Meet&Greet for those funding Internet development | IGF 2023 Networking Session #111

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LACNIC, the organisation dedicated to promoting digital innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean, offers several programs to support industry, innovation, and infrastructure in the region. One of its primary initiatives is FRIDA, the Fund for Digital Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

FRIDA has been in operation for almost two decades, demonstrating LACNIC’s commitment to fostering and nurturing digital innovation in the region.

In addition to FRIDA, LACNIC also prioritises applied research in various areas such as network architecture, internet stability, and security.

By focusing on research in these fields, LACNIC aims to contribute to the development and improvement of the digital infrastructure, ensuring stability and security for online activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

LACNIC’s dedication extends beyond innovation and research.

The organisation recognises the importance of capacity building and aims to promote the participation of women in the technical community and the wider internet ecosystem. Through its programs, LACNIC provides opportunities for individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge and contributes to a more diverse and inclusive digital landscape.

LACNIC’s initiatives are aligned with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

This positive sentiment is reflected in LACNIC’s ongoing commitment to supporting digital innovation, applied research, capacity building, and gender equality.

In conclusion, LACNIC plays a vital role in promoting digital innovation and enhancing the digital landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through the FRIDA grant program, focus on applied research, capacity building, and women’s participation, LACNIC supports industry, innovation, and infrastructure, contributing to the achievement of several SDGs. This ensures sustainable and inclusive progress in the region’s digital era.

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Janne Hedronen, representing the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expresses concern over the financing of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), an organization that aims to promote sustainable industrialization and innovation through resilient infrastructure. The ministry has been a consistent donor to the IGF since 2006, providing approximately $2 million USD in funding.

However, Janne urges participants to step up their efforts for financing the IGF, highlighting the importance and urgency of adequately funding the organization to fulfill its mandate.

The IO Foundation presents their work on data-centric digital rights and their support for the technical community.

They view the technical community as the next generation of rights defenders, emphasizing their role in safeguarding digital rights in an increasingly data-driven world.

Carla Braga and Raimundo from the Amazon region focus their efforts on combating misinformation and disinformation, which are closely linked with the issue of deforestation.

Their work highlights the connection between the spread of false information and the detrimental impact it has on efforts to address deforestation.

Rebecca Papillo, representing the .au domain administration, runs a community grants program aimed at promoting digital inclusion and innovation for marginalized communities.

The program specifically targets regional and remote Australians, Australians with disabilities, and Australia’s First Nations people. By providing grants, Papillo aims to bridge the digital divide and empower these communities to access opportunities in the digital age.

Christian Leon, from ARSUR and the Internet Bolivia Foundation, is dedicated to protecting data, fighting against digital rights violations, and promoting digital inclusion.

Leon’s work focuses on addressing issues such as digital violence and ensuring that everyone has equal access to and benefits from the internet.

Access Now has developed a grant program to support grassroots organizations. Over the past five years, they have disbursed approximately $8 million to 120 organizations.

This program aims to empower and enable local organizations to champion digital rights and work towards reducing inequalities.

Catherine Townsend of Measurement Lab raises concerns about monitoring the internet. While Measurement Lab is actively involved in measuring the speed and quality of the internet worldwide, Townsend highlights the potential negative implications of excessive monitoring, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between privacy concerns and the necessity of monitoring to ensure internet accessibility and fairness.

Pranav from the Internet Society Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth ambassadors and early and mid-career professionals through training programs.

These programs provide free courses that cover both technical aspects of the internet and policy-related issues. By equipping young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, Pranav aims to create a new generation of internet leaders.

The challenges faced in financing community development and training programs are acknowledged, with a volunteer community struggling to maintain and operate due to financial constraints.

Efforts are being made to conduct webinars and seminars, but in-person meetings require a sizable budget. The need for financial support to train and develop skills in the new generation is underscored, along with exploring the potential for collaboration between industry and academia in regional settings.

Furthermore, the summary highlights the challenges of achieving digital inclusion in authoritarian regimes.

Foreign donor restrictions are seen as a significant barrier to securing funding for humanitarian work in such regimes, while effectively presenting the impact of these initiatives poses an additional difficulty.

