Internet Society’s Youth Ambassador 2024/2025 | The authority of Internet Society’s Youth Ambassador has open application portal for new applicants. This opportunity equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to engage in global Internet governance and policy-making, the Youth Ambassador Program helps build the next generation of Internet leaders.
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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?
- attend a key Internet event?
- gain access to a platform where you can raise your voice on Internet issues that matter to you?
- influence policies that defend the Internet?
The Youth Ambassador Program:
The Youth Ambassador Program is a part of the broader Internet Society’s Next Generation Leaders (NGL) initiative, which aims to engage young people in Internet governance. This program was created in response to the need for younger voices in discussions about the future of the Internet.
With the growing influence of the Internet on virtually every aspect of life—commerce, education, health, and social interactions—it is imperative that young people have a say in shaping the policies and frameworks that govern its use.
As a Youth Ambassador, you are equipped with knowledge and skills to influence policies that defend the Internet while innovating for a better world.
You will also have the opportunity to attend an event especially selected for you according to your preferences, profile, and location.
Through the program, the Internet Society seeks to provide young people with:
- Leadership skills:
- Global networking opportunities
- Mentorship:
- Policy advocacy experience
Global Impact of the Program
The Youth Ambassador Program has had a significant impact on Internet governance discussions worldwide. By providing young people with the tools and platforms to engage in these discussions, the program has helped elevate the voices of those who are often underrepresented in policy-making processes.
Benefits
This program brings the opportunity to:
- Join a network of knowledgeable Internet leaders who continue to develop their skills and competencies, actively support Internet Society’s mission, and advocate for protecting the Internet.
- Deepen your subject expertise through specific Internet governance online training.
- Broaden your advocacy, communications, project management, and leadership skills.
- Attend a significant Internet event especially selected for you according to your preferences, profile and location.
- Engage and collaborate with key Internet stakeholders around the world.
- Be mentored by key Internet leaders and experts.
- Develop the skills and connections needed to make more of an impact in your local community (and beyond!).
- Benefit from sharing networks, learning from each other’s approaches, working together, and forging relationships that will significantly enhance your impact as future Internet leaders in your community, country, and region.
Training and Capacity Building
Once selected, Youth Ambassadors undergo rigorous training to build their understanding of Internet governance and digital policy. This training covers a wide range of topics, including:
(i) Internet governance principles: Ambassadors learn about the basic principles that underpin the global Internet, including openness, accessibility, and neutrality. This foundation helps them engage in discussions about policies that affect the Internet’s future.
(ii) Policy and advocacy: Participants are trained in how to advocate for policy changes at the local, national, and international levels. This training includes developing policy briefs, engaging with policymakers, and using media platforms to raise awareness of key issues.
(iii) Cybersecurity and privacy: With growing concerns over cyber threats, surveillance, and privacy violations, Youth Ambassadors are educated on the importance of protecting the Internet from these risks. They learn how to advocate for stronger cybersecurity frameworks while also respecting individual privacy rights.
(iv) Digital inclusion: Ambassadors are encouraged to promote digital inclusion in their communities by advocating for policies that ensure equal access to the Internet for all people, regardless of geographic, socioeconomic, or cultural differences.
Eligibility
All applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 18-30 at the date of the submitted application
- Have a high level of reading, speaking and writing skills in English
- Be comfortable with public speaking and communicating positions
- Have continuous access to the Internet during all the phases of the program as well as the appropriate equipment
- Be able to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per week during the 12-month program duration
- Have the availability to take part in weekly meetings and webinars, usually between 11h and 16h UTC
- Be able to travel and hold a valid passport
- Not have been previously selected as an Internet Society’s IGF Ambassador, IGF Youth Ambassador, Youth@IGF Fellow, or Youth Ambassador
Apply Become an Internet Society’s Youth Ambassador 2024/2025
Interested applicants should visit the official application portal : Click Here
Application Deadline: 8 October 2024
Conclusion
The Internet Society’s Youth Ambassador Program has gained recognition as one of the most influential platforms for empowering young people to become leaders and advocates for an open, globally connected, and secure Internet.
This Program is a crucial initiative that empowers young people to play an active role in shaping the future of the Internet. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in global policy-making, the program fosters a new generation of leaders who are committed to promoting an open, secure, and accessible Internet for all.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Youth Ambassador Program will remain an essential platform for ensuring that young voices are heard in the global conversation about the Internet’s future.
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