In May 2025, the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter (ISOC-SS) successfully convened and led two milestone events: the South Sudan School of Internet Governance (SS-SIG) and the South Sudan Internet Governance Forum (SS-IGF). These back-to-back forums brought together youth leaders, government institutions, civil society, academia, and the technical community to shape the country’s digital governance landscape through inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue.
South Sudan School of Internet Governance (SS-SIG): Laying the Foundation
Held over two days, the SS-SIG equipped emerging Internet leaders with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully in national and global internet governance processes.
Key sessions included:
- Introduction to Internet Governance & The Internet Ecosystem, led by SSIGF Chairperson Eng. Unguec Stephen Kang.
- Technical Foundations of the Internet, facilitated by Eng. Reuben Semmy, focused on infrastructure, IXPs, IP addressing, and local connectivity.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection, led by Vukeni Innocent from South Sudan’s Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), emphasized rights-based and locally relevant security strategies.
As a result of the training, participants gained deep insights into the policy, technical, and ethical dimensions of Internet governance and emerged as ambassadors for digital inclusion in South Sudan.
South Sudan Internet Governance Forum (SS-IGF): Multistakeholder Dialogue in Action
The one-day SS-IGF 2025 brought together a diverse range of voices to explore timely and pressing topics that impact South Sudan’s digital transformation. The forum was officially opened by Mr. Joseph Abuni Gama, President of ISOC South Sudan Chapter, and Eng. Unguec Stephen, SSIGF Chairperson.
Panel sessions addressed:
- Universal Access & Digital Rights: Discussing inclusive access regardless of gender, geography, or income, as well as privacy and data protection.
- Cybersecurity, Digital Trust & Misinformation: Exploring strategies for cyber hygiene, combating misinformation, and strengthening national cyber resilience.
- Fireside Chat with Hon. Napoleon Adok Gai, former Director General of the National Communication Authority, on South Sudan’s ICT journey and future.
Internet Society South Sudan Chapter President Mr. Joseph Abuni Gama contributed to the panel on Universal Access & Digital Rights alongside Gaso Grace Pascal, Generation Connect Youth Envoy and Salwa Sulieman, a spectrum Engineer at National Communication Authority, highlighting the chapter’s advocacy for inclusive connectivity and sound digital policy. Meanwhile, Digital Rights Frontlines Chairman Nelson Kwaje moderated both the Fireside Chat and the Universal Access panel, amplifying ISOC’s commitment to community-led engagement.
Knowledge Sharing Beyond the Forum
On the final day of the SS-IGF, Chapter Vice President Richard Mawa Michael delivered a summary presentation of the SS-SIG, showcasing lessons learned, key outcomes, and recommendations for strengthening South Sudan’s Internet governance ecosystem.
In the days following the forum, Radio Miraya hosted Chapter President Mr. Joseph Abuni Gama and SSIGF Chairperson Mr. Unguec Stephen to extend the IGF dialogue to the wider public. The radio conversation helped demystify the IGF and the role of ISOC South Sudan in building an inclusive digital future.
Our Commitment
As the conveners of both SS-SIG and SS-IGF 2025, the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter is proud to be at the forefront of digital transformation in South Sudan. These events represent a growing movement—one rooted in collaboration, capacity building, and community-driven governance.
We extend our gratitude to all facilitators, fellows, stakeholders, and supporters who made this journey possible. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a secure, inclusive, and accessible Internet for all South Sudanese.
