The Internet works best when the community shows up — the APNIC 62 policy cycle is open now

The call for policy proposals is officially open from 8 June to 7 August 2026 for APNIC 62 in Mumbai, India. It is a timely reminder that Internet governance is not something that happens elsewhere or is driven by others. It takes shape through contributions from across our region as community members share their experience, raise operational challenges, and help shape better outcomes for the broader Internet community.

Getting involved in the APNIC Policy Development Process (PDP) is especially important in the Asia Pacific region because ours is the most diverse Internet community in the world. We operate across different economies, languages, network environments, regulatory landscapes, and levels of technical maturity. That diversity is not a complication to work around - it's one of the region's greatest strengths. Strong policy outcomes come from hearing perspectives from operators, engineers, academics, governments, civil society, content providers, and new voices who may not have participated before.

Policy development works best when it reflects operational reality. Whether it's address management, routing security, resource distribution, or emerging operational challenges, the policies discussed at APNIC meetings directly affect how networks across the region grow and interconnect. The best proposals are often grounded in practical experience - a problem someone is trying to solve, an inefficiency they've encountered, or a gap they believe the community should address.

Fresh perspectives encouraged

You do not need to be a long-term policy expert to contribute.

Some of the most valuable discussions come from people bringing fresh operational perspectives or regional experiences that may not yet be well represented. Community participation matters because the Internet in our region is too broad and dynamic to be shaped by only a small subset of voices.

If you're new to Internet number resource policy development, or have not been involved for a while, watching the Policy 101 session from APRICOT 2026 in Jakarta is a good place to start. It includes a simulated Open Policy Meeting (OPM) session, taking an example proposal through the entire PDP.

APNIC 62, taking place in Mumbai from 4 to 10September, provides another important opportunity for the community to come together to discuss policy and to strengthen the relationships that underpin technical collaboration across the region.

Mumbai is a fitting host city for that conversation. It reflects the scale, growth, and energy that continue to define the Asia Pacific Internet community. APNIC meetings have always been about more than formal sessions. They create space for hallway conversations, operational problem solving, mentoring, and the kind of collaboration that often continues long after the event.

Submit a policy proposal for discussion at APNIC 62

As we head toward APNIC 62, now is the time to think about the issues that matter to your network, your community, or your corner of the Internet ecosystem.

If there's a policy issue you think the community should discuss, consider submitting a proposal. Even if your idea is still developing, starting the conversation matters. Before the conference, these discussions take place on the APNIC Policy Special Interest Group (SIG)mailing list.

The Internet is built by the community. Its future should be shaped by the community too. The APNIC 62 Open Policy Meeting (OPM) will take place on 10 September 2026 from 9:30 (UTC +5:30).

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.