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Internet Governance forum 2023 in Japan: What did I get from IGF and how amazing it was?

Internet Governance forum was held in Japan from 8th October to 12th October 2023. I was one of the participants in this forum. Also, I was super excited and recieved an informative briefing on the first day. Attending this forum was a life-changing experience for me. From the moment I walked through the forum, I was greeted with enthusiasm and a warm welcome from organizers. Also, The event was well-planned, organized and executed, with engaging speakers and insightful sessions. The discussion and session were very informative, and I learned so much from the expert speakers. Additionally, the forum was organized in such a way that made it easy for me to navigate and access the information I needed. There were discussions on various topics, and members were actively exchanging their experiences, perspectives and knowledge.

The session I was interested in during IGF 2023 was about how the energy and environmental sector connected with technology, and how digital technology enhances these sectors in society. I recall one key take away from one forum speaker, he said that “We cannot develop a national strategy on digital technology without observing the environmental sector or energy sector’’.

I was also interested in the round table discussion of the topic of AI.  The speakers engaged in a broader discussion on guaranteeing a trusted connectivity to address the digital divide by reducing risk of AI to society, economy, and maximizing the benefits to humanity. What truly made the event special was the opportunity to connect with other youth, and the networking opportunities provided were also valuable and helped me to build important connections. Everyone was friendly, and I was able to network with several like-minded individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. I made some connections with youth in ASEAN countries to expand networking, and share experiences and opportunities in the field of internet governance.

Additionally, I had the pleasure of visiting booth displays of each tech company in the forum. I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw. The booths were eye-catching, engaging and showcased the latest cutting-edge technology in an innovative and interactive way. The representatives at the booth were knowledgeable, friendly and provided me with insightful information about their products. I enjoyed my experience at the booth and felt inspired by the way they presented their technology.

It was a great experience for me to join the IGF 2023 in Japan, since Japan is well-known for its innovative technology and has a reputation for being at the cutting-edge of technological advancement. Japan is also a fascinating country with much to offer to visitors and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Japanese culture. Ultimately, I am willing to share my knowledge which I got from IGF to open minded people so that they can be motivated and inspired for joining upcoming IGF activities, also I am so glad that I was able to support the growth of others.

I want to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to Open Development Cambodia who made it possible for me to attend this forum. I cannot thank ODC enough for its generosity and support, which gave me the opportunity to be a part of this incredible experience. Without the opportunity I got from Open Development Cambodia, I would not be able to up-skill my knowledge about how technology is adopted in society and how it is important in our daily life. In particular, I am great to explore Japan, the beautiful country with kind-hearted people. 

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