Building Digital Future

Research and Innovation in Internet Policy

#1 Internet Governance Schools

Our educational initiatives are designed to empower individuals with comprehensive knowledge of internet governance, digital rights, and emerging technological challenges.

Programs

National School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights

The National School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights is an intensive program designed to educate and empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in internet governance and advocate for digital rights. This program covers key areas such as the fundamentals of internet governance, digital rights, cybersecurity, data privacy, and more. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of internet governance issues and build networks to support their advocacy efforts

Accessibility School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights

The Accessibility School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by persons with disabilities in the digital realm. This specialized program aims to enhance digital inclusion by addressing accessibility in internet governance policies, principles of accessible design, and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities online. Participants engage in tailored training sessions that empower them to take active roles in shaping inclusive digital policies and practices

Tailored Course on Internet Governance and Digital Rights

The Tailored Course on Internet Governance and Digital Rights offers customized training programs to meet the specific needs of different organizations, communities, and stakeholders. These courses are designed to address particular areas of interest or concern within internet governance and digital rights, such as cyber laws, e-governance policies, or the impact of emerging technologies. By providing focused and relevant content, the tailored courses ensure that participants receive practical and applicable knowledge to support their unique internet governance goals.

#2 Digital Freedom Coalition
AFN
Digital Media Foundation
Educating Nepal
Freedom Forum
Digital Equality
Internet Society
Media Action Nepal
Media Lawyers
Women's Rights
YGF

#3 Digital Rights Festival

Digital Rights Festival is a flagship annual convergence, organized by Internet Governance Institute, in collaboration with its partners, where the digital and the human intersect, a space where bytes and rights coalesce. As we navigate the intricate web of technology, privacy, and expression, this festival stands as a beacon, a rallying point for those who believe that our digital existence is not just about convenience; it‘s about fundamental liberties.

Recent Events

Digital Rights Festival

An annual event bringing together digital rights advocates to discuss critical issues at the intersection of technology and human rights. Over the course of three days, attendees explored a wide range of topics, including privacy rights, freedom of expression online, data protection, digital security, and the impact of emerging technologies on civil liberties. The extended format allowed for more in-depth sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. With distinguished speakers and thought-provoking discussions, the event proved to be an invaluable experience for anyone involved in the digital rights landscape of Nepal.

Digital Rights Conference, 2024

The National Conference on Digital Rights: Digital Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence is set to explore the intersection of human rights, technology, and digital governance. With the rapid integration of AI into various aspects of life, it becomes imperative to address the ethical, legal, and social implications of this technology. This conference aims to bring together thought leaders, policymakers, tech experts, and advocates to foster meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts towards safeguarding digital rights in our increasingly AI- driven world.

Digital Rights Film Festival

The Digital Rights Festival aims at promoting Digital Rights Films during the festival. The Digital Rights Film Exhibition at the Digital Rights Festival is not just a series of screenings, but a powerful exploration of the intersection between technology and human rights. From documentaries to feature films, each selection unveils stories of empowerment, struggle, and resilience in the digital age.Inspiring Conversations Through compelling narratives and stunning visuals, the exhibition aims to spark conversations, inspire action, and highlight the critical importance of protecting digital rights.

National School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights

The National School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights is an intensive program designed to educate and empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to actively participate in internet governance and advocate for digital rights. This program covers key areas such as the fundamentals of internet governance, digital rights, cybersecurity, data privacy, and more. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of internet governance issues and build networks to support their advocacy efforts.

Accessibility School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights

The Accessibility School on Internet Governance and Digital Rights focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by persons with disabilities in the digital realm. This specialized program aims to enhance digital inclusion by addressing accessibility in internet governance policies, principles of accessible design, and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities online. Participants engage in tailored training sessions that empower them to take active roles in shaping inclusive digital policies and practices.

#4 Digital Freedom Summit

Our Digital Freedom Summits bring together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss critical issues shaping the digital landscape and promoting democratic principles in the digital age.

Recent Events

Digital Freedom Summit 2023

The Digital Freedom Summit 2023 was held on December 9th at Vivanta in Lalitpur, Nepal, bringing together experts, parliamentarians, academicians, and civil society representatives to discuss critical issues shaping Nepal's digital landscape.Dr.Kilnam Chon gave a keynote speech emphasizing the challenges of internet regulation in developing countries and proposed Basic Income as a digital right to ensure equitable wealth distribution from AI advancements.The summit featured sessions on topics such as internet regulation, inclusive access, internet fragmentation, combating misinformation, and the ethical regulation of artificial intelligence.Overall, the event highlighted the complexities of digital governance in Nepal and advocated for a balanced, rights- centric approach to foster a digitally liberated and inclusive future for the nation.

