Join the next listening session on increasing diversity in APNIC community leadership

The APNIC Executive Council (EC) recognizes the importance of diversity in APNIC community leadership and has directed the APNIC Secretariat to consult the community on this important topic. This consultation is focused on understanding the barriers and friction points that may affect whether people put themselves forward as EC candidates or participate in other community leadership roles.

As part of this process, APNIC is holding a series of online listening sessions to provide opportunities for Members and the wider community to share their perspectives in an open and respectful setting.

The next listening session will be held on:

Wednesday, 15 July 2026
14:00 - 15:00 (UTC +10)
Online via Zoom
Register now!

Why this consultation matters

Broad and diverse participation is important to the long-term strength, resilience, and sustainability of APNIC community leadership.

Diversity includes representation across dimensions relevant to community leadership - including, but not limited to, gender, geography, professional background or skills, and experience. Diversity-related barriers in technical community leadership are not unique to APNIC; they are a shared challenge across many Internet and technical communities.

The consultation is intended to help identify where participation pathways can be strengthened and where barriers may exist, so that future initiatives can support a broader leadership pipeline.

About the listening session

The listening session will provide a space for APNIC Members and the community to share views on participation in community leadership, including the factors that may encourage or discourage people from putting themselves forward.

The role of the APNIC EC and Secretariat in these sessions is to listen and learn from the community. The sessions are designed to hear directly from participants about their experiences and perspectives and will be facilitated to support respectful and inclusive participation.

To help create a safe and constructive environment, input shared through the consultation process will be handled carefully. Findings will be reported in aggregate or de-identified form, and individual participants will not be identified in published reports.

Participants are encouraged to contribute in the way that feels most comfortable to them.

Have your say

APNIC encourages all Members and interested members of the community to take part in this consultation.

Your perspectives will help inform a better understanding of how APNIC can support broader participation in community leadership and strengthen pathways for future leaders.

If you are unable to attend this session, there will be another online listening session on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 16:00 - 17:00 (UTC +10).

The consultation process also includes discussion via a dedicated Orbit mailing list and a consultation session at APNIC 62.

For more information, please visit the APNIC website.

The views expressed by the authors of this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of APNIC. Please note a Code of Conduct applies to this blog.