The Internet needs committed proponents around the world to build and protect it—to connect the unconnected, stop threats, and advocate for it. At the Internet Society, we understand that advancing our mission depends on a strong community of global Internet champions equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle challenges, flag threats, and drive positive change locally.
Building this capacity cannot happen in isolation. It needs a space where people can come together, connect, share insights, and develop advocacy skills by learning from one another. This is why we were thrilled to bring back in-person Community Workshops last year: immersive capacity-building experiences designed to strengthen our community and support our Internet champions on the ground.
Today, we are excited to share the incredible success of the 2025 Community Fellowship and our first two in-person workshops in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) and Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions. These milestones mark the beginning of one of our most important community empowerment initiatives, which aims to support and scale our advocacy priorities and campaigns.
I received the information about the fellowship program, and it was like, ‘this is too difficult, it’s not for me!’ But then I talked to people, and if I want to be part of the solution, I should be a part of this amazing community.”
Regional In-Person Workshops, One Vision
Santiago, Chile (LAC)
Co-located with CITEL, a regional intergovernmental meeting that focuses on access and connectivity policies, this workshop brought together 23 fellows from 20 countries to sharpen advocacy skills, learn strategic communication, and design actionable plans to defend the Internet in their communities.
The energy was palpable as participants learned practical strategies for influencing policy and building coalitions to solve real-world challenges, such as affordability and digital inclusion. Fellows also had the opportunity to witness closed-door government policy meetings, which enabled them to understand the inner workings of decision-making, an experience that will enhance their advocacy efforts.
The Community Fellowship didn’t just expand my network, it expanded my vision, my purpose, and the impact I want to make in Suriname and the Caribbean.”
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (APAC)
After being relocated from Nepal (co-located with APrIGF) to Malaysia, this workshop ultimately became a standalone event. 27 fellows from 19 countries came together for three intensive days of training, collaboration, and community building.
They explored data-driven advocacy using Internet Society Pulse, intermediary liability, encryption, and affordable and reliable access issues. The result? A network of advocates ready to tackle connectivity gaps and promote online trust campaigns tailored to their local contexts.
Why This Matters: Potential Impact
These workshops are more than events—they are catalysts for change and open real possibilities for transformation, enabling fellows to achieve immediate impact. Fellows who focused on policy are already engaging with local policymakers and partners to advocate for affordable and reliable Internet access and stronger privacy protections. For example, Feras Bezanti, a fellow from Libya, is applying his hands-on skills to fight the criminalization of encryption in his country.
In APAC and LAC, fellows are planning grassroots campaigns to raise awareness about issues discussed during the workshops, including community-centered connectivity, affordable and reliable access, and encryption. Three fellows from the Pacific Islands—Kaime Kipi (Papua New Guinea), James Ah Wai (Samoa), and Joseph Wapa Haga (Solomon Islands)—are working together and sharing best practices to strengthen the Internet infrastructure (e.g., Internet exchange points) in their respective countries.
Both regions saw the birth of new alliances; a global network of peers committed to defending the Internet. Fellows are collaborating with Internet Society chapters and other partners to amplify advocacy efforts and share resources.
These actions will strengthen the Internet Society’s mission regionally, ensuring that the Internet remains open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 fellowship and the success of the LAC and APAC workshops are just the beginning. In 2026, we aim to expand these workshops to two more regions, develop our fellowship program, and continue building a global community of Internet advocates.