EBU Leadership Summit
2024-09-26
Jovan Kurbalija will deliver a Keynote address on ‘AI: Explore the transformative impact of AI on the media industry’ at the EBU Leadership Council in Sofia.
It will be hosted by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
More information

Demistifying AI for diplomats | Master briefing
2024-09-27
Jovan Kurbalija will deliver a Master Briefing on ‘Demistifying AI for diplomats’ for the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.

Celebrating 500 Issues of DiploNews: 25 Years of Pioneering Digital Diplomacy!
2024-09-30 05:00 - 06:00 (America/New_York)
Building on past insights for future momentum
Join us for a special retrospective event celebrating the 500th issue of DiploNews and 25 years of Diplo’s pioneering digital diplomacy research. This event will take you on a journey of through digital diplomacy and governance evolution, as chronicled in 500 issues since September 1999.
Explore how diplomacy has transformed, from the launch of the first websites to the advent of AI, and from the early diplomatic negotiations on internet access to the intricate digital agendas of today.
This is also an opportunity to discover how Diplo has sustained innovation over the past quarter-century, running a tech marathon while sprinting with the latest digital tools and platforms.
Don’t miss this chance to reflect on the past, and look forward to the future of diplomacy in the digital age!
Join us online on 30 September at 5 am EDT [9:00 UTC]
Consult 500 issues of DiploNews.

Register

Human Rights in the age of disinformation: a case study analysis
2024-09-30 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Event description
The evolution of the internet over the years has played a crucial role in the access to and dissemination of information. The digitalisation of news portals, the creation of social media, and the presence of AI have not only contributed to informing people about everyday news but also allowed the fast spread of mis- and disinformation.
With the support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Moldova, Diplo has conducted comprehensive research on online content governance, shedding light on the interplay between disinformation and other digital policy areas, such as online business models, cybersecurity, and human rights. The research investigates digital policy approaches that could help combat mis- and disinformation while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
This challenge requires multilevel, multidisciplinary, and multistakeholder efforts, as well as an examination of the full range of possible responses, which simultaneously leverage the power of laws, social norms, market forces, and technological architecture. The research included case studies in four countries: Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and Singapore.
This report was developed with support of the project “Info Trust Alliance”, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by GIZ Moldova.
Register

Tech Diplomacy: Actors, Trends, and Controversies | Book launch
2024-10-01 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Event description
The recent conflict between Elon Musk and the Brazilian government has sparked heated debate on freedom of expression. Many commentators failed to reflect on a strategic reconfiguration of global power between governments and powerful tech companies. As these companies increasingly wield economic and social influence, rivalling that of nation-states, the implications for global diplomacy are profound.
In his new book, Kurbalija offers a critical, informed, and impartial analysis of tech diplomacy, exploring how these dynamics challenge the traditional Westphalian system based on nation-states. He delves into the interactions between tech companies and national governments, from the Bay Area to capitals worldwide, providing a comprehensive understanding of this evolving landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, and participate in a thought-provoking discussion with Jovan Kurbalija.
The event will take place online on 1 October 2024, at 12:00 UTC | 8 am EDT
In the preparation for the event you can consult…
RegisterTable of Contents | Tech Diplomacy publication

Introduction
1. What is tech diplomacy?
2. Why is tech diplomacy relevant?
2. Who are the tech diplomacy actors?
3. How is tech diplomacy performed?
4. Where are the main tech diplomacy hubs?
Conclusion

Introduction
1. What is tech diplomacy?
Definitions of tech diplomacy
Addressing terminological confusion

The etymological and contextual meaning of tech diplomacy
Conceptual framing of tech diplomacy

What are the main topics covered by tech diplomacy?

Privacy and data protection
Antitrust and competition
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime
Content moderation and governance
Digital taxation
AI and digital governance
Labour and employment
Environment and climate
Intellectual property
Free flow of data and data localisation
Encryption
Telecommunication and spectrum allocation
Standardisation
Digital finance and cryptocurrencies
Development assistance

2. Why is tech diplomacy relevant?
Geopolitics
Interdependence
Power distribution
Soft power
Power of governments

Sovereignty
Monopoly of physical power
Legitimacy

Power of the tech sector

Economic power
Societal power
Political power

Compare companies and countries
In the example below, Amazon’s annual revenue is comparable to the GDP of Austria, Argentina, Israel, Ireland, Norway, and Thailand.

