Program
Themes
Access & Inclusion
Innovation & Emerging Technologies
Resilience
Security & Trust
Sustainability
Conference Schedule
| Nepal Time | UTC time | Track 1 | Track 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00-08:15 | 02:15-02:30 | ||
| 08:15-08:30 | 02:30-02:45 | ||
| 08:30-08:45 | 02:45-03:00 | ||
| 08:45-09:00 | 03:00-03:15 | ||
| 09:00-09:15 | 03:15-03:30 | ||
| 09:15-09:30 | 03:30-03:45 | ||
| 09:30-09:45 | 03:45-04:00 | ||
| 09:45-10:00 | 04:00-04:15 | Day 0 Capacity Building Program(120 min) | |
| 10:00-10:15 | 04:15-04:30 | ||
| 10:15-10:30 | 04:30-04:45 | ||
| 10:30-10:45 | 04:45-05:00 | ||
| 10:45-11:00 | 05:00-05:15 | ||
| 11:00-11:15 | 05:15-05:30 | Regional Parliamentary Track APrIGF 2025 (75 min) |
|
| 11:15-11:30 | 05:30-05:45 | ||
| 11:30-11:45 | 05:45-06:00 | ||
| 11:45-12:00 | 06:00-06:15 | LUNCH (1 hr) |
|
| 12:00-12:15 | 06:15-06:30 | ||
| 12:15-12:30 | 06:30-06:45 | LUNCH (1 hr) |
|
| 12:30-12:45 | 06:45-07:00 | ||
| 12:45-13:00 | 07:00-07:15 | Asia Pacific Youth IGF 2025 More details on Program Agenda: yigf.asia |
|
| 13:00-13:15 | 07:15-07:30 | ||
| 13:15-13:30 | 07:30-07:45 | Regional Parliamentary Track APrIGF 2025 (75 min) |
|
| 13:30-13:45 | 07:45-08:00 | ||
| 13:45-14:00 | 08:00-08:15 | ||
| 14:00-14:15 | 08:15-08:30 | ||
| 14:15-14:30 | 08:30-08:45 | ||
| 14:30-14:45 | 08:45-09:00 | ||
| 14:45-15:00 | 09:00-09:15 | ||
| 15:00-15:15 | 09:15-09:30 | ||
| 15:15-15:30 | 09:30-09:45 | ||
| 15:30-15:45 | 09:45-10:00 | ||
| 15:45-16:00 | 10:00-10:15 | ||
| 16:00-16:15 | 10:15-10:30 | ||
| 16:15-16:30 | 10:30-10:45 | ||
| 16:30-16:45 | 10:45-11:00 | ||
| 16:45-17:00 | 11:00-11:15 | ||
| 17:00-17:15 | 11:15-11:30 | ||
| 17:15-17:30 | 11:30-11:45 | ||
| 17:30-17:45 | 11:45-12:00 | ||
| 17:45-18:00 | 12:00-12:15 | ||
| 18:00-18:15 | 12:15-12:30 | ||
| 18:15-18:30 | 12:30-12:45 |
APrIGF 2025 – Day 0 Capacity Building Program
| Time (UTC) | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 – 4:05 | Welcome and introductions to Day 0 Capacity Program
Code of conduct for event |
| 4:05 – 4:35 | Ice-breaker; for fellows & yIGF participants (30 min) |
| 4:35 – 4:50 | Introduction to APrIGF
(15 min) |
| 4:50 – 5:55 | Breakout Group Discussion (35 min)
Regroup: A representative of each group will present/share points of discussion Q&A/ Open floor |
| 5:55 – 6:00 | Closing Remarks for Day 0 Capacity Building Program (5 min) |
APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 05:15 – 08:45 UTC / 11:00 – 14:30 Nepal Time
More details can be found here: APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Register HERE to attend the session
Opening of the Regional Parliamentary Track and Welcome Remarks (05:15-05:30 UTC/11:00-11:15 NPT)
Moderator: Celine Bal, Associate Programme Officer at the IGF Secretariat
Opening Remarks:
- Chengetai Masango, Head of the IGF Secretariat
- Amrita Choudhury, Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum
[Parliamentary Session 1] Navigating the Net: An Introduction to the Internet Ecosystem (05:30-06:30 UTC/11:15-12:15 NPT)
This session introduces the key technical players in the Internet ecosystem and provides valuable insights into the technical operations of the Internet. It will further explore the unintended consequences that legislation can have on the proper functioning and integrity of the Internet. By bringing together Members of Parliament and experts from the technical community who operate the Internet’s infrastructure, the session’s goal is to bridge the gap between policy and technology ensuring that well-intentioned laws support, rather than unintentionally hinder, the open, secure, and interoperable nature of the Internet.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- What issues should be considered when drafting digital-related laws, taking note of the rapid technological and emerging technologies?
