Internet Governance and its role in Global Economy by Shreedeep Rayamajhi

On 4 th July, Embark College was privileged to host a very inspiring and up-to-date discussion of Internet Governance and its Structure pertaining to the Global Economy, which was presented by a high profile messenger of internet governance expertise and a digital policy crusader, Mr. Shreedeep Rayamajhi. This event fell in the scope of activities of the college as it constantly strives to keep students interested in international worldviews and developing issues related to the interaction of technology, policy, and economics.
Many students along with the faculty members and enthusiastic tech professionals participated in the session with enthusiasm and earnestness to learn more about the policies and frameworks that are currently governing the internet in the modern age of interdependence. As businesses, IT professionals and entrepreneurs keep getting more dependent on online platforms, knowledge of internet governance has become important not only to IT professionals but also to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers.
Mr. Shreedeep Rayamajhi is a well known voice in the internet policy discussions of the world and a fierce champion of digital rights and regulation which came with years of experience with such international organizations as ICANN, ISOC and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). His presentation delivered a deep and easy to understand overview of the multi-faceted world of internet governance.
This was followed by a session heading about the concept of internet governance which covered the systems, procedures and institutions involved in the control of the structure and use of internet within, and between countries. Mr. Rayamajhi also underlined the collaborative character of internet governance with governments, civil society, stakeholders in the private sector and technical experts.
Among the most important points brought up were:
• Internet governance frameworks development
Multistakeholderism policy-making in the internet
• Data sovereignty and Cybersecurity
• Regulation of digital media and content online
• The inequality of access and the digital divide
• How these policies on the internet affect lesser economies in the world
• The impact of new technologies ( AI, IoT, blockchain) and reinventing the internet policy

One of the greatest highlights of the session was the debate on the direct impacts of internet governance on the economy of the world. Mr. Rayamajhi’s example of the effects of the governance models on digital infrastructure, data flows, cross-border trade, and digital financial systems was depicted. He talked about real life instances about how policy choices like the data localisation legislation, digital taxation, and content regulations can influence business actions, innovation, and international competitiveness.
The session also addressed the perspectives of Nepal in the global digital landscape and made the students engage in critical thinking about the digital preparedness of the country, lack of policies, and especially civil participation in shaping the future internet. Mr. Rayamajhi emboldened the youths to join the discussion table in matters of digital governance, make their contributions to open discussions, and be knowledgeable on matters regarding their rights and responsibilities as global netizens.
An interactive event, the session had a lively question and answer session where attendees questioned the youth on digital freedom, misinformation, global technology monopolies, and prospects of young professionals in the area of internet policy. Mr. Not only, Rayamajhi provided answers, but provided inspiration, encouraging students to gain the capacity of good digital citizens and future leaders in building a more inclusive and safe digital environment.
This was followed by a vote of thanks by the academic team who showed a deep thanks to Mr. Rayamajhi not only because of his time, but also knowledge and an inspiring interaction. Participants were awarded certificate of attendance, and most of them indicated a renewed interest in research and careers in internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital policy.
Another power-packed session further pledged the stake of Embark College in making the students aware and ready to confront the opportunities and challenges of a digital global economy. Such activities are also vital in reconciling classroom education and end-time challenges in the world today as they ensure that students are ready to not only adapt to the changes, but direct them too.

Embark College is keen on organizing more of these enriching debates in the effort to promote the all round development of its students in becoming information knowledgeable, globally aware professionals.