Internet Governance is People: Remarks at NCSC LIII

I was honored to help kick off the National Collegiate Security Conference LIII opening ceremony. It was a privilege to share the stage with Matthew Reynolds of UNHCR, especially at a time when crisis diplomacy is so critical.

A wide shot of the NCSC opening ceremony stage, showing a panel of speakers seated at a table while one person addresses the audience from a podium. Sharing the stage with Matthew Reynolds of UNHCR and other distinguished guests at the NCSC LIII opening ceremony.

The Internet Society was proud to be the official philanthropy partner for this event, which brought together over 800 university delegates to simulate global crisis and security.

My core message to these future leaders was simple: Internet governance is people.

Joseph Lorenzo Hall speaking at a podium with a large projection screen displaying the Internet Society logo in the background. Delivering remarks to over 800 university delegates.

We often discuss the "multistakeholder model" as a political ideal, but it's crucial to understand that it is fundamentally a technical requirement. The Internet is a "network of networks" that requires voluntary coordination between engineers, operators, civil society, and governments to function on a global scale.

The alternative is top-down, authoritarian control, which only leads to a fragmented, less secure "splinternet."

We need this next generation of leaders and Internet stewards to defend the model that keeps the Internet open and global. That's why the Internet Society is committed to empowering people with the training and mentorship they need to get a seat at the table where the Internet's future is shaped.

A sincere thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps make this work possible.