- What are Parliamentarians’ needs in digital governance? What challenges do legislators face when developing or reviewing legislation?
- How can Members of Parliament be best equipped with knowledge and technical support to avoid an unintended impact of legislation on the Internet?
- How could they best benefit from the IGF and its Parliamentary activities (e.g., type of outcome documents, collaboration opportunities, networking, follow-up mechanisms etc.)?
[Parliamentary Session 2] Governing Digital Platforms in the Asia-Pacific: Strengthening Public Policy through Multistakeholder Insights? (07:30-08:30 UTC/13:15-14:15 NPT)
Governing digital platforms can enable tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Discussions around public policies address challenges as well, related to the governance of data, digital rights, misinformation and content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and platform accountability. The session invites experts across sectors and disciplines to share concrete examples of governance practices around the regulation and oversight of digital platforms. MPs will engage with policy frameworks drawn from fellow parliamentarians, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, tailored to challenges faced by Asia-Pacific countries.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- How can digital platform regulation contribute to a more secure and trustworthy digital environment?
- How can laws and regulatory frameworks remain flexible and adaptive to rapidly evolving technologies like AI?
- What policies can protect national data sovereignty while enabling cross-border data flow?
- What are effective models for involving civil society, technical experts, and the private sector in policymaking around digital platforms?
- What legislative mechanisms can ensure greater transparency in how platforms use algorithms to curate content or make decisions?
- All-inclusive digital transformation, social inclusion, community projects, inclusive policy and regulatory processes
[Closing] What is next? Closing of the Regional Parliamentary Track (08:30-08:45 UTC/14:15-14:30 NPT)
By this time, discussions at the regional Parliamentary Track will have shaped a better understanding of the current and emerging digital landscape in the region and drawn-out priority areas for parliaments to focus on. Members of Parliaments will be invited to actively join sessions of the Asia Pacific regional Internet Governance Forum, take part in open discussions, build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Closing remarks from Babu Ram Aryal, APrIGF 2025 Host Country Representative
Opening Ceremony:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 04:00 – 05:30 UTC / 09:45 – 11:15 Nepal Time
Host: Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, Co-Convenor, APrIGF Program Committee 2025
Inaugural Ceremony (30 Minutes)
IGF Introductory video: The Internet We Want
- Welcome Remarks: Amrita Choudhury, Chair, Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF
- Opening Remarks: Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Keynote Speech: Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society (Pre-recorded)
- Remarks: Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Platform Governance in Asia Pacific
A video by IGF Secretariat: Maria Ressa on Digital Trust & Inclusion
Moderator: TBC
Panel Speakers: TBC
WSIS+20 High-Level Session:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 09:45 – 11:00 UTC / 15:30 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Plenary Roundtable (45 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Speakers:
- H. E. Suela Janina, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations
- H.E Ekitela Lokaale, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations
- Jennifer Chung, Co-convenor, Informal Multistakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB)
- Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation
- William Lee, Assistant Director, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
- Development and Communications, Australia
Anita Gurumurthy, Executive Director, IT For Change
WSIS+20 Town Hall Session (30 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Closing Ceremony:
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 09:30 – 11:00 UTC / 15:15 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Host: Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region
Moderator: Suman Basnet, Regional Director, AMARC-Asia Pacific
Panel Speakers:
- Binay Bohra, Managing Director, Vianet Communications
- Dr. Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, NIXI
- Marie Lisa M. Dacanay, President, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
- Sarai F. Tevita, Information and Communication Technology Director, National University of Samoa
- Toshiaki Tateishi, Vice Chairman, Japan Internet Providers Association
Closing Ceremony (30 Minutes)
- Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
- Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Closing Keynote Speech: TBC
- Bea Guevarra, Co-chair of Asia Pacific yIGF 2025
- Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
- Official Appointment for the next Chair & Vice-Chair (2026-2028)
| Nepal Time | UTC time | Track 1 | Track 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00-08:15 | 02:15-02:30 | ||
| 08:15-08:30 | 02:30-02:45 | ||
| 08:30-08:45 | 02:45-03:00 | ||
| 08:45-09:00 | 03:00-03:15 | ||
| 09:00-09:15 | 03:15-03:30 | ||
| 09:15-09:30 | 03:30-03:45 | ||
| 09:30-09:45 | 03:45-04:00 | ||
| 09:45-10:00 | 04:00-04:15 | APrIGF 2025 Opening Ceremony and Opening Plenary (90 min) |
|
| 10:00-10:15 | 04:15-04:30 | ||
| 10:15-10:30 | 04:30-04:45 | ||
| 10:30-10:45 | 04:45-05:00 | ||
| 10:45-11:00 | 05:00-05:15 | ||
| 11:00-11:15 | 05:15-05:30 | ||
| 11:15-11:30 | 05:30-05:45 | Break (15 min) | |
| 11:30-11:45 | 05:45-06:00 | AI4Justice: Bridging the Access Gap or Deepening the Digital Divide in the Asia-Pacific? Workshop (60 min) |
Disasters, Data, and Digital Rights Roundtable (60 min) |
| 11:45-12:00 | 06:00-06:15 | ||
| 12:00-12:15 | 06:15-06:30 | ||
| 12:15-12:30 | 06:30-06:45 | ||
| 12:30-12:45 | 06:45-07:00 | LUNCH (30 min) | |
| 12:45-13:00 | 07:00-07:15 | ||
| 13:00-13:15 | 07:15-07:30 | Multistakeholderism and meaningful participation in DPI Governance: What should it actually look like?
