Empowering Digital Futures: How Diversity in Leadership Shapes Power and Drives Change

The future of digital rights as well as the resulting socio-economic benefits hinges upon who holds power and who drives change. While policy discussions are critical, the technical expertise that underpins the Internet often remains less diverse, inadvertently limiting perspectives in critical decision-making spaces. The APNIC Foundation is a pre-eminent Internet and digital development organisation dedicated to bridging this gap by empowering women and gender-diverse individuals in technical roles – including cybersecurity, network security, and digital transformation – thereby contributing to meaningful representation and equity in the digital rights space. 

This panel discussion, facilitated by APNIC Foundation will bring together diverse technical leaders who are actively shaping the digital rights narrative. We will explore how their unique experiences and technical acumen allow them to navigate complex challenges, influence policy, and advocate for human-centric digital solutions while contributing to better socio-economic outcomes. The session will showcase the transformative impact of diverse technical voices on Internet governance, cybersecurity, and inclusive access, demonstrating how investing in capability building for underrepresented groups is a powerful strategy for “shaping power and driving change” towards a more open, secure, and rights-respecting digital future for everyone in the Asia Pacific. 

1. Abilio Caldas
   APNIC Foundation
2. Maristela Miranda
   LIGHTS Institute
3. Kaotip Tantivaravong
   Suresecup Co., Ltd.
4. Siti Nurliza
   Sinar Project
5. Sara Tilman
   National University of East Timor
6. Padaphone Sayakhot
   ETL Company Ltd.