By Bikram Shrestha on 22 Mar 2024
APRICOT 2024 /
APNIC 57 Cooperation SIG.
Categories: Community Development
The APNIC
Cooperation Special Interest Group (Cooperation SIG) serves as a platform for
discussing high-level public policy topics and connecting them to the
practicalities of network operations. This facilitates collaboration between
network operators and individuals from non-technical backgrounds, fostering
cooperation between the broader technical and non-technical Internet
communities. During the APNIC 57 Cooperation SIG session at APRICOT 2024,
esteemed speakers such as Sylvia Cadena (APNIC Foundation), Notachard
Chintakanond (APT), Liu Ziping (NBTC), Sameer Sharma (ITU), and Ian Sheldon
(Australian government) shared their insights on the significance of the theme,
'Technical Capacity Building for Internet Development,' emphasizing its critical
importance for the Asia Pacific region. Despite technological advancements, 33%
(2.6 billion) of the global population remains offline, with a noticeable
gender gap as 65% of women use the Internet compared to 70% of men. Addressing
this digital and gender disparity is a pressing global challenge that
necessitates implementing specialized training programs and workshops for ICT
professionals and policymakers. Additionally, providing basic and intermediate
digital skills training for individuals in underserved communities is essential
for bridging the digital skills gap.
Measuring outcomes
Sylvia
discussed the various projects that the APNIC Foundation has supported
throughout the region, all aimed at addressing disparities through a wide range
of technical and solution-based initiatives. She acknowledged the challenges in
measuring impact and comparing outcomes across different projects, particularly
those focused on human capacity building. While infrastructure and technical
projects can be measured using specific metrics, Sylvia stressed the importance
of incorporating a human element into reporting mechanisms. The Foundation
encourages grant recipients to provide progress reports at various stages of
their projects, allowing for flexibility to adapt to evolving technology and
needs. This adaptability has led to measurable success in project completion by
promoting continuous inquiry and learning throughout the process. Sameer echoed
Sylvia's sentiments regarding the challenges of measuring outcomes and highlighted
the significance of comprehensive training evaluations as part of the solution.
These evaluations, conducted both quantitatively and qualitatively, focus on
aspects such as training quality, participant feedback, and areas for
improvement in future courses. Data collected includes participant
demographics, economic information, and gender-disaggregated data. The feedback
received helps prioritize educational needs and shape more relevant training
modules. Sameer emphasized that actively evaluating instructor quality also
enhances participant engagement, viewing the training process as a dynamic
teaching and learning experience that ultimately improves outcomes.
The role of government
The discussion
then transitioned to the topic of government and inter-government collaboration.
elaborated on the Australian
government's approach to capacity building, which involves a range of
interactions starting from initial engagements and bilateral outreach to other
economies. The government collaborates with intergovernmental organizations
like the ITU and APT, providing annual voluntary contributions for
capacity-building projects in the Asia Pacific region. Additionally,
partnership arrangements are established with delivery partners, such as the
recent collaboration with the APNIC Foundation to promote community
participation in the IETF. Ian emphasized that he finds partnership
arrangements to be the most fulfilling aspect of capacity building. By bringing
together various sectors of the community through different organizations,
along with the consulting and convening power of the government, specific
capacity-building challenges can be effectively addressed.
Cooperation
Notochard suggested that this intersection is where stakeholders come together, comparing the differences between the public and private sectors to walking on the same road but in different lanes. While both sectors have common goals, the public sector focuses on regulatory concerns that serve the majority, while private sector organizations focus on their own specific specialties. To promote collaboration, Notochard stressed the significance of informal communication aided by technology, promoting open and honest dialogue between the two sectors. The necessity for shared and concrete plans, such as master plans and long-term goals, is crucial to achieving common objectives. The panelists and chairs concurred that the work is vital and ongoing. While NGOs may have previously found it challenging to engage with governments, Ian suggested that it doesn't have to be complicated when interacting with the government.
Bikram is Head
of Digital Banking of the Sanima Bank Ltd, President of Nepal Internet
Foundation in Nepal, and the APNIC Cooperation SIG Co-Chair.
Watch the APNIC Cooperation SIG at APNIC 57.