Strengthening Internet Governance in Asia-Pacific

Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) hosted a session on Internet Governance with ROAM Principles and Internet Universality Indicators at Asian-Pacific Regional IGF 2021 on 29 September. The session was collaborated with UNESCO which fostered further engagement with Asia-Pacific Regional IGF communities and stakeholders.

Experts from Asia-Pacific countries showcased ROAM framework and Internet Universality Indicators. Mr. Michael Croft (UNESCO Nepal) clarified on ROAM principles and importance of evidence-based Internet policies during the session. Likewise, Mr. Simon Ellis (Author of National Assessment of IUIs in Thailand) key findings of implementing IUIs in Thailand. Ms. Sadaf Khan (Media Matters for Democracy) highlighted the importance of collecting disaggregated data and gender-related issues to be a major challenge.

Concluding the session, Mr. Tank Raj Aryal (General Secretary of DRN), shed light on key areas such as inclusion, sustainability, and trust in the process of implementing IUIs in Nepal. He further stressed the importance of legal framework to advance digital rights agendas.