Digital Freedom Summit 2022

The Digital Freedom Coalition hosted its inaugural Digital Freedom Summit on December 9th, 2022, themed “Promoting Democracy in the Digital Age,” which featured over 200 participants engaged in discussions across four panel sessions. Keynote speaker Dr. Swarnim Wagle addressed the economic aspects of digital freedom, focusing on inclusivity and the impact of platforms like YouTube and UpWork on youth. Panel discussions tackled issues such as misinformation, freedom of expression, digital literacy, and the challenges faced by the banking and e-commerce sectors, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks to protect privacy and data security. The closing ceremony included remarks from Mr. Babu Ram Aryal, Chair of the Coalition, and Dr. Ganesh Raj Pandey, Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, who highlighted opportunities for enhancing digital services in Nepal. The summit was deemed a success, promising a more constructive follow-up event in the future.

#5 Internet Governance Forums

Internet Governance Forums, whether it be regional, sub regional, national or thematic, are one of the major activities of Internet Governance Institute. IGI organized the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum in 2021 as Lead Host, Nepal IGF in 2018 and 2019 as Co-host and Nepal Youth IGF 2022. 2023 and 2024 as the host secretariat.

Recent Events

Asia Pacific Regional IGF 2025

Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2021 was held on 27-30 September 2021 in a HYBRID format, combining physical attendance in Kathmandu, Nepal, and at various local hubs. Internet Governance Institute was the Lead Host and the Internet Society Nepal, Internet Exchange Nepal, and Nepal Internet Foundations were the hosts of the event. Whereas the APrIGF Secretariat was managed by the DotAsia

Asia Pacific Regional IGF 2021

Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2021 was held on 27-30 September 2021 in a HYBRID format, combining physical attendance in Kathmandu, Nepal, and at various local hubs. Internet Governance Institute was the Lead Host and the Internet Society Nepal, Internet Exchange Nepal, and Nepal Internet Foundations were the hosts of the event. Whereas the APrIGF Secretariat was managed by the DotAsia

Nepal Internet Governance Forum 2019

The third edition of Nepal Internet Governance Forum; a space for inclusive, productive discussions on Internet-related public policy issues from a multi-stakeholder perspective, wss organized on 27-28 September 2019 in Indreni Complex, Kathmandu, with the theme of One World, One Net, One Vision. Nepal IGF is a multi-stakeholder forum where various issues of Internet Governance are discussed

Nepal Internet Governance Forum 2018

The second edition of Nepal Internet Governance Forum; a space for inclusive, productive discussions on Internet-related public policy issues from a multi-stakeholder perspective, wss organized on 27-28 September 2018 in Hotel Himalaya, Kathmandu with the theme of One World, One Net, One Vision.

Youth IGF Nepal 2024

The Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) Nepal 2024 successfully took place on September 14, 2024, in Kathmandu, bringing together over 70 young representatives from various stakeholder groups to engage in discussions on internet governance. The event featured a series of sessions focused on key topics such as the digital divide, AI governance, and online freedom of expression, fostering an environment for knowledge exchange and capacity building among youth. Supported by organizations like the Internet Society Nepal Chapter, Internet Society Foundation, ICANN and Internet Governance Institute, the forum provided a platform for participants to amplify their voices in national and international policy discussions, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future of internet governance in Nepal.

Youth IGF Nepal 2023

Youth IGF Nepal 2023 brought together around 70 young representatives for a one-day capacity-building program under the theme “Empowering Youths for Open, Inclusive, and Secured Internet.” This second edition featured workshops and discussions focused on enhancing youth engagement in internet governance, ensuring online safety, developing youth-centric policies, and promoting secure internet access. The event included an opening plenary with notable guests, panel discussions on various topics related to internet governance, and a closing ceremony that celebrated leadership transitions within the organization. Overall, the event aimed to empower youth and foster their active participation in shaping the future of internet governance in Nepal.

Youth IGF Nepal 2022

Following the National ICT Day of Nepal on May 2, 2022, the Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF) Nepal held its first annual meeting under the slogan “Empowering Youths for Open and Inclusive Internet.” The event focused on promoting and protecting youth in the digital space, empowering them for internet freedom, and advocating for an open and inclusive internet. It featured opening remarks from distinguished guests who highlighted the importance of equipping youth to address internet-related challenges. The forum included contributions from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for youth involvement in internet governance and policy-making. The chief guest reinforced the idea that access to the internet is a fundamental right and called for active youth engagement in shaping an inclusive digital future.