundamental right accessible to all.Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies: Given the prominence of AI and emerging technologies, the youth, as early adopters, bear the responsibility of advocating for their ethical and responsible use. Staying informed about potential risks and benefits positions us to contribute to shaping policies that balance innovation and societal well-being.Combatting Misinformation: Misinformation emerged as a significant threat. The youth can play a pivotal role in combatting misinformation by promoting media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible information sharing.IGF 2023 underscored that the future of the internet is a shared responsibility. The active involvement of the youth is not just encouraged but essential. By embracing our role as catalysts for positive change, we can collectively work towards shaping an internet that truly empowers and benefits all. The discussions and collaborations fostered at IGF 2023 serve as a catalyst for a more inclusive, secure, and innovative digital future.
FIRST TIME KNOWING, FIRST TIME INVOLVING
Did you know, that accessing the internet alone is not enough? So, internet safety is also needed to enhance digitalization. As an Organizing Committee of YIGF Cambodia, I am so proud to be able to organize the very first forum about Internet Governance in Cambodia. After successfully organizing the YIGF Cambodia, I got selected by the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) to participate in the upcoming IGF. What makes me the proudest is getting approved by the United Nations to join the 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) at the Kyoto International Conference Centre in October 2023.NEW EXPERIENCEHearing about the Internet Governance for the first time, I had no idea what the Internet Governance is. All I think was how we needed the internet for online classes and work during the COVID-19 lockdown. Before becoming the Organizing Committee of the YIGF Cambodia, what I had preferred to see in Cambodia was an inclusive internet for everyone throughout the country, especially people living in remote and rural areas. In my perspective, Cambodia needs fundamental infrastructure especially, internet access. When they can access the internet, there will be immense opportunities for them as well as for the country’s economic growth and social welfare. However, a huge point I had missed was the unsafety it brings alongside the opportunities. Joining the YIGF Cambodia renewed my perspective that accessing the internet alone is not enough but safety should also come along. Many great ideas were coming from among us who are eager to bring the first-ever forum to our audiences. I have never thought that internet governance is one of the crucial developments we need in our daily lives and for the development of the country. Now, not only do I realize its importance but I also advocate digital empowerment to ensure access, safety, and opportunities for everyone. Though most of the topics from both international and national speakers are usually mentioned in our daily lives, the special thing is that various topics were displayed together for the whole two days. A special bonus is that our audiences can freely select the favored sessions that they want to join.Involving in the YIGF Cambodia, I am a Communication Organizing Committee that takes a role in the creative design and also supports the media team. My education and career background are in media and communication; therefore, taking in this role is just perfect for me to practice my skills by conveying the right message, visual, language tone, and social media platforms to audiences. Not only I can contribute my skills to the forum, but I simultaneously can learn from my fellow Organizing Committee as well, especially from their constructive feedback on my visual posters. Overall, the first time knowing and being involved is such a great learning experience.YIGF CAMBODIA: SUCCESSFULLY WRAP-UPThe forum was successfully held by having 127 participants joining from 23 – 24 September at the CADT. Over 40 speakers gave various presentations in different sessions to broaden audiences’ understanding of Internet Governance. My role on the event day is to support the media team by capturing pictures of the whole event. All the work has been done smoothly thanks to the team as well as our committed volunteers, especially Bonaliheng and Pichphyrom who supported in media team.THE NEXT STOP IS IGF 2023 The 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 will be held from 8 – 12 October in Kyoto by the government of Japan. The overarching theme is “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People” which there will be over 300 sessions in the 5-day conference. The sub-themes I am interested in are Data Governance and Trust and Digital Divides and Inclusion. I also can’t wait to join interesting sessions: Emerging Tech and Solutions for Digital Inclusion, The Role of Parliamentarians in Shaping a Trusted Internet Empowering All People, and Jointly Share the Responsibilities in the Digital Era.Once again, thanks Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for providing me such a great opportunity to join IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. Stay tuned for my upcoming IGF 2023 blog!
IGF Japan Track
The internet and technology have always been an intriguing topic to explore. My name is ROS Chanvoleak. I am no expert in this field, but I am an enthusiast in this subject. I evolved around technology or the internet, practically my whole life. From watching simple videos online to heavy research on international relation, this is my expertise.I was fortunate enough to be selected to be a part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and Open Development Cambodia (ODC). It was a long road before that. My first step involvement with technology was during my second year in college when I was hired as a product development coordinator. I handled the technological department alone and worked on a new prototype in building management. It was involving both Fintech and Proptech. I was collecting this personal data from many buildings with many residences.We used the data to help improve our system in matters of management, communication, and payments. We never thought that this data was necessarily vital because it was just names and phone numbers. Afterward, I worked for an international organization, where I saw this small data is meant to be highly confidential. We can see the differentiation of how one company can get mismatched information without the right knowledge or education and what are the relevant legal implications.This year, Open Development Cambodia recruited an organizing committee to organize the first-ever Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF). Luckily, I was one of them, thanks to ODC. Though my knowledge of the internet may be lacking but during these couple of months, ODC and the team, supported us in understanding, importance of data management, device protection and what are the legal aspects of these practices in various countries. YIGF was a success with 170 participants. There were over 30 sessions, and each session was equipped with a high level of experts.We were joined by DEVI Svaradiva, Chairperson of the Internet Development Institute. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she holds a master’s degree in Communication from the University of Indonesia and currently is pursuing a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Malta. She has given us a deeper understanding of AI Ethics and Data Protection Law.Furthermore, the session with Director Ly Sokphath of the Department of Project Appraisal and Development Programs, the General Secretariat of the Digital Governance Committee on the Digital Transformation of Cambodia’s Government, was well presented. He addressed our concerns on a multitude of factors, like province residences, disability accessibility, transparency, and accountability of the government. It was incredibly insightful for all participants and the organizing committee. With all the sessions of YIGF, I will be more than equipped to be in IGF in early October 2023.Towards further discussion, the director also mentioned data protection law that is being drafted by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC). A sub-decree was released in 2021 by Ministry of Interior (MoI), stating some of the factors that will be introduced but the overall assumption is personal data protection. The more intriguing part for the reader is the level of security management within the MoI and another stakeholder like MPTC and intra-ministerial. This illustrates the co-working relationship that the citizen should see. Moreover, in chapter 2, articles 4, there is an indicator of what data is personal and must kept secured by the ministry level.The Internet Governance Forum was introduced back in 2006 to facilitate a multi-stakeholder, democratic, and transparent platform for discussions on Internet governance issues. Which links to my passion for joining the organizing committee of YIGF. I want to be a part of the movement to protect and introduce the Internet public policy to the country. For my expectation, I want to have a clear goal of how I can support Cambodian society in protecting themselves online in a cohesive way in the next 5 years. A goal that is achievable and aligns with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) principles in internet governance processes. Plus, the YIGF educates the youth about Internet public policy and issues on an international level and shows practices from other countries that have good results.There are over 300 sessions for the next 5 days of the event. Generally, topics are on a specific theme. In this case, the theme is \"Internet We Want - Empowering All People.\" How is it for all? Law, children, and gender inclusivity will be the focus.I would like to thank Open Development Cambodia for giving us this opportunity to transport us to Japan to learn about internet governance and also, thank you to UNDESA for organizing the IGF 2023, I cannot wait to be there!
