Since taking on a leadership role within APNIC in 2020, Bikram Shrestha has become a respected and influential voice in the Asia-Pacific internet community. Known for his collaborative mindset and people-first approach, he strongly believes that meaningful progress happens when governments, technical experts, civil society, and the private sector work together.
During a period of rapid digital transformation, Bikram stepped forward with clarity and purpose. Through his work with the Cooperation SIG, he helped create a space where open dialogue, inclusivity, and mutual respect guide every discussion. His ability to bring together diverse perspectives has strengthened regional cooperation and encouraged more balanced, community-driven outcomes.
Today, Bikram serves as the Chair of the Policy SIG at APNIC, where he leads key discussions on internet number resource policies across the Asia-Pacific region. In this role, he ensures that policy development remains open, transparent, and inclusive, reflecting the real needs of the community. He works closely with stakeholders from different sectors, making sure that every voice—regardless of background or experience is heard and valued.
One of the standout moments in his recent work came during APNIC 58 in Wellington, New Zealand, in September 2024. There, he played a leading role in guiding discussions on updating Internet Coordination Policy 2 (ICP-2), a framework that has shaped the global internet registry system for over 25 years. Recognizing the changing nature of the internet, Bikram helped drive conversations around critical issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, and technical readiness, while keeping the process open to both experienced contributors and new participants.
Beyond policy leadership, Bikram is deeply committed to advancing digital inclusion. In 2021, he led a Universal Acceptance (UA) readiness program aimed at supporting developers and young professionals in Nepal and across South Asia. By promoting local language accessibility and internationalized domain systems, the initiative helped reduce barriers to internet access and inspired participants to contribute to their local digital ecosystems. The program also led to the launch of Nepal’s first native-language domain website, marking an important milestone for inclusion.
He has also played an important role in strengthening regional collaboration. By building connections across communities and organizations, he continues to create opportunities for shared learning, innovation, and collective growth across the Asia-Pacific.
At the core of Bikram’s work is a simple but powerful belief: the internet should serve everyone. Whether he is leading policy discussions, mentoring emerging leaders, or encouraging broader participation, he remains committed to building an internet that is open, secure, and inclusive for all.