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.
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.
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.