Workshop (60 min) |
Rethinking Universal Service Funds in South Asia: Challenges, Impact, and the Road Ahead
Showcase (30 min) |
| 13:15-13:30 | 07:30-07:45 | ||
| 13:30-13:45 | 07:45-08:00 | Break (10 min) | |
| 13:45-14:00 | 08:00-08:15 | Social AI, Youth and Digital Vulnerability: A call for multi-stakeholder action in the APAC Lightning Talk (20 min) |
|
| 14:00-14:15 | 08:15-08:30 | Break (15 min) | |
| 14:15-14:30 | 08:30-08:45 | “Which Animal Are You?” Take a Quiz, Learn More
Workshop (60 min) |
Not Just Participants: Youth as Co-Governors of the Internet
Roundtable (60 min) |
| 14:30-14:45 | 08:45-09:00 | ||
| 14:45-15:00 | 09:00-09:15 | ||
| 15:00-15:15 | 09:15-09:30 | ||
| 15:15-15:30 | 09:30-09:45 | Break (15 min) | |
| 15:30-15:45 | 09:45-10:00 | WSIS+20 High-Level Main Session WSIS+20 Town Hall(75 min) |
|
| 15:45-16:00 | 10:00-10:15 | ||
| 16:00-16:15 | 10:15-10:30 | ||
| 16:15-16:30 | 10:30-10:45 | ||
| 16:30-16:45 | 10:45-11:00 | ||
APrIGF 2025 – Day 0 Capacity Building Program
| Time (UTC) | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 – 4:05 | Welcome and introductions to Day 0 Capacity Program
Code of conduct for event |
| 4:05 – 4:35 | Ice-breaker; for fellows & yIGF participants (30 min) |
| 4:35 – 4:50 | Introduction to APrIGF
(15 min) |
| 4:50 – 5:55 | Breakout Group Discussion (35 min)
Regroup: A representative of each group will present/share points of discussion Q&A/ Open floor |
| 5:55 – 6:00 | Closing Remarks for Day 0 Capacity Building Program (5 min) |
APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 05:15 – 08:45 UTC / 11:00 – 14:30 Nepal Time
More details can be found here: APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Register HERE to attend the session
Opening of the Regional Parliamentary Track and Welcome Remarks (05:15-05:30 UTC/11:00-11:15 NPT)
Moderator: Celine Bal, Associate Programme Officer at the IGF Secretariat
Opening Remarks:
- Chengetai Masango, Head of the IGF Secretariat
- Amrita Choudhury, Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum
[Parliamentary Session 1] Navigating the Net: An Introduction to the Internet Ecosystem (05:30-06:30 UTC/11:15-12:15 NPT)
This session introduces the key technical players in the Internet ecosystem and provides valuable insights into the technical operations of the Internet. It will further explore the unintended consequences that legislation can have on the proper functioning and integrity of the Internet. By bringing together Members of Parliament and experts from the technical community who operate the Internet’s infrastructure, the session’s goal is to bridge the gap between policy and technology ensuring that well-intentioned laws support, rather than unintentionally hinder, the open, secure, and interoperable nature of the Internet.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- What issues should be considered when drafting digital-related laws, taking note of the rapid technological and emerging technologies?
- What are Parliamentarians’ needs in digital governance? What challenges do legislators face when developing or reviewing legislation?
- How can Members of Parliament be best equipped with knowledge and technical support to avoid an unintended impact of legislation on the Internet?
- How could they best benefit from the IGF and its Parliamentary activities (e.g., type of outcome documents, collaboration opportunities, networking, follow-up mechanisms etc.)?