2. Who are the tech diplomacy actors?
Governments

Diplomatic services
Economic ministries
Law-enforcement agencies
Education and culture ministries
Defense and security ministries

Tech companies

Public policy and government affairs
Legal and regulatory affairs
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability
Communications and public relations
Security and privacy
Executives and policy teams

Other actors

International organisations
Academia and think tanks
Civil society

3. How is tech diplomacy performed?
Mapping interplays between governmental ministries and corporate departments
What are the main instruments and interaction methods between governments and tech companies?

Lobbying and diplomacy
Public policy and advocacy
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives
Public-private partnerships
Research and development projects
International negotiations and forums
Consultations and advisory activities

4. Where are the main tech diplomacy hubs?
Map of tech companies’ presence worldwide

Zoom level changed to 1

United States

San Francisco Bay Area
Seattle
Washington, DC
Boston
New York

China

Beijing
Shanghai
Shenzhen

India

New Delhi
Bangalore

European Union

Brussels
Paris
Berlin

United Kingdom

London
Oxford

Switzerland

Geneva
Zurich

Singapore
Other centres and hubs
Conclusion

50th Meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training
2024-10-08 - 2024-10-11
Diplo will participate at the 50th meeting of the IFDT (Bečići, Montenegro | 8-11 October 2024 )
Diplo will focus on impact on AI on diplomatic training. In the preparation of the IFDT, Diplo prepared AI Assistant based on the previous IFDT meetings

October 2024 online courses | Diplo Academy
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-15 | Online
Event description
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of four online courses on 14 October 2024:

Cybersecurity
Economic Diplomacy
Science Diplomacy
Sustainable Development Diplomacy

For further information or to apply, please click on the course titles above or visit our
Course Catalogue×Subscribe to Diplo Academy Newsletter for updates on our courses, programmes, and workshops.

UN Cybercrime Convention: What does it mean and how will it impact all of us?
2024-10-22 06:00 - 07:00 | Online
After three years of negotiations, initiated by Russia in 2017, the UN Member States at the Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) adopted the draft of the first globally binding legal instrument on cybercrime. This convention will now be presented to the UN General Assembly for formal adoption later this year. The Chair emphasised that the convention represents a criminal justice legal instrument and that the aim is, therefore, to combat cybercrime by prohibiting certain behaviours by physical persons, rather than to regulate the behaviour of Member States.
The adoption of the convention has proceeded despite significant opposition from human rights groups, civil society, and technology companies, who have raised concerns about potential risks of increased surveillance. In July, DiploFoundation invited experts from various stakeholder groups to discuss their expectations before the final round of UN negotiations, and to review the draft treaty. Experts noted an unprecedented alignment between industry and civil society on concerns with the draft, emphasising the urgent need for a treaty focused on core cybercrime offences, strengthened by robust safeguards and clear intent requirements.
Once formally adopted, how will the UN cybercrime convention impact the security of users in the cyber environment? What does this legal instrument actually say about the cross-border cooperation in combating cybercrime? What human rights protections and safeguards does it provide?
Join us on Oct 22, 2024, at 6 am EDT for a virtual expert discussion to get the views of several delegates involved in the negotiation process. The session will help understand the contents of the agreed draft convention and its practical implications for all of us.
Register

Unpacking Global Digital Compact | Book launch
2024-11-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Join us online on 8th November for the launch of Unpacking Global Digital Compact, a new publication written by Sorina Teleanu, an expert on digital governance. Over the past 18 months, Sorina has meticulously followed the Global Digital Compact (GDC) process, anchoring it within the broader digital and internet governance landscape.
Teleanu’s book is a must-read for policymakers, digital diplomats, and all stakeholders involved in implementing the GDC and digital governance in general.

