Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY and Chairman, NIXI, Launches Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme

New Delhi, (January 18, 2025): The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced the launch of its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme. This program aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens. The program was launched by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Govt. of India and Chairman, NIXI.

This program aims to equip participants with the knowledge to effectively engage in global internet governance processes with I-Star organisations like ICANN, ISOC, IEEE, IETF and collaborate closely with leading experts in the field. It will nurture a pool of domestic talent who can deeply engage with emerging internet governance issues and contribute to their resolution.

The program offers a bi-annual internship with two parallel tracks: a six-month program and a three-month program. Each intern will be mentored by subject matter expert from international organizations like ICANN APNIC or APTLD, members from Special Interest Group, high ranked retired government official and faculty advisors from recognized institutions/universities. A  will be provided to interns along with support to conduct mandatory outreach programs.

Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, GOI and Chairman, NIXI, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the internship, he said, “ We need people from different fields who can dedicate time to internet governance and represent the real concerns of our society. Our goal is to inspire young minds to learn, grow, and use their knowledge to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities, helping the internet grow in a fair and inclusive way. The scheme is set to shape the next generation of tech policy leaders & Internet Governance experts. Today’s generation values experience over traditional stable jobs. NIXI’s Internet Governance Internship is a great opportunity for youth passionate about digital policy, providing global exposure.

On this occasion Shri. Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, GOI, emphasized that this internship provides an opportunity to engage in global Internet Governance, fostering practical understanding and valuable exposure. Mentors play a pivotal role in shaping future leaders in Internet Governance. By guiding young talent, it will ensure that the current generation is ready to address the global challenges and drive digital transformation.

Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO, NIXI. emphasized that this program is a crucial step towards empowering Indian citizens to contribute meaningfully to the global internet governance ecosystem. By building next generation of internet governance experts, NIXI is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible digital world.