[Parliamentary Session 2] Governing Digital Platforms in the Asia-Pacific: Strengthening Public Policy through Multistakeholder Insights? (07:30-08:30 UTC/13:15-14:15 NPT)
Governing digital platforms can enable tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Discussions around public policies address challenges as well, related to the governance of data, digital rights, misinformation and content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and platform accountability. The session invites experts across sectors and disciplines to share concrete examples of governance practices around the regulation and oversight of digital platforms. MPs will engage with policy frameworks drawn from fellow parliamentarians, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, tailored to challenges faced by Asia-Pacific countries.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- How can digital platform regulation contribute to a more secure and trustworthy digital environment?
- How can laws and regulatory frameworks remain flexible and adaptive to rapidly evolving technologies like AI?
- What policies can protect national data sovereignty while enabling cross-border data flow?
- What are effective models for involving civil society, technical experts, and the private sector in policymaking around digital platforms?
- What legislative mechanisms can ensure greater transparency in how platforms use algorithms to curate content or make decisions?
- All-inclusive digital transformation, social inclusion, community projects, inclusive policy and regulatory processes
[Closing] What is next? Closing of the Regional Parliamentary Track (08:30-08:45 UTC/14:15-14:30 NPT)
By this time, discussions at the regional Parliamentary Track will have shaped a better understanding of the current and emerging digital landscape in the region and drawn-out priority areas for parliaments to focus on. Members of Parliaments will be invited to actively join sessions of the Asia Pacific regional Internet Governance Forum, take part in open discussions, build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Closing remarks from Babu Ram Aryal, APrIGF 2025 Host Country Representative
Opening Ceremony:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 04:00 – 05:30 UTC / 09:45 – 11:15 Nepal Time
Host: Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, Co-Convenor, APrIGF Program Committee 2025
Inaugural Ceremony (30 Minutes)
IGF Introductory video: The Internet We Want
- Welcome Remarks: Amrita Choudhury, Chair, Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF
- Opening Remarks: Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Keynote Speech: Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society (Pre-recorded)
- Remarks: Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Platform Governance in Asia Pacific
A video by IGF Secretariat: Maria Ressa on Digital Trust & Inclusion
Moderator: TBC
Panel Speakers: TBC
WSIS+20 High-Level Session:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 09:45 – 11:00 UTC / 15:30 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Plenary Roundtable (45 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Speakers:
- H. E. Suela Janina, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations
- H.E Ekitela Lokaale, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations
- Jennifer Chung, Co-convenor, Informal Multistakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB)
- Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation
- William Lee, Assistant Director, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
- Development and Communications, Australia
Anita Gurumurthy, Executive Director, IT For Change
WSIS+20 Town Hall Session (30 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Closing Ceremony:
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 09:30 – 11:00 UTC / 15:15 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Host: Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region
Moderator: Suman Basnet, Regional Director, AMARC-Asia Pacific
Panel Speakers:
- Binay Bohra, Managing Director, Vianet Communications
- Dr. Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, NIXI
- Marie Lisa M. Dacanay, President, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
- Sarai F. Tevita, Information and Communication Technology Director, National University of Samoa
- Toshiaki Tateishi, Vice Chairman, Japan Internet Providers Association
Closing Ceremony (30 Minutes)
- Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
- Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Closing Keynote Speech: TBC
- Bea Guevarra, Co-chair of Asia Pacific yIGF 2025
- Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
- Official Appointment for the next Chair & Vice-Chair (2026-2028)
| Nepal Time | UTC time | Track 1 | Track 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00-08:15 | 02:15-02:30 | ||
| 08:15-08:30 | 02:30-02:45 | ||
| 08:30-08:45 | 02:45-03:00 | ||
