The Unsung Heroes of the Internet: Why Network Operators Need a Seat at the Governance Table

We like to call the internet a "global village." It sounds nice, doesn't it? A borderless, shared space connecting billions of people.

But if you actually look at the room where the rules of this village are written—deciding everything from who gets privacy protections to who gets high-speed infrastructure—that room is surprisingly small.

The Echo Chamber

For decades, Internet Governance has been a closed loop. It is dominated by the "usual suspects": a tight circle of veteran decision-makers, massive tech giants, and a handful of powerful governments.

They hold the gavel. They set the agenda. They write the policies.

"While they play a major role, the reality is that the vast majority of the world is left waiting outside the door."

If we want a digital future that actually works for everyone—not just the privileged few—we have to change who sits at the table. We need to stop relying on the same old voices. We must start listening to the local, diverse perspectives that actually reflect the internet as it is lived.

Why "Local" is the Secret Weapon

To an outsider, the world of Internet Governance looks impenetrable. It is a maze of acronyms, institutions, and complex legal frameworks. This complexity acts like a "keep out" sign.

Newcomers, especially those from regions that haven’t historically had a seat at the table, face massive barriers. When they do try to engage, they often find the debate is already over before they’ve even spoken.

The result? A dangerous echo chamber.

Policies get designed based on the experiences of the hyper-connected elite. A policymaker in a major capital might write rules assuming everyone has reliable 5G and stable electricity—assumptions that are laughable to a user in a rural village facing daily blackouts.

When decision-makers lack knowledge of the reality on the ground, the regulations they create don't just fail; they often make things worse.

Bringing Value to the Table

Bringing new people into the room isn't just about "diversity" for diversity's sake. It’s about building better policy.

New voices bring something the experts in Geneva or Washington simply don't have: on-the-ground reality. When you empower a local leader, they shine a light on the blind spots:

• Connectivity Gaps: Pointing out infrastructure failures that big telecom maps miss.

• Cultural Context: Explaining why a "standard" data privacy law might backfire locally.

• Digital Rights: Exposing violations that never make the evening news.

This makes the conversation wider, messier, and infinitely more valuable. You can't build a "universal" internet if the rules are written without understanding the specific, local challenges of the people using it.

From Outsider to Leader

So, how do we fix it? We can't just send an invite and hope for the best. We need a deliberate strategy to turn voices into leaders.

Emerging leaders need more than just passion; they need a roadmap. They need to understand the technical plumbing of the web and the diplomatic game of the meeting room.

1. Learn the Theory: Understand the technical infrastructure.

2. Master the Diplomacy: Learn how decisions are actually made.

3. Take the Stage: Stand up at a microphone and speak for your community.

This is exactly why the Larus Foundation Fellowship Program exists.

It wasn't built just to teach theory; it was built to break down barriers. By giving people from underrepresented regions rigorous training and—crucially—putting them directly into major policy forums, the program ensures they don't just watch the debate. They shape it.

The Bottom Line

A representative internet doesn't happen by accident. It requires a fight. It requires a planned effort to shift power to new leaders.

By supporting work that bridges the gap between local realities and global rules, we are building a digital society that is fairer and smarter.

It’s time to open the doors. When we look beyond the "usual suspects," we find the fresh, grounded perspectives we’ve been missing all along.

FAQs

1: Why is diversity important in global internet policy?

Diversity in internet policy ensures that the rules governing the web reflect the needs of all users, not just those in wealthy nations. Including local perspectives from underrepresented regions helps identify specific infrastructure gaps, cultural nuances in data privacy, and unique digital rights challenges that global policymakers might otherwise overlook.

2: How can I get involved in Internet Governance?

You can get involved by educating yourself on the core issues, joining local internet society chapters, or participating in capacity-building initiatives. Programs like the Larus Foundation Fellowship are specifically designed to train emerging leaders and provide them with direct access to global policy forums like the IGF and ICANN meetings.

3: What is Internet Governance and why does it matter?

Internet Governance refers to the development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures that shape the evolution and use of the internet. It matters because these rules determine everything from your online privacy and data rights to how affordable and accessible the internet is in your region.