The importance of measuring impact for continued support is emphasized, although funding for impact measurement itself remains a challenge.

Donors increasingly seek evidence of impact, particularly for technology tools, prompting the need to develop effective measurement tools. However, writing impact reports can be burdensome for smaller organizations.

Lastly, there is a notable demand for small grants in community networks, particularly at the local level.

Larger grants from big organizations often do not align with the specific needs of communities, leading to an inadequate supply of funding. This highlights the necessity for increased financial support to meet the demand for small grants.

In conclusion, various stakeholders and organizations are actively engaged in addressing key issues related to the internet, digital rights, and digital inclusion.

While funding challenges persist, there is a shared commitment to promote sustainable industrialization, combat misinformation, bridge the digital divide, protect data, and empower marginalized communities. Efforts are also being made to strike a balance between monitoring the internet for accessibility while preserving privacy concerns.

The need to measure impact and provide small grants for community networks further underlines the significance of continued support in achieving these goals.

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Brian Horlick-Cruz manages grant programs at the Internet Society Foundation, with a focus on community-oriented funding initiatives. These programs contribute to the achievement of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, as well as SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

In his role, Brian supports a broad range of technical communities, including network operator groups and national research and education networks.

This involvement highlights his commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry. By providing resources and support, Brian ensures the growth and contributions of these technical communities to industry advancement and infrastructure development.

Brian’s impact extends beyond technical communities, as he also coordinates programs for Internet Society chapters and the National and Regional Internet governance forums.

These platforms serve as arenas for discussions, knowledge sharing, and policy formulation that shape the future of the internet. Under Brian’s guidance, these programs facilitate the exchange of ideas and the development of strong governance frameworks.

Overall, Brian Horlick-Cruz’s work as a grant program manager at the Internet Society Foundation is highly regarded.

The sentiment towards him and his contributions is generally positive and neutral, reflecting the significant impact he has made in the field of grant management and community support.

In summary, Brian Horlick-Cruz manages community-oriented grant programs at the Internet Society Foundation.

He supports various technical communities, internet governance forums, and Internet Society chapters. His efforts contribute to advancing industry, innovation, infrastructure, and achieving sustainable development goals. Brian’s positive and neutral sentiment reflects the value and esteem he has earned in his role.

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Carlos Rey Moreno and Eric Huerta are coordinators of the LockNet initiative, which prioritises community-centred connectivity. The initiative supports various community-centred connectivity initiatives through regranting opportunities. Carlos Rey Moreno advocates for strengthening organisations involved in community-centred connectivity and creating enabling environments for their growth.

The LockNet initiative engages in national-level policy and regulatory analysis to support the development of effective policies and regulations that promote and sustain community-centred connectivity projects.

They also work on technology development to ensure that the initiatives they support have access to the latest advancements and tools in internet technology.

The LockNet initiative places a strong focus on gender equality. They create safe spaces where women can enhance their knowledge and skills in internet technology and regulation.

By empowering women in these fields, the initiative aims to promote inclusivity and diversity within community-centred connectivity projects.

The evidence supporting these activities and objectives can be seen through the initiative’s commitment to regranting. Through their financial support, they ensure the sustainability and impact of various community-centred connectivity initiatives.

This demonstrates their dedication to promoting and contributing to the success of these projects.

In conclusion, Carlos Rey Moreno and Eric Huerta coordinate the LockNet initiative, which focuses on community-centred connectivity. The initiative engages in regranting, policy and regulatory analysis, and technology development to support these initiatives.

They also prioritise promoting gender equality within the community-centred connectivity sector. The evidence supporting their work is substantiated by their commitment to regranting and their dedication to empowering and strengthening these projects.

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In his presentation, Changho Kim, representing the Open Society Foundation’s East Asia Program, provided a comprehensive insight into their work supporting civil society organizations, with a specific focus on Northeast Asia. Northeast Asia includes China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

Kim emphasized that the Open Society Foundation’s East Asia Program aims to provide support and resources to civil society organizations operating in these regions.

These organizations play a crucial role in fostering transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights.