📅 Date: 8th November 2024🕒 Time: 9 am EST | 14.00 UTC📍 Location: Online – Zoom
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of digital governance with Sorina Teleanu. We look forward to e-seeing you there!
Register×

Digital Trade for Africa’s Prosperity
2024-11-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Digital trade is becoming a key driver of economic growth across the globe, reshaping how
goods and services are produced, traded, and consumed. With increasing internet penetration
and the adoption of digital technologies, Africa stands at a unique crossroads. While the
continent has made notable strides in digital innovation, e-commerce, and ICT infrastructure, it
still faces challenges such as regulatory barriers, inadequate digital infrastructure, and limited
financial inclusion. Harnessing the full potential of digital trade can enable Africa to leapfrog
traditional stages of development and create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous
future.
The webinar ‘Digital Trade for Africa’s Prosperity’, aims to explore how digital trade can be a
powerful tool to drive economic development and transformation across Africa. The webinar will
bring together key stakeholders from governments, international organisations, businesses, and
civil society to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies for fostering a digital trade
ecosystem that contributes to Africa’s long-term prosperity.
The online event will cover a broad range of topics essential to understanding and promoting digital trade in Africa, including but not limited to:

The role of digital infrastructure: The importance of broadband access, mobile connectivity,
and other digital infrastructure to support e-commerce and cross-border trade.
Regulatory harmonisation: The need for coherent regulatory frameworks at both national and
regional levels, including issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital taxation.
Digital financial inclusion: Examining the role of fintech, mobile banking, and digital payment
systems in expanding financial services to underserved populations.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital trade: Exploring how digital
trade can enhance the benefits of the AfCFTA by facilitating cross-border e-commerce, digital
services trade, and data movement.
Skills development for the digital economy: Focusing on the skills gap and capacity building
needed to enable Africa’s workforce to participate effectively in the digital economy.
Case studies: Presenting case studies of successful digital trade initiatives in African countries
and sectors, with a focus on SMEs and innovation hubs.

Please register to join us on 13 November, at 9 am EST (15:00 CET)
Register×

Visit from participants of the Digital Policy Leadership Program, University of St. Gallen
2024-11-14
Under the framework of the Digital Policy Leadership Program (DPLP), a joint initiative between Insper Brazil and the University of St. Gallen, a group of students will visit Diplo and meet with some of their experts. The group will discuss opportunities and challenges related to artificial intelligence policy, digital trade, and internet governance. They will also know more about digital policy discussions carried out in international Geneva, contributing to strengthen students’ hands-on experience and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Tech attache briefing: The road to WSIS+20 high-level review
2024-12-05 | Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for diplomats at permanent missions and delegations in Geneva following digital policy issues. It is an invitation-only event.
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About a year from now, a high-level meeting will be convened at the UN General Assembly to review the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The recently adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC) called on this WSIS+20 review to identify how processes and forums emanating from WSIS can support the contribution of stakeholders to the implementation of the Compact. So what next?
At our briefing on 5 December 2024, we will:

Map the next steps in the lead-up to the WSIS+20 high-level review in 2025 and see who is expected to do what (e.g. at the CSTD level, by the UN Secretary-General, at the General Assembly level). In doing so, we will also look back at the WSIS outcomes and the WSIS+10 review.
Look at ongoing and upcoming activities related to the implementation of the GDC and their relevance for the WSIS+20 review.
Explore the interplay between GDC and WSIS outcomes implementation, follow-up and review, and discuss concrete options (and their feasibility and desirability) in this regard.

***
For inquiries, contact us at geneva@diplomacy.edu

How to prepare diplomats for the AI era?
2024-12-11 | WMO Building, 7bis Avenue de la Paix, Geneva (Attic Conference Room), 7bis Avenue de la Paix, Geneva, Switzerland
The Permanent Missions of Malta, Mexico, and Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva, together with DiploFoundation, invite you to an anniversary event and master briefing:
How to prepare diplomats for the AI Era?
The future of diplomatic training and education
11 December 2024
WMO Building, 7bis Avenue de la Paix, Geneva (Attic Conference Room)
only in-situ event

In celebration of 15 years of cooperation between Malta, Mexico, and Switzerland, we are pleased to invite you to a special event exploring how diplomacy and international organisations can adapt to AI-driven transformations.
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping core diplomatic functions such as reporting, policy analysis, and public communication.
DiploFoundation will present the current state of AI in diplomacy, alongside updates on diplomatic training curricula. The focus will be on equipping current diplomats and preparing the next generation with the critical knowledge, skills, and talents required to excel in the AI era—whether representing their countries, negotiating international agreements, or navigating complex global challenges.
Programme
12:45 – 13:15
Networking and lunch refreshments
13:15 – 13:25
Introduction by representatives of Malta, Mexico, and Switzerland