My experience before the event in Brisbane– yIGF & APrIGF 2023
My name is Houth Morokoth and I am currently pursuing a bachelor\'s degree at the Royal University of Phnom Penh\'s Institute for International Studies and Public Policy with a major in International Economics. I’m one of the Organizing Committee of Cambodia’s yIGF. The main reason why I joined the Asia Pacific Youth IGF 2023 is to learn more deeply about internet governance which is one of the hot topics in the contemporary world due to its huge impact on society. In my country, most people still have limited knowledge related to these topics and have little awareness of the issues that related to Internet governance or digital platforms.After I discovered Asia Pacific yIGF, my interest in Internet governance and digital platforms skyrocketed as I wanted to explore and learn more about it. Another interesting observation, this forum consists of a diversity of groups such as government, private sectors, and NGOs which is the perfect opportunity to understand different perspectives on Internet governance. These opportunities will allow me to know and connect with people who share similar interests and learn new things from various perspectives. I hope to learn more about digital governance at the conference and also to meet more individuals throughout the Asia Pacific region and broaden my network of contacts. After I decided to apply for the Asia Pacific Youth IGF 2023, I was chosen to receive accommodation support from yIGF.Asia and attend the forum in person in Brisbane, Australia. As a member of the yIGF 2023 Cambodia, I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia for covering the cost of my roundtrip flight and visa.The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) take place in Brisbane, Australia from August 29 to August 31, 2023, under the sponsorship of the au Domain Administration (auDA) and sponsored by Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), APNIC Foundation, NETTHING 2023, Australian Government, and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The yIGF provides a forum for young people in the Asia-Pacific area to discuss Internet governance. All young participants will have the chance to gain insight into hot topics like digital inclusion and sustainability through trust. This year yIGF has made an effort to bring youth as well as multi-stakeholders to the table in order to provide them with the necessary information and skills to engage in conversations around Internet governance.Before the event, all of the participants actively participated in online meetings utilizing \"Google Chat\" as the communication channel. We also have a virtual yIGF 2023 orientation when we introduce ourselves during an informal ice-breaking session. Following the icebreaker, they provide a brief overview of yIGF and an insightful introduction for individuals who have questions about yIGF. The IGF basically aims to inform young people about Internet governance. It also encourages the younger generation to engage in more deliberation and decision-making process. Therefore, the goal of the yIGF is a youth network and, most importantly, capacity building.Additionally, we received an update such as a document to review before attending the event including yIGF Infokit; containing comprehensive information about the event, including the agenda, speaker profiles, and other relevant details. I can familiarize myself with the information in Infokit and make the most of my involvement, which is incredibly convenient for me. In addition to a group chat on Google Space, we have a second group chat on Signal for the participant presentations throughout the event. This group chat is separated into four main stakeholder groups: Civil Society, Technical Community, Government, and Private Sector. Thus, prior to the in-person event, I could communicate with other members from various nations using this online platform thanks to the yIGF organizing committee.
My Journey to Internet Governance Forum 2023
The Starting PointMy name is HongTholly Sonit, a creative content copywriter at a creative agency in Phnom Penh. I hold a bachelor\'s degree in Media Management from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). For a while, my life seemed to follow a monotonous routine of going to the office and returning home. While I found satisfaction in my job, there was a lingering sense of unfulfilled passion within me. I yearned for something more, something that would ignite my spirit and give me a sense of purpose to look forward to each day.During that period, the rising number of digital threats, including cases of fraud on platforms like Telegram, became a hot topic. The rapid development of innovations such as AI further emphasized the need for heightened awareness regarding digital literacy, digital rights, and data privacy. This realization sparked a sense of urgency within me to advocate for these important issues.One day, I stumbled upon an opportunity that would change my life: the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum\'s (YIGF) organizing committee. Intrigued by the post shared by a friend and longing for a chance to give back to society, I decided to apply and was fortunate enough to be selected as a member of the committee. Little did I know that this experience would not only ignite my passion but also lead me to become the team leader of the communication team. As the communication lead in YIGF, I oversee content creation for the website and social media, oversee the design of communication materials, and foster collaboration within the team.Challenging BUT RewardingEmbarking on this journey was not without its challenges. Balancing my volunteer work with a full-time job proved to be demanding, but my effort for the cause and the inspiration I derived from my teammates pushed me forward. Despite the obstacles, we successfully organized the first-ever Cambodia YIGF, surpassing our initial expectations with approximately 170 participants. Our dedication and commitment did not go unnoticed. My registration for the prestigious United Nations Internet Governance Forum 2023 was approved, and I was selected to receive a grant from Open Development Cambodia (ODC) to travel to Japan and participate in person. I am grateful to ODC for covering my roundtrip transportation and visa expenses, for recognizing my efforts, and for providing me with the chance to expand my knowledge and network on an international scale.Learning Expectations for the Upcoming IGF 2023The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is an initiative by the United Nations to bring together people from different stakeholder groups to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet. Although there is no formal agreement reached, the IGF informs and inspires policymakers in both the public and private sectors. Delegates at the annual meeting exchange information and best practices, aiming to maximize Internet opportunities and address challenges. The 18th annual meeting of the IGF will be held in Kyoto, Japan, in October 2023, focusing on the theme of empowering all people. The sub-themes for the forum include AI and emerging technologies, avoiding Internet fragmentation, cybersecurity and online safety, data governance and trust, digital divides and inclusion, global digital governance and cooperation, human rights and freedoms, and sustainability and the environment.Attending the IGF 2023 event promises to be an enriching experience, offering a diverse range of sessions and topics to explore. Through workshops, lightning talks, launches, dynamic coalition sessions, town halls, open forums, and high-level panels, I expect to delve into fascinating subjects and gain valuable insights.One session that particularly piques my interest is the High-Level Panel on Evolving Trends in Misinformation and Disinformation. In an era where misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges, understanding the evolving trends in both is crucial. I hope to learn about the impact of social media platforms and messaging apps on the rapid spread of false content, as well as the advancements in AI-generated media content that further blur the lines between truth and fabrication.Another session that I would like to learn about is \"Next-Gen Education: Harnessing Generative AI\". By gaining insights into the latest trends, real-world examples, and tools within the field of AI in education, I will be equipped with the knowledge and ideas to drive innovation in my own educational practices. This session holds the potential to shape the future of education, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.Furthermore, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the reality of residents in the Metaverse and delve into the experiences of Nem, the world\'s first virtual YouTuber, in the \"Talk with Metaverse Residents\" session. Nem\'s unique perspective, as an active media presence within the Metaverse, will provide valuable insights into this virtual world. During the session, I look forward to witnessing demonstrations of devices that enhance the Metaverse experience, allowing residents to fully immerse themselves in a virtual life.By participating in the IGF 2023 event, I expect to gain a deeper understanding of various important topics and trends in the digital realm. Specifically, I hope to learn about the evolving trends in misinformation and disinformation, the virtual reality of the Metaverse world, and generative AI. Through attending sessions and engaging in discussions, I anticipate gaining insights into the impact of these topics on society, as well as potential strategies and solutions for addressing related challenges.
