The internet feels like it belongs to the youth. We are the creators on TikTok, the developers on GitHub, and the gamers on Discord. But when it comes to governing it, the room is often full of grey hair.

However, the tide is turning. Youth engagement is no longer a “nice to have” in IG; it’s a requirement.

Why Youth?

Youth Engagement in Digital Skills

  1. Digital Natives: We understand the nuances of online culture (memes, crypto, cancel culture) intuitively, in a way definitions on paper can’t capture.
  2. Long-term Stakeholders: Decisions made today about AI or climate impact of data centers will affect us for the next 50 years.
  3. Innovation: Youth bring fresh solutions to old problems.

Pathways for Nepali Youth

If you are a student or young pro in Nepal, here is your roadmap:

1. Youth IGF Nepal

Start local. Look for the Youth Internet Governance Forum in Nepal. It’s a space run by youth for youth to discuss issues without feeling intimidated by ministers or CEOs.

2. APIGA (Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy)

This was my turning point. A 5-day intensive training (usually in South Korea) where you learn by simulation. You don’t just listen to lectures; you roleplay as a government delegate or a CEO in a Mock ICANN meeting.

3. NetMission Academy

Review their online training programs. They are fantastic for building foundational knowledge.

4. ICANN NextGen & Fellowship

ICANN offers full travel support for students (NextGen) and professionals (Fellowship) to attend their global meetings. Imagine discussing DNS security in Cancun or Hamburg with the person who wrote the protocol.

5. ISOC Youth Ambassador Program

The Internet Society selects young leaders to attend the global IGF.

How to Stand Out?

Applying for these is competitive.

  • Don’t just be “passionate”. be specific. Don’t say “I love the internet.” Say “I am concerned about the lack of digital literacy in rural Nepal and here is what I did about it.”
  • Do your homework. Complete the ISOC Online Fundamentals of IG course. It’s free and gives you a certificate.
  • Local Action. Organize a small meetup at your college. Write a blog (like this one!). Show that you are already doing the work.

Your voice matters. But you have to pick up the microphone.