CAN Federation hosts APIGA Nepal 2025 to train young leaders in internet governance

KATHMANDU: Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) organised the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) Nepal 2025 this week. The event was an intensive two‑day capacity‑building workshop.

Organised in collaboration with ICANN and KISA, the workshop aimed to nurture a new generation of Nepali leaders able to navigate the complexities of global internet governance.

The programme offered tertiary students and young professionals a deep dive into the multi‑stakeholder model, covering key areas such as ICANN policies, DNS management and youth representation in international policy‑making. Sessions combined theoretical briefings with practical exercises, including simulation games and roundtable discussions, to bridge the gap between academic study and professional policy development.

A keynote address by Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of CAN Federation and a noted cybersecurity expert, called for urgent national attention to digital policy reform. Adhikari emphasised that reforming the digital ecosystem must be treated as a national priority to align with evolving global standards.

"To build a resilient internet foundation in Nepal, we must empower our young people to perform at the highest levels of governance," Adhikari said. "Reforming our digital ecosystem is not just a technical necessity; it is a vital step toward national digital sovereignty."

Speaking also in his capacity as CEO of One Cover, Adhikari urged a security‑first approach to governance, arguing that innovation must be balanced with rigorous cyber resilience. He encouraged participants to analyse policy through a framework that protects data privacy and counters emerging threats, and attendees took part in hands‑on exercises designed to link technical cybersecurity skills with international policy understanding.

The CAN Federation said the workshop concluded with a commitment to sustain ties with the Asia Pacific internet community. Participants, who now form part of the APIGA alumni network, are expected to lead future digital policy campaigns and ensure Nepali voices are represented in global forums such as ICANN and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

The CAN Federation is the apex body for Nepal’s ICT sector, working on development, promotion and regulation of the information technology industry through advocacy, education and strategic partnerships. One Cover is a Nepal‑based cybersecurity firm providing specialised services in risk management, security audits and cyber resilience, led by its CEO, Adhikari.