Unfamiliar yet Familiar – Road to Internet Governance Forum
Getting to Know MeHey there, this is Huot Srymanit, a sophomore majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and an aspiring Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) at CamEd Business School. Moreover, I serve as the Co-President for the CamEd Entrepreneur Club\'s 7th Generation. I am interested in subjects relating to languages and technology. Even though I don\'t have a lot of experience yet, I\'m excited to start working and advance my job experience as an open-minded learner.Prior to Joining Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumNot sure if it\'s destiny or fate, I stumbled across a post by Open Development Cambodia back in May that stated \"Call For Organizing Committee\". I was intrigued by the various aspects of internet governance and decided to give it a shot. Despite my background, I decided to embark on this unfamiliar journey. Being an open-minded learner who always welcomes and looks forward to new challenges, I always took the initiative to volunteer and participate in various activities at any given chance. Thinking back to when I applied as the one of the organizing committee for Cambodia\'s first ever Youth Internet Governance Forum, I never thought that I would make it.Journey with Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumObviously, coming from an accounting and finance background, I never thought that I am suited with anything else other than finance, hence, I decided to start this journey by becoming a member of the administrative committee, for which I handle the admin and finance.I was in charge of the fundamental tasks as part of administration, including assisting with venue quotes, event supplies, and translating the events agenda. I was also in charge of creating the presentation slides and certificates for the events day, which is held on the 23rd and 24th of September, as part of my support job on the programme committee. As a second-year student, I must balance my studies with my volunteer job. It has proven to be tough and exhausting because I have to juggle my studies, my volunteer job as a digital literacy trainer for the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, my roles as co-presidents of the CamEd Entrepreneur Club and as administrative committee of the Cam YIGF. Expectations about Cambodia Youth Internet Governance ForumAs a member of the Cam YIGF, my primary goal is to promote digital inclusivity, internet governance and shaping its future in Cambodia among Cambodian youth and to give young people a voice and a forum to address digital rights, literacy, and technology-driven policy in the country. This forum will serve as an area for my future research and helps to widen my knowledge on internet governance.During the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum Despite the obstacles that the team and I faced during the pre-events phase, our events went on smoothly and we successfully organized the first-ever Cambodia YIGF, surpassing our initial expectations with approximately 250 participants. During the two-day event, I had the opportunity to work as a note-taker. The majority of this role consists of making notes, hence, I got to learn in detail about various topics, about data privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation, digital security, and cybersecurity - how to successfully secure yourself online.During this conference, I\'ve had the chance to take part in two breakout sessions that address topics like digital transformation and data protection law. Learning about the perspectives of people with various backgrounds, including those in the public, private, and government sectors, was fascinating. My understanding of the subject has completely changed as a result of their perceptive observations, and they have also made me more open to potential answers.I had the privilege of serving as one of the cryptocurrency dealers during the Phum yIGF, which took place on the first day of the event. Making the participants aware of how they should safeguard and take care of themselves by being mindful of the unknown risk as well as understanding the risk of the investment in the market was a major focus of this game. It was such an enlightening experience to attend the multi-stakeholder gathering. It was wonderful to watch the simulation of individuals from all stakeholders working together to develop a better concept for how to enhance internet governance for Cambodia. Looking back, it was all worthwhile because the event reached such a significant milestone. Turning the events into a reality was such a wild fantasy after spending up late days and nights for the past three months with the dream teams to plan and develop for the events.Road to Internet Governance ForumI am very eager to attend and participate in the 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, which will be held in Kyoto, Japan from October 8 to October 12, 2023, under the theme \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People\'\' and with eight sub themes. I am eager to learn more about the sub themes of \"Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, AI & Emerging Technologies, and Sustainability & Environment\'\' because they are of particular interest to me. My willingness to participate in these discussions stems from my conviction that there are substantial chances for influence at the nexus of emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital inclusion. Additionally, I particularly anticipate the discussion of \"Rule of Law for Data Governance\" and hope to contribute to the policy dialogue on key issues such as the new Data Protection law which is currently under discussion in Cambodia.This IGF will serve as a venue for me to explore and learn beyond my capacities. It will be a fantastic chance for me to learn about current trends and advancements in internet governance as well as the perspectives of various stakeholders on important issues related to internet and data governance. This will provide me the opportunity to communicate and meet others from all over the world who are concerned about the future of the internet.Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia for their support in realizing my dream of attending the upcoming 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, which will take place in Kyoto, Japan from October 8 to October 12, 2023.
Unlocking Potential and Opportunities Through Internet Governance Forum
Hi, I\'m VA Phavan, and I hold dual degrees in Media Management and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I am pleased to tell you about my experience related the Internet Governance Forum (IGF2023), where I will be able to learn new things and advocate for them. This one-of-a-kind annual meeting has allowed me to participate in important discussion on the eight related themes of \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People\":Artificial intelligence and emerging technologiesAvoiding Internet fragmentationCybersecurity cybercrime and online safetyData governance and trustDigital divides and inclusionGlobal digital governance and cooperationHuman rights and freedomsSustainability and environmentThe 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum will be held in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8-12, 2023. And as a selected committee to join the forum through the support of Open Development Cambodia, I will describe how I got engaged, what I learned at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum, and what I hope to see during the annual meeting in Japan.The Path That Led Me Here:I came across a post by Open Development Cambodia (ODC) encouraging young people to participate in internet policymaking while surfing Facebook. Interestingly enough, it was the first time that I made aware of the word “Internet Governance’’. I made the decision to apply to join the organizing committee, and I was tasked with Media and Evaluation lead. I was one of the fortunate twenty other committees selected to contribute to the success of the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum in 2023. In addition to working hard and collaborating with all the fantastic people I have met over the past four months of preparation for the CamYIGF 2023, I made the most of this opportunity to learn new things and have productive discussions.Notable Discussions at the Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Forum:Engaging with like-minded people and delving into many facets of internet governance at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum was a life-altering event. About 250 people attended the two-day event, which happened at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) and focused on the topic of \"Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Opportunities for All.\" The event featured 36 speakers including guests from Japan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.With over 30 sessions on the three subthemes: Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, Digital rights and online responsibilities, and Internet security and data privacy, my favorite would be the Question and Answer discussion in each room. Working as a camerawoman meant I could continue to work on my role while also absorbing the information from the speakers. Additionally, hearing a panel discuss the government\'s response to the continued issues posed by cyberspace was a highlight. Participants dug deep into the obstacles that underprivileged groups experience while trying to get online and discussed ways to overcome them. As the seminar fostered an atmosphere of cooperation, prompting us to brainstorm possible remedies and lobby for more digital access in our local communities, two of the participants particularly mentioned about how fortunate they were as they were able to attend the CamYIGF 2023, and even suggested the forum to be held again next year while promoting more people from minority groups to join.What to Look Forward to at This Year\'s Internet Governance Forum Annual Meeting in JapanTwo of the eight subthemes, \"digital divide and inclusion\" and \"sustainability and the environment,\" strike out to me as I prepare to attend the next IGF Annual Meeting in Kyoto, Japan. I anticipate that the issues plaguing these fields will become clearer after these discussions, which will then open the path for innovative solutions.In the contemporary globalized society, it is of utmost importance to address the issue of digital gaps and actively foster digital inclusion. In order to facilitate universal participation and equitable benefits inside the digital realm, it is imperative to critically evaluate existing regulatory frameworks and formulate novel strategies. I am anticipating engaging in activities such as seminars and panel discussions that aim to foster diversity and inclusion within the digital realm.Furthermore, I am enthusiastic about acquiring further knowledge on the correlation between internet governance and the sustainability in the long run. It is imperative to promote sustainable activities and undertake measures to offset the adverse impacts associated with digital technologies. The Annual Meeting will provide a platform for the exhibition of successful projects, the enhancement of public comprehension, and the coordination of endeavors aimed at fostering sustainability and ecological friendliness in the realm of the internet.Conclusion: The Internet Governance Forum has opened my eyes to the possibilities for influencing the future of the internet for the better. The Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum provided me with the foundation I needed to begin participating in important discussions about the digital divide, inclusivity, sustainability, and the environment. I am looking forward to participating in discussions, gaining knowledge, and advocating for a more equitable and environmentally sound digital future at this year\'s IGF Annual Meeting in Japan. If we work together, we can make the internet a better, more just, and more ecologically conscientious pl
The First Cambodia Youth Internet Governance – Was it how I expected?
