MUMBAI — The Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) officially welcomed internet and networking professionals from across the globe to Mumbai, India, for the opening of APNIC 62. The regional conference, hosted locally by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and co-hosted by the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), brings together technical experts, industry leaders, and policy makers to discuss the future of internet infrastructure, security, and governance in the region.
With a comprehensive agenda spanning technical workshops, security coordination sessions, and open policy forums, this week’s gathering highlights the ongoing evolution of internet operations and the critical role of community-driven infrastructure. Supported by various industry sponsors, APNIC 62 serves as a pivotal forum for regional stakeholders to collaborate on technical standards, address emerging security threats, and shape the policies governing internet number resources in the Asia-Pacific.
Program Highlights and Keynote Insights
The conference program offers a robust selection of specialized sessions tailored to the technical and operational demands of modern network operators. Attendees have access to multiple technical sessions, specialized FIRST/APNIC security sessions, dedicated IPv6 deployment workshops, and community consultations focused on increasing diversity in community leadership. Furthermore, technical tutorials on KINDNS, DNSSEC, and Suricata for ISP and IXP threat detection provide participants with practical skills to enhance network security and resilience.
The official Opening Ceremony set a forward-looking tone for the conference, featuring keynote addresses from prominent industry figures. Amajit Gupta, Group CEO and Managing Director of Lightstorm, delivered an address on "The autonomous grid: Driving zero-touch network operations with smart networks," exploring how automation and smart infrastructure are transforming modern telecommunications. Following his presentation, Yukako Uchida, Manager of the Global Coordination Division at JPCERT/CC and a FIRST Board member, spoke on "Trust as infrastructure: The human side of cybersecurity," emphasizing the critical importance of human collaboration and trust in maintaining robust global security frameworks.
Growing Professional Networks and Supporting Newcomers
Beyond the formal technical sessions, APNIC 62 provides ample opportunities for attendees to build professional connections. Social events scheduled throughout the week, including the Opening Social, the Meet the EC social, and the Closing Social, offer informal spaces for participants to engage with peers, exchange industry insights, and meet members of the APNIC Executive Council.
For participants attending the conference for the first time or those in the early stages of their careers, specialized sessions such as the Newcomers Welcome and the NextGen Birds of a Feather (BoF) session are designed to help navigate the event and chart career paths within the internet governance ecosystem. Additionally, conference organizers have established official communication channels, including an APNIC 62 WhatsApp community, to share real-time logistical updates and help participants stay connected throughout the week. Participants sharing updates on social media are encouraged to utilize the designated conference hashtag to engage with the broader online community.
Democratic Participation and the Open Policy Meeting
A cornerstone of the APNIC conference model is open, community-driven policymaking and transparent governance. Online voting for the Number Resource Organization Number Council (NRO NC) remains a key focal point for members and eligible attendees, with voting windows closing later in the week. The election process allows the regional internet community to directly influence representation within broader global internet coordination bodies.
Running concurrently with the conference activities is the Open Policy Meeting (OPM), scheduled for later in the week. The OPM provides a transparent forum for discussing proposed policy changes regarding internet number resource management. With multiple proposals up for discussion, community members have the opportunity to voice their perspectives either in person, remotely, or by participating through the Policy SIG mailing lists, ensuring that resource management policies continue to reflect the practical needs of the region’s operational community.
APNIC Services and Conference Support
To assist attendees with administrative and technical requirements, the APNIC Lounge remains operational throughout the event. Members and participants can visit the lounge to receive one-on-one assistance regarding internet number resource management, account administration, or to schedule confidential consultations with APNIC Services team members.
Conference organizers advise participants to arrive early to complete registration badge collections and familiarize themselves with the venue layout. APNIC staff and local volunteers are stationed throughout the conference venue to assist with any inquiries, ensuring a smooth and productive experience for all participants joining the event both in person in Mumbai and remotely from around the world.
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