Around the world, our community works locally, regionally, and globally to keep the Internet a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy.
We are highlighting just a few of their incredible initiatives from July.
Zimbabwe Chapter Wins WSIS Prize
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Chapter was recognized as a 2026 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize winner for its work on digital skills training for people with disabilities.
The award was presented at the WSIS Forum 2026, where the chapter was represented by Zimbabwe’s minister of information communication technology and the Zimbabwe ambassador to Switzerland, a strong endorsement of the chapter’s impact and contribution to Zimbabwe’s digital development agenda.
The Zimbabwe Chapter’s international recognition is also a powerful reminder that community-driven initiatives can achieve both local impact and global visibility.
Pacific Islands Chapter Helps Strengthen Regional Partnerships Across the Pacific Region
🌏 Pacific Islands Chapter organized a side event during Pacific Cyber Week in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, alongside the Australian government, the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), and the Internet Society.
The event provided an opportunity to engage with the newly elected Pacific Islands Chapter Board, strengthen regional partnerships, promote the multistakeholder approach to Internet governance, connect with emerging Pacific Internet leaders, and reinforce the Internet Society’s commitment to an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.
Stakeholders from across the Pacific region came together to reflect on the evolution of Internet governance in the Pacific and identify priorities for future collaboration. The discussions highlighted the importance of meaningful connectivity, youth participation, digital skills development, and stronger Pacific representation in regional and global Internet governance processes.
Chapters Join Forces Across Latin America and the Caribbean
Our Latin America and Caribbean Community-Centered Connectivity Regional Chapter Working Groups organized and hosted a regional online session titled “Licensing and Funding for Community Networks.” Around 60 people attended, representing 19 Internet Society chapters from across the region.
During the session, participants explored licensing frameworks, enabling policies, and funding opportunities that can support the development, growth, and long-term sustainability of community networks. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to learn from and discuss real-world experiences shared by experts from both the Caribbean and Latin America, providing valuable regional perspectives and practical insights on advancing community connectivity initiatives.
Our Expanding Community
A warm welcome to our newest chapter, the 🇺🇸 US Nevada Chapter! Thank you for joining our global community—we look forward to working with you towards an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.
Our 🇲🇼 Malawi Chapter also held a ceremony to mark its official launch, convening guests from the government, the private sector, civil society, and more. We’re looking forward to seeing the chapter promote connectivity, foster digital inclusion, facilitate multistakeholder dialogue, and more.
These are just a few highlights, but our community has been busy! Read the full overview of community activities in July.
Image © Internet Society Malawi Chapter, © Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter, © Internet Society Pacific Islands Chapter, © Internet Society Malawi Chapter.