| 08:45-09:00 | 03:00-03:15 | ||
| 09:00-09:15 | 03:15-03:30 | Nothing About Us Without Us: Advancing Inclusive Digital Governance for Persons with Disabilities in Asia-Pacific Roundtable (60 min) |
Regulating AI Beyond the Hype: Evidence, Equity, and Policy Priorities for the Asia-Pacific Panel Discussion (60 min) |
| 09:15-09:30 | 03:30-03:45 | ||
| 09:30-09:45 | 03:45-04:00 | ||
| 09:45-10:00 | 04:00-04:15 | ||
| 10:00-10:15 | 04:15-04:30 | Break (15 min) | |
| 10:15-10:30 | 04:30-04:45 | Internet Governance at a Crossroads: Asia-Pacific Priorities for WSIS+20 and Beyond
Panel Discussion (60 min) |
Local Bots, Global Norms: Discussing content moderation and chatbots in the APAC region Fireside Chat (30 min) |
| 10:30-10:45 | 04:45-05:00 | ||
| 10:45-11:00 | 05:00-05:15 | Break (10 min) | |
| 11:00-11:15 | 05:15-05:30 | Digital Dilemmas in Just Transitions: Lessons from India’s Coal Heartland Lightning Talk (20 min) |
|
| 11:15-11:30 | 05:30-05:45 | Break (15 min) | |
| 11:30-11:45 | 05:45-06:00 | Smart, Safe, Strong: Youth Innovations for Online Child Protection
Panel Discussion (60 min) |
Prioritising Digital Gender Inclusion in Asia: From Token Mentions to Transformative Action
Panel Discussion (60 min) |
| 11:45-12:00 | 06:00-06:15 | ||
| 12:00-12:15 | 06:15-06:30 | ||
| 12:15-12:30 | 06:30-06:45 | ||
| 12:30-12:45 | 06:45-07:00 | LUNCH (30 min) | |
| 12:45-13:00 | 07:00-07:15 | ||
| 13:00-13:15 | 07:15-07:30 | AI as Public Good: Analysing the interplay of Private Investments, Public Infrastructure and Public Accountability
Workshop (60 min) |
Powering Sustainable Connectivity: curveIQ’s Low-Cost Solution for Remote Telecom Sites Pitch (20 min) |
| 13:15-13:30 | 07:30-07:45 | Break (10 min) | |
| 13:30-13:45 | 07:45-08:00 | Experience of Co-designing Digital Justice and Inclusion Initiatives with Communities in Bangladesh
Showcase (30 min) |
|
| 13:45-14:00 | 08:00-08:15 | ||
| 14:00-14:15 | 08:15-08:30 | Break (15 min) | |
| 14:15-14:30 | 08:30-08:45 | Bridging the Digital Divide: Youth Access to Knowledge, Policy, and Power
Workshop (60 min) |
Inclusive Digital Policies in Asia-Pacific Panel Discussion (60 min) |
| 14:30-14:45 | 08:45-09:00 | ||
| 14:45-15:00 | 09:00-09:15 | ||
| 15:00-15:15 | 09:15-09:30 | ||
| 15:15-15:30 | 09:30-09:45 | Break (15 min) | |
| 15:30-15:45 | 09:45-10:00 | APrIGF Town Hall Session
(75 min) |
|
| 15:45-16:00 | 10:00-10:15 | ||
| 16:00-16:15 | 10:15-10:30 | ||
| 16:15-16:30 | 10:30-10:45 | ||
| 16:30-16:45 | 10:45-11:00 | ||
APrIGF 2025 – Day 0 Capacity Building Program
| Time (UTC) | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 – 4:05 | Welcome and introductions to Day 0 Capacity Program
Code of conduct for event |
| 4:05 – 4:35 | Ice-breaker; for fellows & yIGF participants (30 min) |
| 4:35 – 4:50 | Introduction to APrIGF
(15 min) |
| 4:50 – 5:55 | Breakout Group Discussion (35 min)
Regroup: A representative of each group will present/share points of discussion Q&A/ Open floor |
| 5:55 – 6:00 | Closing Remarks for Day 0 Capacity Building Program (5 min) |
APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 05:15 – 08:45 UTC / 11:00 – 14:30 Nepal Time
More details can be found here: APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Register HERE to attend the session
Opening of the Regional Parliamentary Track and Welcome Remarks (05:15-05:30 UTC/11:00-11:15 NPT)
Moderator: Celine Bal, Associate Programme Officer at the IGF Secretariat
Opening Remarks:
- Chengetai Masango, Head of the IGF Secretariat
- Amrita Choudhury, Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum
[Parliamentary Session 1] Navigating the Net: An Introduction to the Internet Ecosystem (05:30-06:30 UTC/11:15-12:15 NPT)
This session introduces the key technical players in the Internet ecosystem and provides valuable insights into the technical operations of the Internet. It will further explore the unintended consequences that legislation can have on the proper functioning and integrity of the Internet. By bringing together Members of Parliament and experts from the technical community who operate the Internet’s infrastructure, the session’s goal is to bridge the gap between policy and technology ensuring that well-intentioned laws support, rather than unintentionally hinder, the open, secure, and interoperable nature of the Internet.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- What issues should be considered when drafting digital-related laws, taking note of the rapid technological and emerging technologies?
- What are Parliamentarians’ needs in digital governance? What challenges do legislators face when developing or reviewing legislation?
- How can Members of Parliament be best equipped with knowledge and technical support to avoid an unintended impact of legislation on the Internet?
- How could they best benefit from the IGF and its Parliamentary activities (e.g., type of outcome documents, collaboration opportunities, networking, follow-up mechanisms etc.)?
