South School on Internet Governance (SSIG) --- Promoting a New Chapter in Internet Governance for Developing Countries

Building a Globally Influential Internet Governance Training Academy

SSIG offers a hybrid teaching model that combines online and offline learning. The online pre-training phase, typically conducted a few months before the start of the program, aims to prepare participants. The in-person sessions are the core part of the program, usually lasting for a week, and are held in various Latin American cities. These sessions provide participants with the opportunity to interact face-to-face with experts in global internet governance, government representatives, NGOs, business leaders, and academics, gaining comprehensive knowledge.

The SSIG curriculum and activities are updated annually to address the dynamic needs and challenges specific to the Latin American and Caribbean regions. The courses cover a wide range of multidisciplinary fields related to the internet, including 5G, wireless technology, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, critical internet resources (IP addresses, DNS, and root servers), cybersecurity and cybercrime, data mining, the digital divide and its impact on the future of the internet, digital transformation, AI ethics, fintech, block-chain, and cryptocurrency. All courses are offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, helping participants from different cultures and languages better understand how to tackle internet governance issues and participate in global internet governance discussions in cross-national and cross-cultural contexts. Participants who complete the coursework receive a diploma in "Internet Governance and Regulation."

Supporting Developing Countries in Advancing Internet Governance

SSIG offers free training, accommodation, and other services to participants, providing invaluable learning and exchange opportunities to those who cannot afford high-quality education. The program reaches a wide range of participants, including youth, the elderly, women, indigenous peoples, nomadic communities, people with disabilities, the unemployed, the poor, migrants, refugees, and farmers.

Since 2009, SSIG has trained over 8,000 participants from more than 30 countries. The SSIG curriculum not only provides training on technical and policy aspects but also emphasizes the global and open nature of the internet. It aims to cultivate participants' global perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills. Some graduates have gone on to participate in creating inclusive and open internet governance policies in their respective countries or fields, continuously promoting the development of internet governance. SSIG was awarded the 2024 WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) Prize in recognition of its outstanding contributions to enhancing internet governance capacities in developing countries.

SSIG has not only trained a large number of experts and leaders with knowledge of internet governance but has also driven innovation and development in this field in Latin America through the publication of books and research reports. Looking ahead, SSIG plans to further expand its influence, attract more participants from diverse backgrounds, and continue to promote the sound development of global internet governance.