Hey there, digital explorers and enthusiasts! I\'m Peach, a passionate environmental advocate pursuing a green job, and I\'m here to share my exciting journey throughout the first inaugural Cambodia Youth Internet Governance (CamYIGF) event. But first, let me share how I got to be part of the incredible organizing committee.The Unexpected ApplicationWith little knowledge about Internet Governance, I stumbled upon this great opportunity through my involvement in youth empowerment initiatives in Cambodia. I would laugh if I had told myself a year ago that I would be part of the first Cambodia Youth Internet Governance organizing committee. I applied to be part of the team and showcase how I can contribute to building and executing the event program; thankfully, I got selected and become part of the amazing team that I will tell you about.Pre-event ActivitiesWith my expertise in the debate field, I took the lead in designing the sub-event, two debate rounds over Internet Governance.One was held between the IISPP Debate Society and the Paragon International University Debate Club. The second round was held between the organizing committee and students from CADT, and the topics revolved around internet governance, except it was more in-depth than the first round.Providing training and coordinating the pre-event was an experience I always wanted to have. The sub-event goal was to enable audiences to be equipped with some knowledge of Internet governance before attending the actual events one month apart.Highlights During the EventI think one of the most memorable experiences from CamYIGF was stepping into the role of the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the opening ceremony. Welcoming a diverse crowd, including enthusiasts and participants from Phnom Penh and other provinces, was a fantastic way to kick things off.Throughout the event, I had the privilege of moderating numerous break-out sessions, diving into discussions about digital privacy, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and the ever-expanding digital landscape. It was fascinating to hear diverse viewpoints and ideas from our speaker including international which was conducted online and our national speaker who was presented on-site, especially hearing the sharing from our fellow attendees.Managing the event flow alongside the two volunteer teams, including Event Facilitators and Operational Support, was another hurdle we hopped past together for an event of 250 participants. Ensuring each session ran smoothly and participants had an insightful and interactive experience was a rewarding challenge. Having to make many on-spot decisions was one force that kept the event on track and dynamic. CamYIGF was an intersection of brilliant minds from various sectors, including the government, private sector, experts, and netizens. Networking with many of them, each bringing unique perspectives, was the event\'s highlight. From tech gurus to policy experts, I had the opportunity to connect and learn from the best in the field.And last but not least, the incredible multi-stakeholder meeting! Being part of this dialogue was a true eye-opener as I got to experience what an actual multi-stakeholder discussion would be like. The collaborative spirit and exchange of ideas between stakeholders from different backgrounds left a lasting impression on me as we strive toward collaboration and initiating resolution to improve internet governance in Cambodia.So, did I get what I expected from CamYIGF?No, because it exceeded what I expected, and I did not think that the First Cambodia Internet Governance could achieve this milestone.To summarize my experiences, I was an internet-governance-dehydrated-sponge now soaked up with digital and internet governance knowledge. The sophistication of Internet governance, the policies that shape our online world, and how we can ensure a safer and more inclusive digital space for all were all shown and shared throughout the event; I sincerely hope you can feel them from reading this blog.What\'s next?The next step for our team is attending the 18th Annual Meeting of Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan, from the 8th until the 12th of October. As I actively pursue a green job, I\'m excited to join many sustainability sessions because they align perfectly with my passion and professional objectives.I\'m excited to be part of the \'Eco-friendly Policy System for Emerging Technology\' session that will provide essential insights into sustainable tech policy, enhancing my role in the green job sector.A summit is always a place I love to be in; the \'IGF 2023 Global Youth Summit\' will allow me to connect with fellow internet or digital enthusiasts to share experiences, learn, and collectively shape a digital landscape that prioritizes not only environmental sustainability but digital and internet governance as a whole.\'Digital Inclusion & Environmental Sustainability\' is another session that perfectly blends my interests. It allows me to delve into how digital tech can bridge societal gaps while promoting sustainability, extending my wisdom and network in these areas.Lastly, \'Community Networks: Digital Sovereignty and Sustainability\' resonates with my dedication to creating a more environmentally conscious digital world. This session will connect me with like-minded experts and practitioners.My desire to join these sessions arises from my belief that the intersection of emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital inclusion offers opportunities for significant impact.I\'m eagerly looking forward to diving headfirst into the 18th Internet Governance Forum and gaining firsthand insights that will enhance the 2nd Cambodia Internet Governance Forum next year. Our team goal and objectives for attending this year\'s Forum is to offer our participants a comparable experience in terms of content, sessions, and overall format to the Internet Governance Forum during our event the following year.
Ready to Dive into the World of Internet Governance? Join Me on My Journey with the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance For
As a third-year computer science student at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, my passion for technology and the digital world has led me to some incredible opportunities. Currently, I serve as a member of the Organizing Committee at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF), where I\'ve had the chance of delving deep into the intricate world of internet governance, web design, and graphic design.Why I Chose to Join This ProgramInternet governance is a field that has always fascinated me. I believe that understanding how the internet operates at both regional and international levels is crucial in today\'s interconnected world. My skills in design and web development have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the YIGF team, and I thrive in collaborative environments where innovation and creativity are valued.One of the driving forces behind my participation in this program is my desire to learn more about various aspects of internet governance, including Internet Governance Organizations, Cybersecurity, Trust, and Internet Governance Principles. I\'m particularly interested in how cybersecurity efforts enhance online protection and establish trust among users. Furthermore, I aim to gain insights into how principles such as openness, accessibility, security, and interoperability influence decision-making processes, shaping a stable Internet ecosystem for all.About Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF)Open Development Cambodia (ODC) first made YIGF available to young people in Cambodia in 2023. In addition to encouraging younger generations to participate more actively in policy debate and decision-making, it aimed to increase youth awareness of the discourse surrounding Internet governance. In addition to helping them understand their role in the future of society, the forum enables young people, technological professionals, policymakers, and experts to exchange knowledge and make improvements in information sharing and internet safety. The forum has provided invaluable experiences and insights into the digital landscape, fostering discussions and collaborations among passionate individualsMy Role as Technical SupportDuring the two-day event on September 23rd and 24th, I had the opportunity to contribute as technical support. My primary responsibilities included ensuring that all presentations went smoothly, the slides were in order, and addressing any technical issues that arose.These tasks might seem minor, but they are significant to the success of an event like this. As attendees discussed critical internet governance topics, it was essential that the technical aspects ran seamlessly. This allowed the focus to remain on the content, fostering productive and informative discussions.What I Expect from This ProgramDuring this program, I want to learn more about how the internet is managed. I\'m excited to learn from experts and others like me. We\'ll be talking about important things that make us think and help us in the digital world. I think this will help me understand more and share what I learn with others in Cambodia and around the world.The Experiences I Aim to GainAs an Organizing Committee member, I expect to gain multifaceted experiences. These include networking with professionals and like-minded individuals who share my passion for the digital world. I hope to further develop my organizational and leadership skills through my involvement in planning and executing various aspects of the YIGF. Additionally, I look forward to bringing home insights and knowledge that will benefit my academic pursuits and future career endeavors.From Cambodia to Kyoto - Exploring Internet Governance GloballyIn our digital age, safeguarding personal information is vital. I\'m excited to engage in policy discussions, particularly regarding Data Protection. Whether it\'s ensuring the privacy of our personal data, deliberating on the new Data Protection law, or offering insights to improve regulations that impact us all, I\'m committed to playing a part in shaping a more secure digital future.Special thanks to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for providing me with this exceptional opportunity. Through their support, I have a chance to join the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8 to 12, 2023. The IGF is a global platform that addresses internet governance issues, and I\'m happy to contribute to the discussions and learn from experts in interested sub-themes AI & Emerging Technologies, Data Governance & Trust, Sustainability & Environment. My journey as an Organizing Committee member at the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum has been enlightening and rewarding. I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with the general public, as together, we explore the exciting world of internet governance and its impact on our digital lives.For more information about the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan, you can visit https://www.intgovforum.org/en .Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey, and I can\'t wait to share my experiences from the IGF in Japan with you all. Stay tuned!In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Open Development Cambodia (ODC) again and all our partners, sponsors, collaborators, and supporters who have made this journey possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to internet governance education for the youth are deeply appreciated, and I hope we can continue this valuable initiative for the coming year.
