The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) is hosting a fellowship programme for their 2024 conference in Taipei, Taiwan. This programme aims to increase diversity within the internet governance community by providing opportunities for underrepresented groups to participate in discussions.

Goals of the Fellowship Programme

• Foster participation from underrepresented communities in internet governance discussions.
• Enhance fellows’ understanding of pressing internet governance issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
• Allow fellows to network with peers from various internet governance backgrounds.

Eligibility

• Individuals residing in the Asia-Pacific region (list of countries included in the report).
• Open to both new and experienced participants.

Selection Criteria

• Nationality and city of residence (focus on applicants from developing countries and those contributing to geographic diversity).
• Prior engagement with APrIGF, global, or local internet governance initiatives.
• A clear plan for contributing to the APrIGF community or engaging with internet governance issues after the conference.
• Contribution to diversity (gender equality, multistakeholder participation).
• Past fellows are less likely to be selected than new applicants.

Fellowship Benefits

• Selected fellows may receive a full or partial fellowship to cover travel and accommodation costs (dependent on evaluation and available funding).
• Opportunity to participate in capacity-building sessions on internet governance.
• Access to mentor and buddy group programmes for support and networking.
• Chance to participate in various conference activities and discussions.

Fellowship Requirements

Pre-Conference

• Attend online introductory courses on internet governance.
• Participate in a pre-conference preparation webinar.
• Familiarize oneself with the APrIGF Code of Conduct.
• Join the 2024 Fellows mailing list and participate in discussions.
• Coordinate with assigned buddy groups and attend group calls.
• Promote the conference on social media.

During Conference

• Participate in capacity-building sessions.
• Attend at least 40% of conference sessions.
• Meet with mentors and report on attended sessions.
• Participate in activities like Town Hall sessions and report writing.
• Attend briefings and promote the conference (live tweeting, etc.).

Post-Conference

• Share key takeaways from the conference (blog post, video, etc.).
• Complete a fellowship feedback survey.
• Participate in a post-conference buddy group call.
• Join the Fellows alumni network.
• Participate in local community development initiatives (encouraged).

Important Dates

Fellowship application period: April 12, 2024 – May 5, 2024

Fellowship programme results announcement: On or before June 16, 2024

Additional Information

• Selected fellows will be required to show proof of vaccination before receiving sponsorship for flights and accommodation.
• All fellows are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
• Fellows responsible for obtaining valid passports and any required visas (APrIGF can assist with supporting documents).

The APrIGF Fellowship Programme offers a valuable opportunity for individuals from the Asia-Pacific region to engage with internet governance issues and network with a diverse community. If you are interested in learning more about internet governance and contributing to the discussion, we encourage you to apply for the fellowship programme.