The Open Society Foundation recognizes the value of civil society organizations in promoting democratic governance, advocating for social justice, and challenging systemic inequalities.

Through financial grants, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the program enables these organizations to undertake projects, research, and advocacy efforts that address pressing issues in their respective societies.

Within Northeast Asia, the program seeks to address diverse challenges that vary across the countries in the region.

In China, civil society organizations face numerous restrictions and obstacles due to the government’s tight control over civil liberties. However, the program seeks to support these organizations in their fight for social justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

In Hong Kong, recent political developments have highlighted the importance of safeguarding civil society space.

The Open Society Foundation’s East Asia Program plays a vital role in providing resources and support to organizations working to protect freedom of expression, assembly, and association in the face of increasing restrictions.

Taiwan, on the other hand, offers a relatively more open environment for civil society organizations.

The program aims to enhance the capacity of these organizations to advocate for progressive reforms and social change, particularly in areas such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability.

South Korea, a vibrant democracy, faces its unique challenges, including labor rights, democratic participation, and social inclusion.

The program supports civil society organizations in their efforts to address these issues and promote good governance, social cohesion, and inclusive policies.

Finally, in Japan, civil society organizations face challenges related to democratic participation, minority rights, and refugee protection.

The program works to empower these organizations, enabling them to advance human rights, social justice, and democratic values.

In conclusion, Changho Kim’s presentation highlighted the Open Society Foundation’s East Asia Program’s critical role in supporting civil society organizations across Northeast Asia.

Through its financial, capacity-building, and collaborative initiatives, the program aims to empower these organizations in their pursuit of social change, human rights protection, and democratic governance. By addressing country-specific challenges and fostering cross-border collaboration, the program seeks to contribute to a more inclusive, just, and democratic Northeast Asia.

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The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is committed to supporting various sectors of society. They focus on providing grants to non-profit organizations, registered charities, academics, universities, colleges, and indigenous communities. CIRA’s granting program aims to empower these groups and address their specific needs and challenges.

CIRA places particular emphasis on northern remote and indigenous communities, recognizing their unique circumstances and vulnerabilities.

They strive to provide funding and support to bridge the digital divide and improve internet accessibility. This targeted approach demonstrates their commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusivity, aligned with SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

Charles Noir, Vice President of Community Investment Policy and Advocacy at CIRA, plays a pivotal role in shaping and advocating for their community investment policies.

His support for grants to these select groups further highlights the importance of CIRA’s work in these areas.

In addition to their granting program, CIRA also invests in cybersecurity services for Canadians, offering free services to help individuals protect themselves online.

This initiative addresses the growing concern of cyber threats and contributes to a safer online environment. It aligns with SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

CIRA also develops services for testing internet performance in a neutral manner, ensuring accurate assessments of connectivity.

This impartial approach facilitates improvements in infrastructure and connectivity.

In summary, CIRA’s focus on grants for non-profits, registered charities, academics, universities, colleges, and indigenous communities, along with their dedication to providing free cybersecurity services and neutral internet performance testing, underscores their commitment to promoting inclusivity and security in the digital landscape.

Their efforts contribute to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.

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Ellisha Heppner is the grants management lead for the APNIC Foundation. Her role involves overseeing the administration and distribution of grants, ensuring they are aligned with the foundation’s goals. One of the key programs she manages is the ISF-Asia grants, which follows a competitive process and accepts proposals on an annual basis.

These grants focus on promoting projects related to infrastructure, inclusion, and knowledge.

The ISF-Asia grants are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. They contribute to SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, SDG 4, which aims to ensure quality education, and SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities.

Through these grants, the APNIC Foundation actively supports sustainable development and social progress.

In addition to the broad themes of infrastructure, inclusion, and knowledge, the APNIC Foundation provides specific funding for projects related to IPv6 and environmental sustainability.

This is made possible through the Ian Peter grant, which aligns with SDG 9 and SDG 13, focused on climate action. By offering dedicated funding for these areas, the foundation promotes the adoption of IPv6 and the development of environmental solutions.

Ellisha Heppner’s role as grants management lead is vital in ensuring the effective distribution of grants in line with the foundation’s objectives.

