The Importance of Inclusive Collaboration in Shaping Internet Policies

The APNIC 60 conference in Da Nang, Viet Nam, marked a pivotal moment for fostering collaboration between the technical and policy communities in the digital space. With the introduction of the inaugural APNIC Policy Fellowship, emerging leaders from diverse fields were given a platform to engage with the process of Internet number resource (INR) policy-making. Dr. Saima Nisar, a lecturer and policy researcher, shared her transformative experience as a Policy Fellow, highlighting how the Fellowship connects the dots between technology and governance within the Internet ecosystem.

A New Era for Policy Development

The APNIC Policy Fellowship represents a groundbreaking initiative designed to build capacity in Internet governance through structured learning and mentorship. This 18-month program engages participants with webinars, mentorship, and practical community involvement. Fellows gain an in-depth understanding of the Policy Development Process (PDP) and develop essential skills in policy analysis, communication, and collaboration. Through this immersive experience, participants are empowered to propose and refine policies that are attuned to emerging technical and industry requirements, positioning themselves as future leaders in Internet governance.

An eye-opening aspect of the program for many, including Dr. Nisar, was how policies largely crafted by technical experts can benefit from closer collaboration with academic, regulatory, and institutional voices. By bridging the gap between sector-specific expertise, the initiative fosters a more inclusive, holistic policy framework that drives sustainable Internet development across diverse user communities.

From Proposals to Policies: Navigating Consensus

The APNIC 60 conference offered a behind-the-scenes look at how policy proposals evolve. Sessions like the Joint SIG and Open Policy Meeting demonstrated the deliberative approach of the APNIC community, where topics such as Whois transparency, IPv6 deployment, and RPKI management are debated before being finalized. Notably, proposals like prop-162 (Whois privacy) and prop-167 (directory service statistics) exemplified the careful balance between policy feasibility and regional representation.

An interesting takeaway was how academic and research institutions, despite relying on these policies for infrastructure and curriculum development, often lack representation in these discussions. Involving such stakeholders in the early stages could better align technical precision with institutional applicability. This insight underscores the urgency of fostering broader participation in Internet governance, ensuring policies resonate with both implementers and end-users.

Lessons in Bridging Policy and Technology

One of the key themes emerging from Dr. Nisar’s experience was the critical need for greater inclusivity in policy-making, both in terms of stakeholder participation and linguistic accessibility. For example, much of the technical documentation and policy discourse in global forums remains English-centric, creating barriers for potential contributors from non-English speaking regions. Programs like the Universal Acceptance (UA) initiative highlight the importance of removing these linguistic barriers, promoting a truly inclusive Internet governance environment.

The evolution of IPv6 policies also provides a valuable case study in bridging technical and institutional priorities. Early iterations of IPv6 guidelines, shaped primarily by commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs), often overlooked the unique requirements of academic and research networks. Over time, advocacy from organizations like GÉANT and regional research networks led to revisions that better addressed these institutional needs, demonstrating the power of inclusive dialogue in refining and expanding policy frameworks.

Building a Sustainable Digital Future

Ultimately, the APNIC Policy Fellowship is about fostering a new generation of leaders who can navigate complex intersections of technology, policy, and governance. By creating opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, it lays the groundwork for more cohesive, future-proof Internet policies. As Dr. Nisar notes, achieving this vision requires not only technical precision but also a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility at all levels.

The lessons from APNIC 60 offer valuable insights for anyone involved in Internet governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration, consensus-building, and adaptive policymaking. For Dr. Nisar and her fellow Policy Fellows, this journey of learning and engagement represents a steppingstone toward a more inclusive, equitable digital ecosystem.