THE INTERNET ECOSYSTEM
In the second episode of Internet Changemakers, hosts Yug Desai and Claire van Zwieten are joined by Alan Ramírez García (preferred title) and Everton Teles Rodrigues (preferred title), prominent representatives of the Latin American internet community and alumni of the Internet Society Mid-career Fellowship (2023). Alan and Everton share their earliest memories of discovering the internet in the 1990s, reflecting on how their initial curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge defined their online journeys.
The conversation delves into the complexities of the internet ecosystem, exploring who “runs” the internet and the vital roles played by a range of stakeholders—from governments and the private sector to civil society and the technical community. Both guests emphasize the importance of the multi-stakeholder model in creating a dynamic and resilient internet that serves users worldwide.
The episode highlights the essential work required to preserve a trustworthy and globally connected internet in the face of new challenges. Key topics include the emergence and significance of national and regional Internet Governance Forums (IGFs), particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as ongoing efforts to address local challenges, such as rural connectivity. Everton explains the historical and evolving role of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in managing internet resources. At the same time, Alan shares insights into the IGF’s multi-stakeholder Advisory Group and its consensus-driven processes.
This episode also examines the Internet Society’s impact, providing technical leadership, advocating for an open and secure internet, supporting community networks, and empowering professionals through educational programs, such as the Mid-Career Fellowship.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Claire van Zwieten
Claire van Zwieten is the Alumni Specialist at the Internet Society Foundation, where she leads a global network of changemakers shaping the future of the Internet. With a background in International Relations, Chinese Language and Culture, and a master’s in Crisis and Security Management, Claire brings a sharp eye for global dynamics and digital resilience. She thrives on building connections across borders and elevating the voices of those driving Internet accessibility, safety, and inclusion in their communities.
Host
Yug Desai
I'm a PhD candidate in International Relations at South Asian University, researching the interplay of risk and expertise in Internet governance. In addition to my research, I serve on the organizing committees of Youth IGF India and APIGA India, and the steering committee of the Global Internet Governance Academic Network. I was selected as an Internet Society Youth Ambassador in 2023 and was part of the NextGen@ICANN81 cohort. I'm committed to bridging academic research and policymaking in Internet governance to advance user-centric technology and digital spaces grounded in trust, security, and accessibility.
Producer
Abdulrahman Abotaleb
Abdulrahman Abotaleb is a Yemeni ICT engineer, journalist, Internet governance advocate and digital transformation strategist. He has a distinguished track record of leadership and engagement in Internet policy through key initiatives and events such as ISOC, ICANN, RIPE, and the AIGF. He is the founder of Yemen Science Network and has conducted exclusive interviews with Internet pioneers including Vint Cerf, Whitfield Diffie, and Robert Metcalfe. His work bridges technology, storytelling, and digital rights, amplifying voices from the MENA region.
Guest
Alan Ramírez García
Alan is a Peruvian policymaker, an ISOC Mid-career fellowship alumnus, and a lecturer at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. His central experience involves broadband policies, Meaningful and Universal Connectivity, Ethics, and international/multilateral affairs. He has been appointed a member of the UN IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) from 2022 to 2024.
Guest
Everton Teles Rodrigues
Everton Teles Rodrigues works on TLD Relations at NIC.br, where he is responsible for the institutional engagement of the .br ccTLD. With 20 years of experience in the Internet ecosystem, he has built a career that bridges communication, Internet governance, and international cooperation, working closely with the technical community in Latin America and beyond. A journalist by training, Everton spent more than a decade in NIC.br’s communications department, where he deepened his involvement in strategic Internet governance issues. He later joined the advisory team to the board of the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), supporting its multistakeholder engagement with policy developments at ICANN, LACNIC, the IGF, MAG, LACIGF, ITU, among other fora. In 2024, he also served as a member of the NETmundial+10 Secretariat. He holds a Master’s degree in Science and Culture Communication, with research focused on the IANA stewardship transition, a key milestone in the evolution of global Internet governance. He currently serves on the ccNSO Council (ICANN), elected by ccTLDs from the Latin America and Caribbean region. His work combines institutional engagement, multistakeholder experience, and a strong commitment to an open, secure, and trustworthy Internet, deeply rooted in the original principles that shaped the Internet.
Producer
Kim Ochs
Kim Ochs is an EdTech consultant and ISOC Mid-career Fellow Alumna, with extensive experience designing and implementing digital learning solutions across global contexts. Her work today focuses on advancing digital inclusion and education through innovative technology and cross-sector collaboration. Kim’s career spans technology research and private equity, start-ups, and higher education. She has held fellowships at the University of Oxford and Center for Democracy & Technology.