Ambassador Fernando Israel Espinosa Olivera, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico
Ambassador Julien Thöni, Deputy Permanent, Representative of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva
Ms. Emily Tufigno, Deputy Permanent, Representative of Malta to the UN in Geneva (tbc)

13:25 – 13:40
Reflections on 15 years of training Mexican diplomats at DiploFoundation

Ambassador Fernando Israel Espinosa Olivera, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico

13:40 – 14:30
Master briefing: “How to prepare diplomats for the AI era?” followed by a panel discussion

Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation
Andrej Škrinjaric, Director of Education, DiploFoundation
Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge, DiploFoundation

Register

Implementing AI in daily work: Training for the EU staff in Geneva
2025-01-20 | Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Diplo will deliver specialised, exercise-based training, ‘Implementing AI in Daily Work’, for the EU Permanent Delegation to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva and the EU Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
AI technology holds immense potential to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency across various sectors, including diplomacy. However, effectively integrating these tools into daily operations remains challenging for many organisations. This tailored training will equip the EU diplomats with the knowledge and skills to harness AI’s capabilities for managing repetitive tasks, enabling them to dedicate more time to core diplomatic functions such as engagement and negotiation.
The participants will learn about AI’s role in modern diplomacy, explore practical insights and foundational knowledge of the technology’s principles, and gain a comprehensive understanding of AI’s relevance to their work to better prepare to engage in discussions and decisions related to its use in diplomacy.

10th Geneva Engage Awards
2025-02-04 | Geneva and online, Geneva, Switzerland
Event description
Join us on 4 February for the Geneva Engage Awards, where we celebrate the remarkable efforts of International Geneva actors in digital outreach and online engagement. This year’s event is especially significant as we mark the 10th anniversary of the awards under the theme Engage2Connect.
Together, we’ll reflect on the journey of the past decade—celebrating milestones, revisiting memorable moments, and exploring how we’ve fostered a vibrant community of digital diplomacy and collaboration.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the amazing online work of international organisations, NGOs, and permanent missions.
Event details

Date: 4 February 2025
Location: WMO Attic

Registration
Fill in the form below to register for on-site participation. Please note that the ceremony will also be live-streamed.
Registrations are open
Register×Event programme (coming soon)
About Geneva Engage Awards
The Geneva Engage initiative, launched by the Geneva Internet Platform with the support of the Republic and Canton of Geneva in 2016, assesses the interplay between International Geneva and stakeholders all over the world. The initiative includes research on how International Geneva actors communicate and create linkages with communities worldwide that are affected by the policy discussions in Geneva that span across various domains, such as development, human rights, health, environment, digital topics, etc.
In this context, the annual Geneva Engage Awards acknowledge the efforts of International Geneva actors in digital outreach. The awards evaluate Geneva-based organisations’ social media engagement, web relevance and accessibility, and innovative events. We then give out awards in three main categories according to stakeholder groups: international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and permanent representations.

February 2025 online courses | Diplo Academy
2025-02-17 | Online
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of five online courses on 17 February 2025:

Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks
Humanitarian Diplomacy
Introduction to Internet Governance
Multilateral Diplomacy
Public Diplomacy
Humanitarian Diplomacy

For further information or to apply, please click on the course titles above or visit our course catalogue.
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Subscribe to Diplo Academy Newsletter for updates on our courses, programmes, and workshops.

Digital Diplomacy and Tourism in Africa: Unlocking Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration
2025-03-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Introduction
Africa, with its diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage, holds immense potential as a leading global tourism destination. However, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for innovation and adaptation in promoting and managing tourism. Digital diplomacy—the use of digital technologies to achieve diplomatic objectives—has emerged as a critical tool for fostering international collaboration, enhancing destination branding, and building sustainable tourism strategies. This webinar seeks to explore the intersection of digital diplomacy and tourism in Africa, focusing on how digital tools can transform the continent’s tourism landscape and foster global partnerships.
Objective
The primary goal of this webinar is to provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and digital technology experts. It aims to highlight the role of digital diplomacy in:

Promoting Africa as a premier tourism destination.
Strengthening regional and international partnerships in the tourism sector.
Leveraging technology to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of African tourism.
Building resilient tourism ecosystems that can adapt to global challenges.