Her expertise and oversight critically contribute to the selection of promising proposals and the meaningful impact of awarded grants in the Asia-Pacific region.

In summary, Ellisha Heppner plays a key role at the APNIC Foundation as the grants management lead.

Under her supervision, the ISF-Asia grants focus on infrastructure, inclusion, and knowledge, while also supporting specific areas such as IPv6 and environmental projects. Through these grants, the APNIC Foundation contributes to the achievement of SDGs and promotes sustainable development in the region.

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Garcia Ramilo is employed by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) in a significant role overseeing a membership network that spans 40 countries. The APC is dedicated to promoting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG17: Partnership for the Goals.

This underscores their commitment to fostering collaborations and partnerships to address global challenges.

In terms of resource allocation within the network, an interesting aspect is the sharing of resources through various means. A notable approach is through regranting, whereby resources are distributed based on the network’s priorities.

This enables the APC to effectively support its members and partners in their initiatives. Moreover, the network also engages in capacity building and research, empowering members to enhance their skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their respective communities.

Collaboration is another key aspect of resource sharing, as the APC actively works with members and partners to ensure resources are maximised and beneficial for all involved.

An intriguing aspect of the APC’s resource allocation strategy is that approximately half of the resources are directed towards its members, while the remaining 50% is allocated to different partners.

This balanced distribution ensures that both the needs of members and external partners are met, reinforcing the network’s commitment to reducing inequalities (SDG10) and fostering partnerships to achieve global goals (SDG17).

In conclusion, Garcia Ramilo plays a crucial role within the Association for Progressive Communications, managing a membership network across 40 countries.

The network places importance on resource sharing through regranting, capacity building, research, and collaborations. Roughly half of the resources are directed towards members, with the remaining 50% allocated to partners. Through these efforts, the APC aims to address global challenges, reduce inequalities, and foster partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

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The White Project, founded 37 years ago by Professor Jim Ryan, is a renowned research consortium that focuses on conducting research and promoting educational activities. The project places a strong emphasis on collaboration between academia and industry. Hirochika Asai, a representative of the White Project, highlights the importance of this collaboration and its benefits for both sectors.

This partnership enables the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, leading to innovative breakthroughs and advancements across various fields.

One notable achievement of the White Project is the operation of ArenaPAC, a high-capacity submarine cable infrastructure dedicated to facilitating research and education.

ArenaPAC serves as a crucial communication channel, connecting scientists, researchers, and educators, and enabling them to share data. Its significance is highlighted by Paul, who cites it as a remarkable achievement.

Additionally, the White Project recognizes research and education as vital for driving the future global acceleration of human activities, particularly in scientific research.

They firmly believe that investment in these areas is essential to achieve long-term sustainable development goals. By fostering strong partnerships between academia, industry, and educational institutions, the White Project aims to create an environment that encourages innovation, knowledge exchange, and technological advancements.

In conclusion, the White Project, led by Professor Jim Ryan, is a reputable research consortium that conducts research and promotes educational activities.

Through its collaboration between academia and industry, it has successfully facilitated the exchange of knowledge and resources. The operation of ArenaPAC, a high-capacity submarine cable infrastructure, supports research and education. The White Project recognizes the importance of research and education in the future acceleration of global human activities, particularly in scientific research.

By continuing to foster collaborations and invest in these areas, it strives to achieve sustainable development goals and advancements in various fields.

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Finland has been actively funding the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) since 2006, contributing a total of approximately 2 million USD. However, there are concerns regarding the current financing of the IGF, suggesting that the existing financial arrangements may not be sufficient. The specific points of concern have not been specified, but there is a negative sentiment associated with the current situation.

On the other hand, there is support for upscaling efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the IGF.

The call for upscaling is motivated by the recognition of the crucial role that the IGF plays in fulfilling its UN mandate. The IGF is seen as a platform that promotes dialogue and cooperation among various stakeholders to effectively address the complexities of internet governance.

To secure the sustainability of the IGF, it is suggested to explore unconventional means of financing beyond the traditional methods.

