Launched in 2016, the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) marks its 10th anniversary in 2026. Co-hosted by ICANN and the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), and organised in collaboration with APNIC, DotAsia Organisation, the Internet Society (ISOC), and APTLD, APIGA targets youth aged 18–35 from across the Asia Pacific region.
Over nine annual editions, APIGA (aka “Regional APIGA”) has built a steady pipeline of Internet governance practitioners. Past data shows that one in four APIGA alumni continue to participate in Internet governance forums locally, regionally, and globally. The Regional APIGA maintains an average acceptance rate of the top seven percent of each cohort’s applications.
In 2024, APIGA took a deliberate step to reach more people. Four Local APIGA events were held across the region, with the inaugural edition in Taipei on 20–21 April 2024, welcoming 26 participants. Events in Kathmandu, Greater Jakarta, and Melbourne followed. The first full cycle saw seven Local APIGA events across Kathmandu, Greater Jakarta, Melbourne, Putrajaya, New Delhi, Taipei, and Hong Kong, all organised and led by past Regional APIGA alumni. This alumni-led model is central to how the program intends to grow its community of practice across the region.
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The second cycle of Local APIGA events, held between October 2025 and March 2026, further expanded the program’s reach — both in the number of events and economies engaged. Notably, Lahore, Pakistan joined the program with an event on 17–18 November 2025, followed by Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 6–7 December 2025.
The 2026 edition of Regional APIGA will be held on 20–24 July in Busan, Republic of Korea, marking the program’s 10th Anniversary. Selected top participants from Local APIGA events will automatically be invited to attend the Regional APIGA, creating a clear pathway from local learning to regional engagement.
For more information on APIGA, visit ICANN APIGA Wiki Page