[Parliamentary Session 2] Governing Digital Platforms in the Asia-Pacific: Strengthening Public Policy through Multistakeholder Insights? (07:30-08:30 UTC/13:15-14:15 NPT)
Governing digital platforms can enable tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Discussions around public policies address challenges as well, related to the governance of data, digital rights, misinformation and content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and platform accountability. The session invites experts across sectors and disciplines to share concrete examples of governance practices around the regulation and oversight of digital platforms. MPs will engage with policy frameworks drawn from fellow parliamentarians, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, tailored to challenges faced by Asia-Pacific countries.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- How can digital platform regulation contribute to a more secure and trustworthy digital environment?
- How can laws and regulatory frameworks remain flexible and adaptive to rapidly evolving technologies like AI?
- What policies can protect national data sovereignty while enabling cross-border data flow?
- What are effective models for involving civil society, technical experts, and the private sector in policymaking around digital platforms?
- What legislative mechanisms can ensure greater transparency in how platforms use algorithms to curate content or make decisions?
- All-inclusive digital transformation, social inclusion, community projects, inclusive policy and regulatory processes
[Closing] What is next? Closing of the Regional Parliamentary Track (08:30-08:45 UTC/14:15-14:30 NPT)
By this time, discussions at the regional Parliamentary Track will have shaped a better understanding of the current and emerging digital landscape in the region and drawn-out priority areas for parliaments to focus on. Members of Parliaments will be invited to actively join sessions of the Asia Pacific regional Internet Governance Forum, take part in open discussions, build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Closing remarks from Babu Ram Aryal, APrIGF 2025 Host Country Representative
Opening Ceremony:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 04:00 – 05:30 UTC / 09:45 – 11:15 Nepal Time
Host: Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, Co-Convenor, APrIGF Program Committee 2025
Inaugural Ceremony (30 Minutes)
IGF Introductory video: The Internet We Want
- Welcome Remarks: Amrita Choudhury, Chair, Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF
- Opening Remarks: Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Keynote Speech: Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society (Pre-recorded)
- Remarks: Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Platform Governance in Asia Pacific
A video by IGF Secretariat: Maria Ressa on Digital Trust & Inclusion
Moderator: TBC
Panel Speakers: TBC
WSIS+20 High-Level Session:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 09:45 – 11:00 UTC / 15:30 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Plenary Roundtable (45 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Speakers:
- H. E. Suela Janina, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations
- H.E Ekitela Lokaale, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations
- Jennifer Chung, Co-convenor, Informal Multistakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB)
- Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation
- William Lee, Assistant Director, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
- Development and Communications, Australia
Anita Gurumurthy, Executive Director, IT For Change
WSIS+20 Town Hall Session (30 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Closing Ceremony:
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 09:30 – 11:00 UTC / 15:15 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Host: Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region
Moderator: Suman Basnet, Regional Director, AMARC-Asia Pacific
Panel Speakers:
- Binay Bohra, Managing Director, Vianet Communications
- Dr. Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, NIXI
- Marie Lisa M. Dacanay, President, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
- Sarai F. Tevita, Information and Communication Technology Director, National University of Samoa
- Toshiaki Tateishi, Vice Chairman, Japan Internet Providers Association
Closing Ceremony (30 Minutes)
- Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
- Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Closing Keynote Speech: TBC
- Bea Guevarra, Co-chair of Asia Pacific yIGF 2025
- Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
- Official Appointment for the next Chair & Vice-Chair (2026-2028)
| Nepal Time | UTC time | Track 1 | Track 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00-08:15 | 02:15-02:30 | WSIS+20 Stakeholder Consultation (This session is organised by the IGF Secretariat. Meeting link is available only to those who have registered for this session through UN DESA website) |
|
| 08:15-08:30 | 02:30-02:45 | ||
| 08:30-08:45 | 02:45-03:00 | ||
| 08:45-09:00 | 03:00-03:15 | ||
| 09:00-09:15 | 03:15-03:30 | ||
| 09:15-09:30 | 03:30-03:45 | ||
| 09:30-09:45 | 03:45-04:00 | Break (15 min) | |
| 09:45-10:00 | 04:00-04:15 | From Oversight to Overlooked: Ethics in AI Governance
Panel Discussion (60 min) |
|
| 10:00-10:15 | 04:15-04:30 | ||
| 10:15-10:30 | 04:30-04:45 | ||
| 10:30-10:45 | 04:45-05:00 | ||
| 10:45-11:00 | 05:00-05:15 | Break (15 min) | |
| 11:00-11:15 | 05:15-05:30 | APrIGF 2025 Fellowship Program Fellows Presentation(60 min) |
Building Rights-Centric Digital Infrastructure: A Collaborative Workshop on the Data-Centric Digital Rights (DCDR) Framework Workshop (60 min) |
| 11:15-11:30 | 05:30-05:45 | ||
| 11:30-11:45 | 05:45-06:00 | ||
| 11:45-12:00 | 06:00-06:15 | ||
| 12:00-12:15 | 06:15-06:30 | Break (15 min) | |
| 12:15-12:30 | 06:30-06:45 | Empowering Data for All: Unlocking Trust and Transparency using Open Data Editor Workshop (60 min) |
A Garden of Connectivity: Visualizing the Internet Connectivity Landscape
Showcase (30 min) |
| 12:30-12:45 | 06:45-07:00 | ||
| 12:45-13:00 | 07:00-07:15 | Break (10 min) | |
| 13:00-13:15 | 07:15-07:30 | The Growing Threat of Personal Liability in Platform Regulation: A Necessary Measure or Overreach?