Key Themes
1. Digital Diplomacy as a Catalyst for Tourism Growth

The role of embassies and consulates in promoting tourism through digital platforms.
Case studies of successful digital diplomacy campaigns that boosted tourism in Africa.
Building partnerships with global influencers and digital content creators.

2. Technology and Destination Branding

Utilizing social media, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) to showcase Africa’s tourist attractions.
Strategies for creating compelling digital narratives that resonate with global audiences.
Managing Africa’s digital reputation and combating stereotypes.

3. Sustainability and Inclusivity in Tourism

Digital tools for promoting eco-tourism and community-based tourism initiatives.
Enhancing accessibility for all travelers through digital innovation.
Empowering local communities and small businesses via digital platforms.

4. Capacity Building and Policy Advocacy

Training stakeholders in digital skills relevant to tourism and diplomacy.
Developing policies that support digital transformation in the tourism sector.
Collaborating with international organizations to ensure Africa’s tourism agenda aligns with global trends.

Conclusion
Digital diplomacy offers a transformative approach to re imagining Africa’s tourism potential. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering international collaboration, the continent can enhance its visibility, attract more visitors, and build a sustainable tourism future. This webinar will serve as a critical step toward achieving these goals, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to unlock new opportunities for Africa’s tourism industry.
Register

Training for the Republic of Serbia Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection
2025-04-03 | Diplo Centar Belgrade, Braničevska 12a, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
The representatives of the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia will participate in a specialised training session on 3 April 2025, aimed at strengthening their expertise in data protection and privacy in the AI era.
Organised by GIZ, this training will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the multidisciplinary and multistakeholder challenges of AI-driven data protection. By deepening their understanding of regulatory frameworks, emerging risks, and best practices, participants will be better prepared to advocate for privacy and data protection in their work with national and international partners.
As AI continues to reshape the data landscape, fostering informed and proactive regulatory approaches becomes essential, and this training represents a crucial step toward ensuring stronger safeguards for personal data in Serbia.

Digital Sovereignty and the open internet: Can they coexist?
2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
The Internet Governance Project (IGP) in collaboration with the Quello Center will gather scholars of differing views to debate what digital sovereignty means, how it is being used as a label, and whether the various interpretations of the term are compatible with the foundational values of the open internet.
The event will take place on 4 April 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 am EST (15:00-16:00 CEST). It will be moderated by Johannes Bauer, the Quello Chair of Media and Information Policy, and will feature:

Anupam Chander, legal expert on global regulation of new technologies.
Julia Pohle, co-director of research group Politics of Digitalisation at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
Marília Maciel, Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security at DiploFoundation.
Milton Mueller, Director of the Internet Governance Project (IGP) at Georgia Tech.
Min Jiang, Professor of Communication Studies at UNC Charlotte.

Link to registration:
Register×

Briefing on digital governance for Armenian CSOs
2025-04-09 | Online
Diplo lecturers will lead an online briefing on digital governance for civil society organisations (CSOs) in Armenia on 9 April. The session, organised by GIZ, will provide an initial mapping of key digital governance issues, actors, and processes, offering participants an overview of the evolving landscape.
The briefing will also serve as an opportunity to gather reflections on the most pressing digital governance challenges for Armenia. Participants’ insights and interests will help shape the content of upcoming capacity-building activities, including in-situ training and an online course.
This initiative aims to support Armenian CSOs in navigating digital governance and contributing to informed discussions on policy and practice.

May 2025 online courses | Diplo Academy
2025-05-05 | Online
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of four online courses on 5 May 2025:

21st Century Diplomacy
Diplomatic Theory and Practice
E-Diplomacy
Tech Diplomacy

For further information or to apply, please click on the course titles above or visit our course catalogue.
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Subscribe to Diplo Academy Newsletter for updates on our courses, programmes, and workshops.