4 reasons behind successful Cambodia’s first Youth Internet Governance Forum
The first-ever Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) was successfully conducted on 23rd-24th September 2023. This 2-days event took place at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) in Phnom Penh, the heart of the kingdom with the amount of attendees up to 200.Following the description on its website yIGF has aimed to raise awareness of youth on Internet governance-related topics and to encourage the young generation to have more active engagement in policy discussion and the decision-making process to understand their role in the future society, as well as to use the Internet in a safe way.This is one of the most successful tech events in Cambodia due to a number of reasons.1. Strong commitment from the whole teamThe credit for this success goes to the teams, Advisory Committees (AC), Organizing Committees (OC), and Volunteers.The AC plays a crucial role in navigating the course toward the right path. They brought the event to the country and recruited the OC. The AC also sought sponsorships, communicated with the policymakers, and guided the whole team to complete their tasks effectively in a timely manner.The OC consists of young and vibrant members who I believe will be the future leaders of this country. (I’m not joking 😉.) The team comprises many skillful people on a variety of topics. They worked as a team and produced a tremendous amount of high-quality work to ensure the event went smoothly and professionally.The website teamCredit also goes to the volunteer team who also worked so hard to contribute to the success of the event.Before the event, both OC and Volunteers worked days and nights to accomplish their jobs. Some would work with just a few hours of sleep for a number of consecutive days. You may have seen their work right at the event, if you’ve attended, or viewed the website and the social media engagement they have accomplished so far.2. InclusivenessAs stated on the website, yIGF is a dynamic and inclusive event that brings together youth, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society. People from various backgrounds came together to discuss Internet Governance, sharing experiences, networking, and learning from one another.Joining were students, social workers, government officials and policymakers, ethnic groups, people from provinces, NGOs, startups, etc. Besides joining as participants, some of them were volunteers, speakers, speaker coordinators, tech helpers, and MCs.On top of that, there were speakers from varied institutions as well, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Dot Asia, and more. Speakers were from Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, South Korea and many other countries.3. The themeThis year’s yIGF proposed a theme of “Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Opportunities for All” with three other sub-themes, such as the Introduction to AI, Digital Rights and Online Responsibility, and Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. Every topic proposed by the speaker must match these sub-themes.AI-related topics, digital rights and online responsibility-related topics, and cybersecurity-related topics are trending in today’s Cambodian society. People from all backgrounds are interested in AI and how it works, while individuals and NGOs are way more concerned about peoples’ ‘digital footprint’ and privacy leaks online, especially those who are working in areas of Child Protection.I presented \"The foundation of Web Security\"I helped Dixon with Khmer TranlsationAttendees were interested in securing themselves on the internet by learning new tips from experts like Chumrum Digital and other cyber security experts.Besides the breakout sessions, there were ‘Phum yIGF’ and ‘Multi-Stakeholder Conference’ roleplays where all participants were required to attend and learn something.Phum yIGF happened on the first day of the event where all people were encouraged to find out about digital currency–in this case Crypto Currency, the NFTs, and how the market fluctuates according to other side effects such as Hacking and Internet/Electricity interruptions. This session helped participants understand the risk of their investment in the market.Srymanit and I were the Crypto currency sellers (role play)Busy selling cryto currency (role play)The Multi-Stakeholder conference roleplay took place on the second day where some groups of participants were assigned a role to debate amongst each other. There were so-called ‘The Government Group’, the ‘Private Sector Group’, and the ‘Netizen Group’.Each group was given enough time to meet and prepare their questions and responses to other groups’ questions. The debate went well and the result from it was encouraging. The session was concluded by Mr. Thy Try, the executive director of Open Development Cambodia (ODC) who noted he had learned new tips from that debate and promised to bring them into the policy-making process with other stakeholders.The team representing the government meeting before the Multi-Stakeholder conferenceDuring the Multi-Stakeholder conference4. Engagement from all partiesThe event would not have been successful without the AC, OC, Volunteers, Speakers, and Participants. People were vibrantly communicating with one another during the session, the break, and even after the event.In my observations, people have made new friends, gained new knowledge, and raised new awareness of the current challenges in the digital sphere. Students may have good jobs through their extended network after graduation. Companies may gain more projects from potential stakeholders they met at the event.Another takeaway point is the Personal Data Protection law that is still under discussion amongst all stakeholders. I strongly believe that after the discussion, the law will gain more input and will be issued pretty soon. Since I will attend the Annual Meeting of the 18th Internet Government Forum in Kyoto, Japan next week, I’m more than happy to share my own input with what I will learn from the event via any means possible.All participants after the closing ceremonyTo conclude, I believe Cambodia’s yIGF 2023 would bring hope to every Cambodian citizen that they’d live in a safer world in the Industrial Revolution 4.0. It means they will be more cautious of what data they will share online and how much they should share, what links on the Internet are harmful and they will learn to use means that protect themselves from any cyber-attack. Furthermore, they will be aware of the trending AI technologies around them and they will learn to adapt. This will enable them to always be up-to-date with the job market.Without the help from ODC, I don’t think this kind of fruitful event can take place. I strongly hope ODC as well as other stakeholders will consider having yIGF repeat next year and every year.
Cambodia’s Internet Governance Advocate: My Road to UN IGF 2023
Journey of a Young Soul Wandering to Find HerselfFrom being a participant at the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) in 2022 to organizing the Youth Internet Governance Forum Cambodia 2023, my journey has been a transformative experience. Before APIGA, I had no idea about the vast and inclusive internet community and its role in policy development. As a third-year student majoring in Management of Information Systems at Paragon International University, self-learning and exploration are crucial for me. They\'ve helped me discover opportunities aligned with my interests and passions.Today, I\'m actively engaged in the internet community, keeping pace with technological trends in our digital transformation era. This journey has left me feeling inspired and energized.Feeling Inspired and EnergeticAfter participating in APIGA, I returned to Cambodia with a burning question: How can I raise awareness about internet governance in my country? I firmly believe in its importance for our nation\'s rapid digital development and the preservation of an open, secure, and inclusive internet for all. Fortunately, I found the answer—a remarkable opportunity to bring internet governance awareness to Cambodian youth through the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum.When I learned that Open Development Cambodia (ODC) was bringing this forum model to Cambodia and seeking an organizing committee, I wasted no time in applying. Among many candidates who underwent interviews, I was honored to be selected as a member of the organizing committee for the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023. It\'s a meaningful position that aligns perfectly with my goals and initiatives.The Process of Organizing YIGF CambodiaOrganizing an event as significant as the Youth Internet Governance Forum Cambodia is no easy feat. As an organizing committee member, I juggled various roles and responsibilities, driving the team to achieve our objectives. My contributions ranged from being in the program committee, drafting our YIGF Cambodia concept note, theme, and sub-themes, to spearheading activities such as a role-play on multistakeholder internet governance.I took pride in designing our beautiful website, yigfkh.org, and providing support in the communication committee, which included creating posters and materials. Beyond these roles, I believe my role in uniting the team, offering encouragement, and inspiring them to persevere until we achieved our forum\'s goals was invaluable.After YIGF Cambodia 2023 Came to an EndOur journey with YIGF Cambodia 2023 recently concluded on a high note, leaving me immensely grateful. I\'m proud of my own contributions and equally proud of my fellow organizing committee members. Our collective hard work, dedication, and countless sleepless nights were instrumental in making YIGF Cambodia a resounding success.What\'s Next for Me? Where Does This Journey Lead?I am deeply honored to have been selected by Open Development Cambodia as one of the organizing committee members for the 18th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, scheduled from October 8th to 12th, 2023. The forum\'s overarching theme, \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People,\" is complemented by sub-themes including AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment.The IGF serves as a platform where diverse stakeholders come together as equals to exchange information and share best practices related to the internet and technologies. While the IGF may not possess decision-making authority, it informs and inspires those who do. It fosters common understandings and knowledge exchange to maximize internet opportunities and address risks and challenges. One aspect of IGF that particularly excites me is multistakeholder internet governance meetings. These sessions enable stakeholders from all corners, including developing countries, to engage in internet governance debates, contributing to capacity building and facilitating their participation in existing internet governance institutions and arrangements.Among the many sessions at IGF 2023, I am particularly passionate about the Multistakeholder Discussion on issues related to Generative AI and the High-Level Session, which brings together speakers from diverse stakeholder groups. This session, like the rest of the program, embodies the IGF\'s commitment to multistakeholder discourse, knowledge exchange, and the belief that such exchanges among decision-makers can lead to optimal policy outcomes. At IGF 2023, the focus will revolve around pressing public interest questions related to several subthemes, including AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment.Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for their financial support, which allows me to participate in the Internet Governance Forum 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. I also appreciate my own dedication and hard work, as it was driven by my desire to raise awareness about internet governance among Cambodian youth and contribute to Cambodia\'s digital technology transformation. Hard work pays off, but my motivation extends beyond personal gain. I work hard because I want to bring internet governance awareness to Cambodian youth and contribute to the digital development of Cambodia.