Lightning Talk (20 min) |
|
| 13:15-13:30 | 07:30-07:45 | LUNCH (30 min) | |
| 13:30-13:45 | 07:45-08:00 | ||
| 13:45-14:00 | 08:00-08:15 | APrIGF Town Hall Session
(75 min) |
|
| 14:00-14:15 | 08:15-08:30 | ||
| 14:15-14:30 | 08:30-08:45 | ||
| 14:30-14:45 | 08:45-09:00 | ||
| 14:45-15:00 | 09:00-09:15 | ||
| 15:00-15:15 | 09:15-09:30 | Break (15 min) | |
| 15:15-15:30 | 09:30-09:45 | APrIGF 2025 Closing Ceremony and Closing Plenary
(90 min) |
|
| 15:30-15:45 | 09:45-10:00 | ||
| 15:45-16:00 | 10:00-10:15 | ||
| 16:00-16:15 | 10:15-10:30 | ||
| 16:15-16:30 | 10:30-10:45 | ||
| 16:30-16:45 | 10:45-11:00 | ||
APrIGF 2025 – Day 0 Capacity Building Program
| Time (UTC) | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 – 4:05 | Welcome and introductions to Day 0 Capacity Program
Code of conduct for event |
| 4:05 – 4:35 | Ice-breaker; for fellows & yIGF participants (30 min) |
| 4:35 – 4:50 | Introduction to APrIGF
(15 min) |
| 4:50 – 5:55 | Breakout Group Discussion (35 min)
Regroup: A representative of each group will present/share points of discussion Q&A/ Open floor |
| 5:55 – 6:00 | Closing Remarks for Day 0 Capacity Building Program (5 min) |
APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 05:15 – 08:45 UTC / 11:00 – 14:30 Nepal Time
More details can be found here: APrIGF 2025 Regional Parliamentary Track
Register HERE to attend the session
Opening of the Regional Parliamentary Track and Welcome Remarks (05:15-05:30 UTC/11:00-11:15 NPT)
Moderator: Celine Bal, Associate Programme Officer at the IGF Secretariat
Opening Remarks:
- Chengetai Masango, Head of the IGF Secretariat
- Amrita Choudhury, Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum
[Parliamentary Session 1] Navigating the Net: An Introduction to the Internet Ecosystem (05:30-06:30 UTC/11:15-12:15 NPT)
This session introduces the key technical players in the Internet ecosystem and provides valuable insights into the technical operations of the Internet. It will further explore the unintended consequences that legislation can have on the proper functioning and integrity of the Internet. By bringing together Members of Parliament and experts from the technical community who operate the Internet’s infrastructure, the session’s goal is to bridge the gap between policy and technology ensuring that well-intentioned laws support, rather than unintentionally hinder, the open, secure, and interoperable nature of the Internet.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- What issues should be considered when drafting digital-related laws, taking note of the rapid technological and emerging technologies?
- What are Parliamentarians’ needs in digital governance? What challenges do legislators face when developing or reviewing legislation?
- How can Members of Parliament be best equipped with knowledge and technical support to avoid an unintended impact of legislation on the Internet?
- How could they best benefit from the IGF and its Parliamentary activities (e.g., type of outcome documents, collaboration opportunities, networking, follow-up mechanisms etc.)?
[Parliamentary Session 2] Governing Digital Platforms in the Asia-Pacific: Strengthening Public Policy through Multistakeholder Insights? (07:30-08:30 UTC/13:15-14:15 NPT)
Governing digital platforms can enable tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Discussions around public policies address challenges as well, related to the governance of data, digital rights, misinformation and content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and platform accountability. The session invites experts across sectors and disciplines to share concrete examples of governance practices around the regulation and oversight of digital platforms. MPs will engage with policy frameworks drawn from fellow parliamentarians, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, tailored to challenges faced by Asia-Pacific countries.
