Attending the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) for the first time as a representative of EngageMedia was a transformative experience – an opportunity to connect, share, learn and contribute meaningfully to critical global conversations on internet governance.
Throughout the week, I attended a variety of sessions that deepened my understanding of the evolving landscape of internet governance. These discussions, on subjects ranging from digital rights to decentralised protocols and inclusive AI, reminded me of how interconnected our struggles and solutions are. It was inspiring to witness the diversity of voices, the openness of conversations, and the shared desire to make the internet a more equitable and just space for all.
Showcasing the DRAPAC VPN Project
One of the most impactful moments was hearing directly from a journalist and user of our DRAPAC VPN Project, who shared how the tool has been invaluable for his advocacy and journalism work. This secure, free VPN service – developed in collaboration with Reporters Without Borders, eQualitie, Digital Defenders Partnership, SAFEnet, Exile Hub, DigiSecLab and Spring Revolution Security – continues to provide vital online access to at-risk users across the Asia-Pacific.
Additionally, I was able to demonstrate how the DRAPAC VPN Bot works via Telegram, offering a streamlined way for users to request access keys. Several potential partners and users expressed interest in adopting and amplifying this tool within their own networks. I also had an opportunity to meet and chat with a representative from an organisation based outside of the Asia-Pacific region that is keen to partner with us for the DRAPAC VPN Project. We are excited for this possible collaboration!
Facilitating a session on feminist and intersectional digital governance
Another highlight was participating as a breakout session facilitator during the "Growing a Movement for Feminist and Intersectional Digital Governance" side event, hosted by the Alliance for Universal Digital Rights (AUDRi). Together with participants and co-hosts Equality Now,Women Leading in AI, Pollicy and APC, we explored strategies to push governments and other relevant actors to act on international frameworks centred on gender and marginalised communities. It was also encouraging to hear DRAPAC mentioned as a space for collaborative and inclusive tech governance.
Looking ahead to DRAPAC25
Many attendees I met expressed excitement about the upcoming DRAPAC25 Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. I’ve invited several individuals and organisations I met at the IGF, who are not familiar with DRAPAC25, to attend it. As of this writing, I got confirmation that some of them will join us – it will be their first time attending our event. It’s heartening to know that we’re building a growing, diverse community eager to contribute to DRAPAC25.
Collaborative spaces and future conversations
IGF 2025 also opened doors for future collaborations. I joined Project Liberty Institute’s closed-door meeting on decentralised governance of the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP), where I shared insights about the decentralised elements of the DRAPAC VPN project. This space brought together civil society, technologists and governance experts – including representatives from Mastodon, ICANN and the Digital Public Goods Alliance – to explore practical pathways for community-led digital governance.
Additionally, EngageMedia co-organised a side event with the Centre for Communication Governance at National Law University Delhi focused on shaping an inclusive India AI Impact Summit 2026. As one of the collaborators, we joined partners like Derechos Digitales, UNODET, Global Network Initiative, Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa and Forum on Information and Democracy to discuss how to bring Global Majority perspectives to the forefront of AI governance. We’re looking forward to continued engagements in the lead-up to this summit.
Sharing our story and strengthening network ties
At the IGF, EngageMedia had the opportunity to share our work at the APC booth. We displayed promotional materials and engaged with many participants, including some encountering EngageMedia for the first time. These conversations opened doors to potential collaborations and increased awareness of our initiatives, particularly among fellow digital rights advocates and newcomers to the field.
Another key moment for networking and collaboration was the APC orientation session, where I met other members of the APC network in person – some of them also attending their first IGF. It was a space to exchange updates, invite each other to our sessions at the IGF, and express areas where we need support. These interactions reinforced a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie among allies across the globe.
Moving forward
Following the IGF, I’ll be reconnecting with many of the people I met for potential collaborations, including hosting DRAPAC Series sessions around their reports and co-creating tech and advocacy initiatives. The energy and inspiration I bring home from IGF 2025 are grounded in the deepening of relationships, the promise of shared action, and the knowledge that we are not alone in this work.
I would like to thank APC for making this experience possible through their Member Engagement and Travel Fund (METF) support. To everyone I met: Thank you for the conversations, the connections, and the shared commitment to a freer, safer and more equitable digital future. See you in Kuala Lumpur for DRAPAC25!
Meg Soriano is a programme coordinator at EngageMedia. She coordinates EngageMedia’s efforts around expanding and strengthening the digital rights movement in the Asia-Pacific region. She also leads the user technology activation and advocacy efforts of EngageMedia’s Human Rights Technology Initiative