Public Policy 

Next Generation Leaders Programme (NGL)

As part of its mission and vision, the Internet Society is dedicated to cultivating a new generation of Internet leaders, aged from 20 to 40 years old, who will address the critical technology, policy, business, and education challenges that lie ahead.

The Internet Society Next Generation Leaders programme is a unique blend of coursework and practical experience to help prepare young professionals from around the world to become the next generation of Internet technology, policy, and business leaders.

A need for new Internet leaders

Today's world has become increasingly complex and interconnected. With more than 1.5 billion people already online, the challenge remains to extend the benefits of the Internet to the billions more who can benefit from the economic, cultural, and educational opportunities the Internet provides.

The Internet model of decentralized architecture and distributed responsibility for development, operation, and management has been the catalyst for boundless innovation and creativity. That model also creates important leadership opportunities, especially in those spaces where technology, policy, and business intersect.

In order to be successful, the next generation of Internet leaders will require a wide range of skills in a variety of disciplines as well as the ability and experience to work with people at all levels of society.

The curriculum

The Internet Society Next Generation Leaders programme is a unique blend of coursework and practical experience to help prepare young professionals from around the world to become the next generation of Internet technology, policy, and business leaders.

To progress within the curriculum and complete each step, candidates are required to demonstrate their leadership skills and community building ability.

The objective of the programme is to help participants:

• accelerate their training in diplomatic skills,
• master the drivers of Internet-based innovation and growth, and
• experience the technical development of the Internet.

Programme entrants benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows them to choose to either first complete the academic component (eLearning) or enhance their practical Internet experience.

Hands-on Internet experience can be gained through participating in ISOC's representation programmes or demonstrating one's own Internet-based professional history.

Read more about the NGL curriculum and Laureates programme.

Are you a Next Generation Leader? (selection criterias)

Each year, the Internet Society will accept a group of qualified young Internet professionals from academia, the public sector, industry, and civil society into its Next Generation Leaders programme. Candidates should be between the ages of 20 and 40 and demonstrate leadership potential in their chosen field.

Read more about requirements to enter the NGL programme.

More Information

If you would like to register your interest in the programme, please complete our Candidates form. If you have any questions, please email leaders@InternetSociety.org.