Through an open and practical dialogue, the session will address key questions, including:
- How can digital platform regulation contribute to a more secure and trustworthy digital environment?
- How can laws and regulatory frameworks remain flexible and adaptive to rapidly evolving technologies like AI?
- What policies can protect national data sovereignty while enabling cross-border data flow?
- What are effective models for involving civil society, technical experts, and the private sector in policymaking around digital platforms?
- What legislative mechanisms can ensure greater transparency in how platforms use algorithms to curate content or make decisions?
- All-inclusive digital transformation, social inclusion, community projects, inclusive policy and regulatory processes
[Closing] What is next? Closing of the Regional Parliamentary Track (08:30-08:45 UTC/14:15-14:30 NPT)
By this time, discussions at the regional Parliamentary Track will have shaped a better understanding of the current and emerging digital landscape in the region and drawn-out priority areas for parliaments to focus on. Members of Parliaments will be invited to actively join sessions of the Asia Pacific regional Internet Governance Forum, take part in open discussions, build relationships and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Closing remarks from Babu Ram Aryal, APrIGF 2025 Host Country Representative
Opening Ceremony:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 04:00 – 05:30 UTC / 09:45 – 11:15 Nepal Time
Host: Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, Co-Convenor, APrIGF Program Committee 2025
Inaugural Ceremony (30 Minutes)
IGF Introductory video: The Internet We Want
- Welcome Remarks: Amrita Choudhury, Chair, Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG) of APrIGF
- Opening Remarks: Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Keynote Speech: Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society (Pre-recorded)
- Remarks: Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Platform Governance in Asia Pacific
A video by IGF Secretariat: Maria Ressa on Digital Trust & Inclusion
Moderator: TBC
Panel Speakers: TBC
WSIS+20 High-Level Session:
Date: 12 October 2025
Time: 09:45 – 11:00 UTC / 15:30 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Plenary Roundtable (45 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Speakers:
- H. E. Suela Janina, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations
- H.E Ekitela Lokaale, Co-facilitator of WSIS+20, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations
- Jennifer Chung, Co-convenor, Informal Multistakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB)
- Sally Wentworth, President & CEO, Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation
- William Lee, Assistant Director, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
- Development and Communications, Australia
Anita Gurumurthy, Executive Director, IT For Change
WSIS+20 Town Hall Session (30 Minutes)
Moderator:
- Alban Kwan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Syed Kazi, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
- Yien Chyn Tan, Co-Chair, APrIGF 2025 Drafting Committee
Closing Ceremony:
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 09:30 – 11:00 UTC / 15:15 – 16:45 Nepal Time
Host: Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
Plenary Roundtable (60 Minutes)
Title: Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies for Inclusive and Sustainable Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region
Moderator: Suman Basnet, Regional Director, AMARC-Asia Pacific
Panel Speakers:
- Binay Bohra, Managing Director, Vianet Communications
- Dr. Devesh Tyagi, Chief Executive Officer, NIXI
- Marie Lisa M. Dacanay, President, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
- Sarai F. Tevita, Information and Communication Technology Director, National University of Samoa
- Toshiaki Tateishi, Vice Chairman, Japan Internet Providers Association
Closing Ceremony (30 Minutes)
- Babu Ram Aryal, Chair, Host Steering Committee
- Edmon Chung, APrIGF Secretariat
- Closing Keynote Speech: TBC
- Bea Guevarra, Co-chair of Asia Pacific yIGF 2025
- Ashirwad Tripathy, Vice-Chair, APrIGF Multistakeholder Steering Group (MSG)
- Official Appointment for the next Chair & Vice-Chair (2026-2028)
Program
- May 6, 2025
The 2025 DRAFT Program Schedule is as follows. Please note that this is not the final program agenda. The agenda will continue to be updated and will only be finalised at a later date.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the secretariat at [email protected].
The 16th edition, scheduled for October 11-14, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal, will continue this tradition under the theme “The Future of Multistakeholder Digital Governance in Asia Pacific.” And Sub-themes: Security & Trust, Resilience, Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Sustainability, Access & Inclusion.
In exploring this theme, we will engage with five critical sub-themes; Security & Trust, Resilience, Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Sustainability, and Access & Inclusion. The APrIGF welcomes proposals on various key issues related to these sub-themes, but not limited to the word clouds presented.
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Security & Trust
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Resilience
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Innovation & Emerging Technologies
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Sustainability
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Access & Inclusion
For more information visit this link