This would involve fostering an environment that is open to suggestions and innovations in terms of financial support. By encouraging new approaches to funding, it is believed that the IGF can address the existing concerns and ensure its continued operation.

In conclusion, Finland has been a significant contributor to the IGF’s funding for over a decade.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the current financing situation, prompting the need for upscaling efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the IGF. Exploring unconventional means of financing and recognizing the crucial role of the IGF in fulfilling its UN mandate are highlighted as important strategies to address these concerns and secure the future of the IGF.

Keywords: Internet Governance Forum, IGF funding, Finland, financing, sustainability, stakeholders, dialogue, cooperation, UN mandate.

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Jenn Beard is an employee at the ISOC Foundation, where she collaborates with Brian Horlick-Cruz. The ISOC Foundation’s main focus is on the development of a stronger Internet, its growth, and the defence of its integrity. In pursuit of this, they have implemented a comprehensive portfolio of activities.

The foundation offers approximately 15 grant programmes, covering a wide range of areas such as connectivity, digital skills, and digital learning. These grant programmes play a crucial role in supporting projects that aim to improve access to the Internet, enhance digital literacy, and promote innovative approaches to online education.

This demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

One noteworthy aspect is the collaborative effort between Jenn Beard and Brian Horlick-Cruz. Although no specific details are provided, their partnership suggests a dynamic and efficient working environment within the foundation.

The analysis indicates a generally positive sentiment towards both Jenn Beard and her contributions to the ISOC Foundation.

As an employee involved in the foundation’s grant programmes, Jenn Beard plays a significant role in advancing its initiatives. Her work directly contributes to building a stronger Internet, fostering its growth, and defending it from potential threats. These efforts align with the foundation’s mission and its positive impact on society.

In conclusion, Jenn Beard’s work at the ISOC Foundation, in collaboration with Brian Horlick-Cruz, encompasses various grant programmes that aim to improve Internet accessibility, digital skills, and digital learning.

The positive sentiment surrounding her and her contributions further emphasise the foundation’s commitment to creating a better digital future.

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The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, with Laura as a board member, plays a crucial role in supporting and funding AI centres in Brazil. These AI centres are essential hubs for research, development, and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.

By providing financial resources and support, the committee enables these centres to drive progress, encourage collaboration, and contribute to the advancement of AI technology in Brazil.

In addition to their support for AI centres, the committee also demonstrates a commitment to promoting gender diversity in the tech industry.

They offer small fellowships specifically designed for women, encouraging them to write papers and contribute to the academic discourse surrounding technology. These fellowships provide financial support and recognition, helping to address the gender gap in the field and empower women to excel in tech-related disciplines.

Furthermore, the committee extends its positive impact by providing support for small events focused on Internet governance.

By sponsoring and assisting in organising these events, they contribute to the dialogue and exchange of ideas concerning the responsible and inclusive management of the internet. This support fosters awareness, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among various stakeholders regarding the governance of online platforms and services.

In conclusion, the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, under Laura’s guidance, is a driving force behind the progress and development of AI in Brazil.

Their support and funding for AI centres, provision of fellowships for women in tech, and promotion of small events on Internet governance underscore their commitment to industry, innovation, infrastructure, and gender equality. Their initiatives serve as models for other organisations aspiring to create a more inclusive and technologically advanced society.

One noteworthy observation is the multifaceted approach of the committee’s initiatives.

By combining support for AI centres, gender diversity, and Internet governance, they address key areas where progress is needed in the tech industry. This holistic approach recognises the interconnected nature of these issues and ensures that efforts are made across different domains to drive positive change.

Overall, the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, with Laura’s involvement, serves as a pioneer and catalyst for advancements in AI, promoting gender equality, and fostering responsible Internet governance in Brazil.

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Michel Lambert is a member of Equality, a Canadian organisation dedicated to advancing freedom online. Equality focuses on creating open-source tools and services that aid in the support of this cause. Their work aims to counteract the concept of “splinternets” and promote internet freedom for all.

In addition to their tool development, Equality also extends support to smaller organisations, small businesses, and individual developers.

