APNIG, GSW, VIA, NREN, and EGIGFA to join WIC as new non-profit institution members

The sixth meeting of the first Council of the World Internet Conference (WIC) adopted the List of New WIC Members, seeing more members join the WIC organization.

Here is the introduction of new non-profit institution members of the WIC:

African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance

African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance, a non-profit organization in Tanzania, was established in 2022 with the aim of promoting Africa's digital transformation. It builds a platform for parliamentarians from different African countries to facilitate the development of digital policies that reflect Africa's diversity and represent Africa's voice in global internet governance. The organization is guided by principles of collective governance, regional cooperation, and digital sovereignty. By promoting multi-stakeholder dialogue and cross-border cooperation, it strengthens digital infrastructure and promotes Africa's active participation in the global digital economy.

Great Silk Way International Youth Union

The Great Silk Way International Youth Union, established in 2012 in Azerbaijan, was co-founded by active youth organizations from 22 countries and relevant national youth work institutions. The organization aims to promote cultural exchange and dialogue, organize youth exchanges, and strengthen cooperation, relations, and mutual understanding among young people along the Silk Road countries.

Vietnam Internet Association (VIA)

Vietnam Internet Association (VIA), founded in Vietnam in 2010, is a voluntary and non-profit social organization. VIA aims to promote the development of Internet in Vietnam to meet the needs of industrialization, modernization and economic integration in Vietnam. It is committed to strengthening public awareness of the Internet, promoting the application of the Internet in the community, especially in agricultural production and rural development, and narrowing the digital divide. At present, it has more than 100 members, including telecommunications companies, Internet service providers, mobile operators, digital content providers and online service providers, as well as hardware and software providers. 

Nepal Research and Education Network (NREN) 

Nepal Research and Education Network (NREN) is a non-profit organization was founded in 2007 by a group of academicians and the professional working in the field of ICT and development sectors. It is a member-based institution working to build nationwide research and education network and aims to reduce research backwardness via the connection with global research and education network. It facilitates dedicated advanced research and education network for the research and education communities of Nepal. 

E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA) 

EGIGFA, established in Accra, Ghana in 2019, is a non-profit organization with the purpose of conducting publicity, research and advocacy initiatives to encourage best practices and participation in e-government and Internet governance across Africa. Since its establishment, it has carried out many projects, including the establishment of the annual Internet Governance Scholarship Project of Ghana Internet Governance School, and trained more than 100 young researchers actively involved in the Internet governance ecosystem. It has established Internet governance clubs in schools and communities to conduct training on how to participate in Internet governance activities. 

The WIC upholds the principles of openness and inclusivity, welcoming leading companies, authoritative institutions, industry organizations, and top experts and scholars in the global internet sector to join the WIC organization.