Internet governance process
courses by providing a unique blend of teaching, policy research, and policy immersion aimed at helping participants understand the dynamics of the IGF and gain the necessary confidence for full and meaningful participation in policy processes. The involvement of various stakeholders (diplomats, officials, engineers) in the training process provides participants with an understanding of the advantages of a multistakeholder approach and gives them the confidence to participate in meetings with other professional communities. The IGF process has also fostered the development of Internet governance communities of practice in the global south on both regional (e.g. West Africa, East Africa, and Latin America) and national levels (e.g. Kenya, Brazil, Senegal). These communities have helped many small and developing states to develop their own multistakeholder representation by identifying nongovernmental experts already involved in academic research and the Internet governance policy process. At the IGF, by increasing participation levels, encouraging capacity building, and fostering the development of networks and communities, many developing countries have evolved from formal/passive to functional/active participation in Internet governance.
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