Over the past two years, Equality has actively provided assistance to these entities. Their support encompasses a range of areas, such as helping smaller organisations gain the resources and guidance needed to develop new technology against the splinternets. Notably, Equality extends its support to both small businesses and individual developers, recognising their role in technological advancements.

The new technologies fostered by Equality cover various aspects, with a particular focus on virtual private networks (VPNs) and satellite technology.

These innovative solutions allow users to navigate online platforms securely and overcome the obstacles posed by splinternets. By facilitating access to such technologies, Equality empowers individuals and businesses to protect their digital freedoms and fully participate in the modern interconnected world.

The sentiment expressed towards Equality is overwhelmingly positive.

The speakers involved in discussing this topic emphasised the importance of Equality’s work in promoting internet freedom and supporting technological innovation. Equality’s commitment to open-source development and its focus on supporting smaller organisations and developers highlight its dedication to fostering an inclusive and free digital space.

In conclusion, Michel Lambert collaborates with Equality, a Canadian organisation at the forefront of championing internet freedom.

Their creation of open-source tools and services, along with their support for smaller organisations and developers, demonstrates their commitment to combatting the concept of splinternets. Equality’s efforts play a crucial role in ensuring digital rights and fostering technological innovation worldwide.

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The APNIC Foundation, known for its work in supporting the development priorities of APNIC, is organising an event specifically for organisations that are investing in development. The purpose of this event is to foster collaboration among these organisations by providing them with the opportunity to find common ground and explore possible collaborations.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the APNIC Foundation used to host similar events, showcasing its commitment to bringing organisations together.

This upcoming event aims to continue this tradition virtually, ensuring that despite geographical limits, opportunities to collaborate and cross borders are still present. It highlights the importance of open discussions and encourages organisations to engage in conversations surrounding their projects and potential collaborations.

One notable approach taken by the APNIC Foundation is to allow the fund-allocating organisations to speak first.

This sets the stage for an informal conversation where participating organisations can share details about their projects. By giving each organisation an opportunity to present their initiatives, the event aims to create an environment conducive to collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Collaboration and co-funding are key elements of the APNIC Foundation’s strategy to increase the footprint of their work.

The foundation actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with other organisations and invest in joint initiatives. By pooling resources and expertise, they aim to have a greater impact on various development priorities.

Silvia Cadena, a strong advocate for collaboration, emphasizes the importance of engaging with organizations that are investing in technical infrastructure and the technical community.

Recognising the challenges faced by network engineers and cybersecurity professionals in gaining support from traditional donors, Cadena highlights the role of the APNIC Foundation in providing grants, fellowships, awards, and research support for such initiatives. This demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to supporting technical projects and fostering collaboration within the technical community.

In addition to supporting technical initiatives, the APNIC Foundation also focuses on programmes that address inclusion, infrastructure, and knowledge.

Their efforts are aimed at keeping the Internet open, stable, and accessible. The foundation allocates IP addresses and ASN numbers across 56 economies in the Asia Pacific, solidifying its impact on the industry of innovation and infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2016, the APNIC Foundation has been actively implementing projects in various areas, including education, gender and diversity, and community building and strengthening.

In conclusion, the APNIC Foundation is hosting an event to bring together organisations investing in development.

With a focus on collaboration, the event aims to facilitate open discussions, promote knowledge sharing, and explore potential collaborations. The foundation’s emphasis on co-funding, cross-border collaboration, and engagement with the technical community showcases its commitment to expanding its work and supporting the development priorities of APNIC.

By supporting initiatives across inclusion, infrastructure, and knowledge, the APNIC Foundation plays a vital role in keeping the Internet accessible and stable.

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Paul Byron Wilson, the head of APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre) and a trustee in the Internet Development Trust, is a notable figure in internet connectivity and development. He plays a significant role in advancing the internet infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.

Wilson’s work includes supporting high-bandwidth connections for research and education networks in the Pacific, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The Internet Development Trust funds projects of the APNIC Foundation, including the ISF-Asia grants, promoting innovation and infrastructure development.