YIGF Cambodia’s organizing committee: Story toward IGF 2023
I am one of the members of the YIGF Cambodia’s organizing committee and one of the selected participants to attend the IGF 2023, who will receive a travel grant from Open Development Cambodia. I am thrilled to attend the IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan from 8th to 12th October 2023, as this will be an incredible opportunity to learn for me, and I look forward to gaining more knowledge about the theme \"The Internet We Want - Empowering All People,\" which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable internet access for all individuals and communities. IGF 2023 will almost certainly include a diverse range of discussions, workshops, and other events focused on various elements of internet governance. These are expected to include cybersecurity, digital rights, privacy and data protection, emerging technology, and other concerns. The event will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants from different sectors and regions of the world. I will also be pleased to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas with those who are devoted to furthering the cause of digital inclusion and diversity. I can’t wait to attend all the IGF 2023 sessions that catch my interest, especially the one on digital human rights, the IGF 2023 youth summit, and others on artificial intelligence, cyber security, and child online safety.My memorable experience at YIGF Cambodia ForumBeing a part of YIGF Cambodia’s organizing committee was an amazing experience that tested my skills, abilities, and creativity. While it can be a challenging task, it was also be highly rewarding to see all the hard work and effort pay off with a thriving YIGF Cambodia forum. My experience in the YIGF Cambodia on 23-24th September 2023, which was hosted at Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, it was an insightful and informative forum for all Cambodia youth, including me. During YIGF Cambodia, the youths shared their insightful ideas, thoughts, and concerns on technology in discussion. I also learnt from other organizing committees, advisory committees, honorable guests, speakers, and the participating youth. The forum was memorable because the attendees demonstrated their talent and expertise, and I applaud their eagerness to learn about the influence of technology in Cambodia. Attending YIGF Cambodia was an enriching and fulfilling experience for me as an internet governance enthusiast. It provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet like-minded people, learnt from experts, participate in discussions, and get new perspectives and information about current concerns and trends in internet governance.I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Open Development Cambodia and the donors for providing me with a wonderful opportunity to attend IGF 2023. It will be a truly enlightening experience. I feel an intense sense of dedication and responsibility to be a part of the upcoming IGF forum, and I feel enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with so many brilliant and inspiring individuals from around the world.
Post-event of Brisbane Youth Internet Governance (yIGF) 2023
The Youth Internet Governance (yIGF) was held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center. This year yIGF discussed 3 themes which were Access and Inclusion, Trust and Sustainability. All participants were divided into 4 different groups such as government, private sector, civil society, and technical community, and we were supposed to represent each actor to present our challenges and proposed solutions to improve internet governance amongst youth. Attending the event was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable insights, new perspectives, and practical experiences. I want to take this moment to reflect on what I have learned from the event and how it has impacted me.First of all, the yIGF along with APrIGF allowed me to dive deep into the subject matter. There were many interesting topic presentations during the sharing session such as digital security, evolving internet governance, fragmentation, the future of the internet, AI, and so on and so forth. Speakers from all across Asia Pacific and Australia with different experiences from their society shared about the challenges and response algorithms on Internet Governance. They shared what they have encountered and how they deal with all the challenges. Question and Answer sessions were all added at the end of each sharing session and all participants were not only encouraged to ask questions to the speakers but also allowed to speak up about what they wanted the world to hear as well as to share their personal challenging experiences related to the access of the internet. Second, the opportunity to interact with fellow participants as well as with speakers from various backgrounds was invaluable. It was obvious to me that all the invited speakers to the events are mostly professionals who directly work and have experience with technology and the internet. Some participants and speakers are even from the law, and business sector, and the event also invited people from the disability community to express their concerns, limits, and challenges in accessing the internet. Most of the participants were concerned about various kinds of internet fragmentation such as technical fragmentation, geographic fragmentation, and so on. For example, Chat Gpt is still not available in Cambodia as well as the other developing and isolated countries. Last but not least, the practical exercises and hands-on activities during the event were particularly beneficial. Practical exercises include public speaking, working in groups with the other participants online, and delivering good and clear messages to the international stages. We also contribute our ideas and propose algorithms to respond to all the challenges in one of the three themes with one of the actor representatives. In terms of personal growth, attending this event has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. There are still many things I need to learn to understand the outside world more apart from my home country, and I still have many soft skills and hard skills to improve in order to be a more qualified personnel on the international stage to share my personal experience more efficiently.One key takeaway for me was self-awareness of the technological product that we are using and having a clear role as an internet user. This concept really resonated with me because it is so true that in reality, people tend to not be aware of what they are using whether the origin of the developer, the purpose and the security of the software, the harm and the challenges of using the application and website and so on. One more thing, the awareness of your role toward the use of the internet is really compulsory for everyone because not all of us are internet developers or content creators. We should define our role in accessing the internet so that we can share the content on the internet more accurately and also access the content we want more efficiently. I can already see how I can integrate this into my work or personal life, and I\'m excited to explore it further.Overall, the event of Youth Internet Governance in Brisbane was an exceptional learning experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have attended and for the knowledge, connections, and inspiration it provided. I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the organizer team for their outstanding work in organizing and hosting such a wonderful youth Internet Governance Forum. The event was smooth and a huge success, thanks to their dedication, creativity, and professionalism.
Pre-event of Brisbane Youth Internet Governance (yIGF) 2023
As a member of the Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF), I have learned many things and received a lot of information regarding topics such as cybersecurity, cybercrime, digital economy, digital government, and so on. I was able to learn these topics not only in Cambodia but also had many opportunities to attend various international events outside the country. The YIGF committee is constantly informing and sharing various opportunities on our platform, and as an active member, I make it a point to track and follow all of the information that the committee shares.I recently had the opportunity to attend an Asia Pacific yIGF event in Brisbane, Australia, which was organized and facilitated by NetMission ambassadors in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF). When I saw the event\'s opportunity, I began applying directly through the link shared in the group. On the application, I discussed my professional background and the experiences I\'ve gained through my work with Open Development Cambodia (ODC), as well as what I\'ve accomplished so far. After being successfully shortlisted, I had an interview with the organizers and other selected participants. Everyone was upbeat and eager to respond to and discuss any questions about internet governance. At the end of the interview, the organizers informed the candidates that those who did not receive full support would have to cover their own expenses. With additional help from ODC, I was confident in covering my expenses. One week later, I received an email stating that I had been chosen for accommodation support in Brisbane for five nights during the event.This year, the yIGF will be held as a three-day hybrid meeting in Brisbane, Australia, alongside the APrIGF 2023. The APrIGF and yIGF will be held from August 28th to August 31st, 2023. It is one of the most important regional initiatives for Internet governance. By using a multi-stakeholder approach as its guiding principle, it serves as a platform for regional discussion, exchange, and collaboration, as well as aggregating national IGF discussions where possible, to ultimately advance Internet governance development in the Asia Pacific region.By attending the event, I agreed to attend the entire yIGF program as well as all selected APrIGF sessions and complete all mandatory tasks and presentations throughout the event. Last, but not least, I am expected to contribute to the yIGF youth statement and the APrIGF Synthesis Document. By attending the two events mentioned above, I hope to form collaborative partnerships with other participants and speakers from all around the world. In addition, I\'m looking forward to learning about the internet\'s future, the impact of cyberspace on youth, and digital well-being. I also intend to gain ideas regarding digital careers from the event. After receiving the agenda for the event, I began to recall an event that I used to organize named Cambodia ICT Camp 2022. There are several sessions that focus on new technology, digital platforms, data science, cybersecurity, and other topics. I hope to use my previous experience to learn as much as possible from professors, specialists, and speakers at Asia Pacific yIGF and APrIGF. I am beyond excited to fly and represent my organization at the events in Brisbane, Australia.
