IG Capacity Development Programme

Programme Overview

Diplo’s Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme (IGCBP) is a comprehensive set of activities, interactions and engagements aimed at supporting small and developing countries’ effective participation in the policy processes which determine the future of the Internet.

Although training and research are very important components of this programme, Diplo recognised early that these activities alone are not sufficient to ensure broader impact in the sector. This is why the IGCBP also includes close collaboration with many actors in this policy process, from all stakeholder groups.

More than training...

In order to enable capacity development in IG, Diplo is a participant in the process, playing an active and enabling role. Diplo works with and supports the international institutions, governments, civil society and academic participants active in the IG process.

Diplo also recognises the unique nature of the IG policy process stemming from the particular bottom-up way the Internet developed and supports an inclusive, participatory approach. Recent events (for example, Internet users rejecting new Internet regulations in the USA and Europe) have shown clearly that without an inclusive and transparent process, there is little chance of implementing and enforcing new regulations.

Over the years the IGCBP has evolved to include:

• Engagement with the policy process (including practical support for it).
• Formal training, research and participation phases (see more under ‘Structure’).
• Support for communities of practice.
• A network of partner organisations and ministries for collaboration on projects conceived and emerging from the formal part of the programme.

Through this comprehensive, systemic and long-term work Diplo empowers participants and partners, creating a ripple effect across the whole sector and the global policy process.

Programme Structure

The structured, formal part of the Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme includes four phases. The formal programme is supplemented by ongoing support for the activities of the communities of practice which have emerged from this programme.

The Foundation Phase introduces the main Internet governance issues organised in five thematic areas (also called 'baskets'): Infrastructure and Standardisation, Legal, Economic, Socio-cultural, and Development aspects; and also covers Internet governance processes and actors. Participants attend the online foundation course Introduction to Internet Governance which lasts 12 weeks and emphasises interactive and collaborative learning. The 2012 course is currently taking place, with over 50 participants from around the world.

The Advanced Phase provides in-depth knowledge of the core Internet governance issues including: Cybersecurity | E-participation | History of Internet Governance | ICT Policy and Strategic Planning | Infrastructure and Critical Internet Resources | Intellectual Property Rights | Privacy and Personal Data Protection. The 8-week advanced courses run simultaneously from 12 June till 11 August. To enroll in advanced courses, applicants are expected to have either completed the foundation phase, or to have equivalent knowledge of Internet governance issues and/or experience in the field.

During the Research Phase participants address IG issues of relevance for their respective countries and regions. This phase introduces action policy research and aims to help participants develop solutions which they can apply in practice. The research phase starts with an 8-week Policy Research Methodology course, designed as an introduction to the principles and practices of policy research, development and implementation. Following the course, participants conduct policy research on Internet governance issues of relevance for their countries and communities.  

During the Policy Immersion Phase participants apply their knowledge and skills in the real-life policy space. They attend regional IG and ICT policy-related meetings. They undertake internships with the secretariat of international organisations dealing with Internet governance (e.g. Internet Governance Forum). Over the years, Diplo has provided the most promising programme participants with practical experience in dealing with Internet governance issues. For many of them, it was the first step towards representing their countries and communities in Internet governance meetings and policy processes.

The formal end of the IGCBP leads smoothly into an ongoing Community of Practice Phase. Participants gather and work together around concrete projects such as organising regional policy initiatives (e.g. regional forums), running new IG training programmes, advancing pressing policy issues (e.g. privacy, intellectual property rights), and organising remote hubs during major meetings in order to link the global policy process with local policy needs. Diplo serves as an enabler of action-driven communities of practice.