Wilson’s involvement with ArenaPAC further demonstrates his dedication to creating high-bandwidth connections in the Pacific for enhanced education and research collaboration. Overall, Wilson’s leadership and involvement highlight his commitment to driving progress in internet connectivity and the promotion of quality education in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Percival Henriquez, a distinguished board member at the Internet Committee and NIC.BR, is known for his expertise in internet governance in Brazil. NIC.BR, short for Núcleo de Informação e Coordenação do Ponto BR, is responsible for administering and managing internet domain names ending with “.br” in Brazil.

As a board member, Henriquez plays a crucial role in formulating policies and making strategic decisions to ensure the smooth functioning and development of the internet in Brazil.

This includes overseeing domain name registrations, managing technical infrastructure, and addressing any issues or challenges that arise.

The Internet Committee and NIC.BR’s role is significant, as the internet has become an essential tool for communication, commerce, and innovation.

The committee’s efforts to manage and regulate domain names contribute to maintaining a secure and reliable online environment for individuals and businesses.

Henriquez’s position highlights his expertise in internet governance and his commitment to advancing the internet ecosystem in Brazil.

He is likely involved in discussions and decision-making processes related to internet policies, technical standards, and cybersecurity.

Having a dedicated and knowledgeable individual like Henriquez on the board ensures that NIC.BR remains at the forefront of technological advancements and effectively addresses emerging challenges in the dynamic digital landscape.

Overall, Percival Henriquez’s role as a board member at the Internet Committee and NIC.BR underscores Brazil’s commitment to promoting internet accessibility, security, and innovation.

His contributions in shaping internet policies and strategies will have a significant impact on the development of the internet in Brazil.

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Valerie Frissen is the director of SIDN Fund, a separate foundation funded by the Dutch National Registry. The fund focuses on supporting initiatives that promote responsible internet use and raise awareness. Its main aim is to empower end users, enabling them to make the most of the internet while also being aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with it.

SIDN Fund plays a crucial role in supporting projects that contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

By investing in initiatives that encourage responsible internet use, the fund helps to create a safer and more inclusive online space that benefits individuals and society as a whole.

Valerie Frissen strongly advocates for cooperation with other funding organizations to increase the impact of SIDN Fund’s initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the fund actively engages with other funders in the Netherlands and international organizations. This collaboration allows them to pool resources and expertise, enabling them to implement larger-scale projects and reach a wider audience.

One notable example of this collaboration is SIDN Fund’s participation in a large conference in Brussels.

This conference serves as a platform for bringing together digital rights funders from both Europe and beyond. By participating in such events, the fund not only learns from the experiences and insights of others but also shares its own knowledge and expertise.

This ultimately contributes to a more coordinated and effective approach to digital rights funding.

In conclusion, as the director of SIDN Fund, Valerie Frissen emphasizes the importance of responsible internet use and raising awareness among end users. The fund’s support for projects in these areas contributes to the achievement of global development objectives.

Through collaboration with other funders and active participation in conferences, the fund ensures a more comprehensive and impactful approach to advancing digital rights.

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Yoshiki Uchida, a student at Keio University, actively participates in the White Project, an initiative that complements his studies on the Internet. The White Project, established by Professor Jim Ryan 37 years ago, is vital to Uchida’s academic journey. His involvement demonstrates a commitment to exploring and advancing knowledge in the field of Internet studies.

Uchida also expresses a keen interest in supporting the APNIC Foundation in the near future.

The APNIC Foundation focuses on promoting partnerships to achieve global goals. Uchida’s intention reflects his dedication to contributing to these goals.

The evidence confirms Uchida’s involvement and interest. Uchida’s affiliation with Keio University and engagement with the White Project exemplify his commitment to quality education, a key aspect addressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, Uchida’s positive sentiment towards the APNIC Foundation indicates his willingness to engage in partnership goals and contribute to global progress.

In conclusion, Yoshiki Uchida’s academic pursuits at Keio University are enriched through his involvement with the White Project, aligning with his studies on the Internet.

Furthermore, his expressed interest in supporting the APNIC Foundation demonstrates his commitment to partnerships for achieving global goals. Uchida’s dedication and positive sentiment towards both initiatives highlight his intention to make a meaningful impact in the field of Internet studies and contribute to broader sustainable development initiatives.