2 June 2021
Online application submissions open
Current status:
closed
Applications open:
2 June 2021
Applications due:
23 June 2021
Do you want to:
✓ make a big impact on Internet governance in your community?
✓ receive training and connect with a network of key influencers in the Internet governance sphere?
✓ gain access to a platform where you can raise your voice on Internet issues that matter to you?
Each year, the Internet Society selects thirty young, passionate people to participate in our IGF Youth Ambassador Program, equipping the next generation of Internet leaders to collaborate and innovate for a better world.
In becoming an IGF Youth Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to take part in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), an annual meeting that brings various stakeholders together from around the world to share good policies and practices relating to the Internet. During the program, you will:
If you are an Internet Society member and aged 18-30, you can apply. The selection process is conducted in three phases.
All applicants must be:
The applicants selected in phase 1 (up to 150 individuals) will take an online course on Internet Governance. All participants will be grouped into classes, each with a dedicated expert moderator to facilitate the learning process. Up to 50 participants will be selected to proceed to the next phase.
Finalists from the online course phase will be required to write a paper on an existing or emerging area in Internet Governance, leveraging the learnings from the course and Internet Society 2021 Projects. Papers will be evaluated by a selection committee and the best submissions will be selected as IGF Youth Ambassadors.
Please note that the selection committee, composed of Internet Society staff, Online Tutors and Chapter/SIG Leaders, attempts to achieve professional, geographical, and gender diversity in the overall selections.
The individuals who are selected as IGF Youth Ambassadors participate in a webinar series led by a global Internet governance expert to deepen their knowledge, present their projects/ideas, and be prepared for the IGF. There will also be webinars on Internet Society 2021 Projects, and specific sessions led by our partners and sponsors. Additionally, in collaboration with the Youth Coalition on Internet Governance, the IGF Youth Ambassadors will be mentored by Internet Governance Experts.
IGF Youth Ambassadors will attend the Internet Governance Forum in 2021 remotely due to COVID-19.
IGF Youth Ambassadors will attend a virtual dynamic leadership session with Internet Society community members, youth representatives from other programs, Internet Society staff, and other IGF attendees. This session takes the form of an “unconference”, with the agenda being crowdsourced by attendees, and breakout groups facilitated to create pockets of common interest and interaction. The goal is to build/deepen relationships and foster community around youth engagement.
If you would like to support the program through sponsorship, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss how.
The voice of youth matters and the Internet Society plays a significant role [in empowering] the next generation of Internet leaders, [providing] them with the freedom to [put their] voice out [there].”
Having people at eye level makes an enormous difference in softening the intimidation someone in their early career stages might feel by sharing thoughts and asking questions with more experienced professionals.”
We cannot shape the Internet’s future without Youth’s voices – let’s open the doors and let them in! Youth are a vital force to get an open, globally-connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone.”