Day one of the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum 2023 is a success
On 23 September 2023, Open Development Cambodia (ODC) is pleased to host the first ever Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF) 2023 in Cambodia at the Cambodia Academy of Digital and Technology (CADT). The event is co-organized by CADT with the support from the Youth Internet Governance Forum Committee, Sec.Dev foundation, Chumrum Digital, APNIC, ICT4D Cambodia Network, and ICANN. The theme of the event is “Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Access, Safety, and Opportunities for All”. Approximately 250 participants from diverse backgrounds and across the country joined the events. 35 honorable guest speakers are rigorously selected based on their digital and technological knowledge, experience, and expertise, locally and internationally such as Japan, Nepal, India, Indonesia, India, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Ms. Ros Chanvoleak, representing the Organizing Committee of the YIGF, kickstarted the YIGF 2023 by welcoming remarks. She began by expressing her gratitude toward the YIGF committees, Open Development Cambodia (ODC), and volunteers for their contribution to making YIGF 2023 happen. She has also briefly discussed the themes and agenda of the event. Then, Ms. Ngoun Somaly, Director General, the Digital Governance Institute of the Digital Technology Academy of Cambodia (CADT)continued with her remark on Cambodia\'s Digital landscape and the importance of the Internet to society. Mrs. Somaly mentioned the structure and function of CADT and its institutions to the audience and provided an insightful speech on the role of Internet Governance. To conclude, she hopes the forum will give the space for participants and professionals to address internet governance, especially for youth to discuss policies regarding the internet, and digital governance, and give youth the chance to address their concerns on accountability of the internet ecosystem.Executive director of Open Development Cambodia (ODC), Mr. Thy Try gave his remark. He started by welcoming all of the honorable guest speakers and participants to the YIGF 2023. He highlighted one of the important sessions of the event which is the Discussion on the Draft law on personal data protection policies, and encouraged all relevant stakeholders and participants to share their ideas and provide input to the draft law. He also thanked all the organizing teams and the event’s honorable guest speakers His Excellency Sun Rapid, Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, CADT for their continuous support and collaboration to bring technology and digital-related events to Cambodia.His Excellency, Sun Rapid, undersecretary of state of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, took the stage and spoke to conclude the opening remark. The topic of digital governance is aligned with the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication agenda on digital development which can be found in policies such as The Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 and Digital Economy and Society 2021-2030, he added. The Internet has a broad definition that can be found in every aspect of life making the term complex and abstract, he continued. It is necessary for policymakers and users to fully understand their roles and utilize the benefits of the Internet to the fullest through the practice of Internet governance. He has also touched upon the risks, challenges and vulnerabilities of the internet such as online scams, cyber security and cyberbullying and urged youth to learn and understand the principle of internet governance in order to tackle the above-mentioned issues.Following the opening remarks, there are 5 keynote speeches by the event’s honorable guest speakers presenting consequential internet-related issues. Firstly, Mr. Norbert KLEIN, one of ODC’s original advisory board members, gave his keynote speech about the history of the internet in Cambodia. He is a part of the team to brought the first internet connection to the country during the 1990s. Speaking in front of 129 audiences, he said that the difficulty of reaching out and communicating in Cambodia was the inspiration to bring internet connection to the kingdom. During that time, Cambodia lacked the resources and infrastructure to establish an internet connection. After the internet connection was successfully established, other initiatives also emerged such as the creation of Khmer font on computers and the Cambodian country code \"KH\".Then, the floor was given to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) team to present the topic “What is Internet Governance Forum?” It was a pre-recorded session from Ms. Anja Gengo, Internet Governance Associate Programme Expert and United Nations Secretariat for the Internet Governance Forum. Due to the upsurge in the use of the internet, risks and challenges are also rising. The majority of users have limited knowledge of their role and privacy in the internet sphere. Internet Governance Forum aims to bridge those gaps and enrich users with practical knowledge of online data protection and management.After that, another keynote speech was presented by Bouy Lina on Introduction to AI. It was indeed an interactive session. Though the session is highly technical, the audience looks focused and carefully listens to the speaker\'s in-depth presentation. Dixon Siu, a Japanese software engineer - Fujitsu Limited and representative of the CamIDF Advisory gave his keynote speech on Digital Rights and Online Responsibility. His session was very beneficial as he provided a practical framework for users to surf the internet and online platforms safely. To conclude, Mr. Nget Moses, gave his keynote speech on Cyber security and Data privacy in Cambodia. He addressed one of the common cyber security problems in Cambodia which is hacking and cyber attacks on social media platforms such as Facebook and Telegram. He also put a strong emphasis on data protection as it is a valuable aspect amidst the digital age. He added that the government recognized the potential harm of security risk and has established various laws and policies to address the issues. Besides the keynote speech, there is also a panel discussion on the Personal Data Protection Draft Law. There are three panelists from CSOs and the private sector. It was indeed one of the most fruitful and interactive sessions of the event. The panel discussion addresses the advantages and disadvantages of various articles in the draft law in the realms of privacy and personal data protection.After lunch, participants are divided into three breakout rooms where guest speakers present different topics based on three themes: Cybersecurity and data security, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Rights and Online Responsibilities. In room 1, Mr. Heng Soklay, Researcher at CADT presented “AI in Education”. “Lessons in the Fight for Digital Privacy from India” by our international speaker Mr, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, “AI in the present world: Current Impact and Trends” by Mr. IM Chantola, “How to prevent being a victim of social engineering” by Mr. Oum Oudom, “Cyber Security” by Mr. Edmon Chung. In room 2, Chumrum Digital Team shared an interesting session on “Phishing Attacks vs Prevention”, “Why Data Ethics Are Important for AI/ML Solutions?” and Why Personal Data Empowerment is the Future and overview of the “My Data Operator Ecosystem?” by Dixon Siu. In room 3, Mr. Na Sambathchatovong presents a session on “Cyber Security”, Mr, Samarn Mardy on “Open Data and Privacy”, another “Cyber Security” session by DigitalHub101, “IUI Internal Universal” by Mr. Phan Daro and “Digital Skill Adaptation in 21st Century” by Mr. Cheang Thornsopanha. The first day ended with a fruitful exchange in which participants learned new insight in the realm of Internet Governance.
My experience after the event in Brisbane– yIGF & APrIGF 2023
One of the amazing events I\'ve been to was the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2023, which took place in Brisbane, Australia. The APrIGF 2023 Overarching Theme is \" Emerging Technologies – Is Asia Pacific Ready for the Next Phase of the Internet?\". Young people and multi-stakeholders from various parts of Asia-Pacific have been invited to the table to discuss Internet governance. As a member of the CamyIGF 2023 organizing committee, I had the chance to interact and converse with a variety of stakeholders and young people from diverse regions.I\'ve never been this far away from home before, so I\'m truly amazed by Brisbane, Australia\'s beauty. From day 0 of the yIGF and APAC until the closing ceremony, I have learned immensely the primary role of youth in Internet governance, how we as young people are prepared to pursue these opportunities, and how we can contribute to the advancement of technology in our own society. The conference was hosted by the.au Domain Administration (auDA) sponsored by Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), APNIC Foundation, NETTHING 2023, Australian Government and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The IGF basically aims to inform young people about Internet governance. It also encourages the younger generation to engage in more deliberation and decision-making process.The program agenda for yIGF 2023 and APrIGF includes the APAC Youth Leader dialogue on Youth Power Building Collaborative Partnership for Youth Inclusion Internet Governance, a panel discussion on algorithmic decision-making and the future of the Internet, a round table discussion on cyberspace\'s impact on youth digital wellbeing, and a meeting with industry experts. After each speaker’s presentation, there was an open floor dialogue followed by a panel discussion, where the speakers recap the discussion and receive follow-up questions from the participants. Participants can also ask their own questions to gain a deeper knowledge, and this is also one of the memorable moments when I see many enthusiastic young people and numerous stakeholders actively voicing their concerns!One of the highlights for me was getting to practice public speaking and boosting my confidence in expressing my concerns to the general public by presenting our Youth policy statement. The statement was the result of our discussion during the conference when we were divided into four groups made up of representatives from the Civil Society, the Technical Community, the Government, and the Private Sector.Everyone can participate in voicing their concerns about issues relating to Internet governance by doing so through the Youth Policy Statement in the APrIGF Synthesis Document 2023. If you\'re a Cambodian and are interested in learning more about Internet governance, join our Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum on September 23–24, 2023, at CADT!Photo by APNICFinally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to NetMission and the DotAsia Organization for giving me the chance to learn about Internet governance and develop my active participation, networking, and cooperation skills. Moreover, a special thanks to the organizing committee, who made sure that everyone is on the same page while continuing to provide us with all the essential materials from the day before the event to the last day of the conference. They put in a lot of effort, and I\'ve learned a lot from it, which has made me aspire to be like them. As a member of the yIGF 2023 Cambodia, I also want to offer my sincere gratitude to Open Development Cambodia for covering the cost of my roundtrip flight and visa.
My APrIGF 2023 Fellow Experience
I am honored to be selected as one of the fellows for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) held in Brisbane, Australia from 29th to 31st August 2023. The conference brings together a diverse group of people sharing different backgrounds, including youths, researchers, policymakers, and others, to collaborate and discuss Internet issues happening in the Asia Pacific region. This highlights the importance of multistakeholder approach to shape our digital space and Internet world.This year, it\'s noteworthy that the APrIGF, NetThing, Pacific IGF, and yIGF events were hosted concurrently at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The overarching theme for this year’s conference is “Emerging Technologies – Is Asia Pacific Ready for the Next Phase of the Internet?” with an emphasis on three main themes, access & inclusion, sustainability, and trust. In a world where technology is evolving rapidly, this forum pushed us to question our readiness, our strategies, and our ethical frameworks. Various interesting topics were discussed, such as data privacy and protection, AI ethics, cybersecurity, human rights, online child protection, digital inclusion and connectivity, policies and regulations, and many others.Day 0: Capacity building for fellows and newcomersBefore the official kick-off of the event, fellows and newcomers were invited to a capacity-building session. We were introduced to Internet governance and the multi-stakeholder model. The orientation helps to ensure that all attendees are welcomed, informed, and equipped with the knowledge necessary to actively participate in the forthcoming discussions in the following days, and everyone is open to raising their voices to shape the future of the Internet during the conference.We had an opportunity to stand up, introduce ourselves, and share our interests in Internet issues. It was enlightening to hear from such a diverse group, each bringing their unique perspective about Internet governance to the room. I also had the enriching experience of attending the APAC Youth Leaders Dialogue hosted by yIGF, which provided insights into how can the youth meaningfully contribute to Internet governance discussions and initiate local Internet governance in their home country. I also had the opportunity to discuss with the IGF secretariat. The discussion was not just about gaining knowledge but also about seeking advice, sharing concerns, and envisioning pathways for youth participation in the development of Internet policy.Day 1“Policy development on generative AI based on Biometrics & Weaponizing Information Bubbles” is one of the sessions I attended on the first day.The session is about the challenges we\'re facing with new AI technologies, especially the ones that create super realistic, yet fake content. The concerns around advanced AI technologies include voice synthesis that can mimic anyone\'s voice, deepfakes which can produce convincing videos of individuals doing or saying things they haven\'t, and even the ability to replicate unique identifiers such as fingerprints, and many more. Such advancements, powered by AI tools, blur the lines between reality and deceit. The session highlighted the importance of reflecting on why we use these technologies and what we hope to achieve with them. With AI\'s ability to generate almost real content, distinguishing genuine from fake is becoming a challenge.A significant concern raised was about AI\'s potential to disseminate false information widely and rapidly. But what\'s even more challenging is that our laws and regulations aren\'t adapted quickly enough to these technological advancements. This session raises our awareness of the need to exploit new technologies, understanding, and an emphasis on ethical use.Day 2In addition to the insightful sessions on Internet-related issues happening simultaneously on day 2, all the fellows had the opportunity to present their selected topics related to Internet issues within their buddy groups. It was an enriching learning experience to listen to the diverse perspectives everyone brought to the stage on Internet governance.I had a unique and new experience working with my buddy, Eshaq. Collaborating with someone who has a disability gives me insight into the challenges he is facing in relation to Internet governance. His perspective taught me that as technology is advancing, there is often a concerning oversight - the lack of prioritization and inclusion for underprivileged groups. Therefore, we decided to give a talk centered around the theme of “Inclusion.” Our primary goal was to emphasize the importance of inclusivity in today\'s digital world, ensuring that no one gets left behind as technology continues to evolve.Day 3On day 3, I had a chance to step up to the microphone during the Town Hall session to share my insights and to contribute to the Synthesis Document input – a collection of views and concerns about Internet governance in the Asia Pacific region. This document will be presented for further discussion at the Global IGF this October in Kyoto. The questions related to the three main themes are open for both online and onsite participants to share their thoughts.Access and InclusionDo emerging technologies bridge or widen the pre-existing digital divide in the Asia Pacific?How do they impact human rights, and how should policies respond?How can we ensure their affordability and equitable benefits?TrustHow can trust in the Internet, its infrastructure, and governance be strengthened?How can we balance trust and privacy? How can we ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in emerging technologies?How do we promote trust in complex, unfamiliar technologies?SustainabilityHow can new technologies support a sustainable Internet?How do we encourage sustainable development with these technologies?How do they contribute to an equitable future?Social EventsAttending the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) was not just a learning experience, but a golden opportunity to network with like-minded individuals passionate about Internet governance. We discussed the challenges and best practices related to Internet issues in our respective countries and region. Our fruitful and informal discussions led to further collaboration to work on Internet governance activities in our country.Photo by APNICTo everyone I had the pleasure of interacting with during APrIGF 2023, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your insights and experiences help me learn a lot, and come back with many new ideas. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Shabbir, as well as DotAsia and sponsors for granting me the opportunity to participate in this insightful conference and make significant impacts and success in the region. I am looking forward to further collaboration for a better and sustainable Internet world. Please mark your calendars for two upcoming Internet governance events:Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum: Scheduled for 23rd to 24th October 2023 at the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology.18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum: Scheduled for 8th to 12th October 2023 at Kyoto.
Cambodia YIGF’s First Debate Brings Spotlight On Internet Governance
The Cambodia YIGF’s friendly debate debut brings the spotlight on ‘Internet Governance’ by bringing the internet aspects to be heard among youths and the public since internet governance is still a new topic in Cambodia.On July 28, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (Cambodia YIGF) committees initiated the first friendly debate regarding internet governance topics to engage youths in the internet discussion. The very first debate program was joined by four main teams from two different universities: the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and Paragon International University, with three members each. The Fancy Cookies team, Miyoshi Yumilinda, and Soun Ratana Somany, from IFL represented the government side, and the InExp team, Lovely Long, Elite Ek, and Chamroeun Chakri Chhoeung, from Paragon University, represented the opposition side. They debated the first motion, “This house believes youths should have a greater role in Internet Governance”.And for the second motion, “This house advocates for the inclusion of digital literacy programs in school curricula to promote online responsibility and empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape safely and ethically,” the e-Ninjas team, Nin Sreyleap, Kem Bunheang and Tith Mayana Khieu, from Paragon University, characterized the government-side debate between the opposition side from the Teletubbies team, Sros Sreyneang, Vong Daly, and Prom Menglong from IFL. The Cambodia YIGF Advisory Chhit Kanika remarked about how significant it is to understand more about Internet Governance in the digital age, and by initiating the first debate related to internet governance among youths, we will help foster youth engagement and awareness as well as the public’s through debating platforms. “In this era, where the internet basically involves our lives like ordering food, shopping, and dating, it is very important for everybody to understand the internet governance and also internet security in order to seize the opportunity and also identify the endangerment of the internet in the technology world.” Kanika said. She believed that throughout the debate session, participants would be able to learn more about internet governance from the debaters and be encouraged to engage with both oppositional and supportive arguments in order to get to know more about what internet governance is, especially for those who had never heard about it before. “And I hope that by the end of this first friendly debate, we will at least find some solutions to our problems and our misunderstandings related to these topics,” She added. At the end of the debate, the judges brought up some good advice for youth debaters and motivated them to keep learning and expanding their skills like researching, critical thinking, and body language. However, the judges all admired their debating skills. As they can come up with many impressive ideas regarding internet matters with data and dive deep into the solutions while debating on stage confidently, even internet governance is a new topic for them. The winner of the first motion went to the opposition side, the InExp team from Paragon University, and the winner of the second motion went to the opposition side, the Teletubbies team from IFL.