WSIS+20 review: What’s in it for Africa?
2025-05-07 07:00 - 09:00 | Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
An expert-guided dialogue among diplomats | Dedicated exclusively to African Permanent Missions to the UN in Geneva.
Co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania and the EU Delegation
***
This is an invitation-only event. For details, please contact us at geneva@diplomacy.edu.

About the dialogue
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), held in two phases in 2003 (Geneva) and 2005 (Tunis), was the first policy response by the international community to the fast-growing internet and the expanding impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on economies and societies worldwide. The summit outlined a shared vision and an action framework for building an inclusive and development-oriented information society. It also established key mechanisms – such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the UN Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) – that continue to shape global digital cooperation.
Twenty years on, the WSIS+20 review process offers an opportunity to assess what has been achieved, where challenges remain – such as in closing digital divides and promoting meaningful access – and how the WSIS framework can be strengthened to better respond to today’s evolving digital landscape. This process will culminate in a high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly in December 2025. A key milestone along the way was the 28th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), which took place in April 2025 and discussed a comprehensive report and a draft resolution on the implementation of WSIS outcomes.
At the same time, 2025 has welcomed the start of the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), an initiative adopted in 2024 by UN member states to guide cooperation on digital governance. There is recognition of the need to ensure coherence and complementarity between WSIS and GDC processes, particularly as both aim to promote an inclusive, safe, secure, and human-centred digital society. This convergence opens new opportunities – but also poses coordination challenges – for all stakeholders, including African countries.
Against this backdrop, the WSIS+20 review is a timely opportunity to reflect on Africa’s digital development progress, contribute to shaping the global narrative on digital development and governance, and advocate for policies that address persistent digital policy challenges.
The dialogue on 7 May, to be guided by Diplo experts, is intended to:

Provide African Permanent Missions with a concise briefing on the WSIS+20 review process and the broader context of digital governance developments at the UN.
Facilitate an informal exchange among diplomats on Africa’s interests, expectations, and potential contributions to the WSIS+20 review.
Explore how African countries can engage effectively in shaping the outcomes of the review, including through enhanced coordination.
Discuss the future of multilateral processes in matters of AI and ICTs: WSIS Action Lines; GDC commitments, and the respective follow-up processes.

Programme
Opening remarks | 13:00 – 13:15
By high-level representatives of the two co-sponsors: Permanent Mission of Tanzania and the Delegation of the European Union.
Briefing on the WSIS+20 review process | 13:15 – 14:00
An overview of the WSIS+20 process, with a focus on issues such as:

Key WSIS outcomes and their relevance today
Institutional mechanisms for WSIS implementation, follow-up, and review
Roles, responsibilities, and next steps in the WSIS+20 review process
Highlights from the April 2025 CSTD session
Key issues under discussion and expectations for the General Assembly outcome
Potential interplays between WSIS and GDC processes

Dialogue: African interests and priorities in WSIS+20 | 14:00 – 15:00
A moderated dialogue on the relevance of the WSIS+20 process for African countries and on ways and means to ensure that African interests and priorities are meaningfully represented in the process. Guiding questions may include:

How has the WSIS vision of a ‘people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society’ progressed in Africa? What gaps remain?
What WSIS action lines are most relevant for Africa today (e.g. infrastructure, access, capacity building, cybersecurity)?
What challenges do African countries face in these areas, and how can global cooperation mechanisms better address them?
What concrete steps can be taken to ensure that African interests and priorities are reflected in the WSIS+20 process?
What expectations do African countries have from the WSIS+20 process? Are there specific elements that African countries want to see reflected in the WSIS+20 review outcome document (to be adopted by the UN General Assembly)?
How can the interplay between WSIS and GDC processes be shaped to best respond to today’s realities and serve Africa’s digital development needs?

***

About Knowledge Hub Digital
The Knowledge Hub Digital (KHD) is a Technical Assistance Facility funded by the European Union to provide technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development in a wide range of digital-related sectors, from digital connectivity to e-governance. Under this framework, DiploFoundation delivers capacity building activities in Geneva, with a focus on supporting the engagement of missions of African countries in global digital governance debates.

Decoding the UN CSTD Working Group on Data Governance online series
2025-05-09 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Date: 9 May 2025
Time: 14.00 CEST | 12.00 UTC
Location: Online
At the United Nations Summit of the Future in 2024, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, which includes the Global Digital Compact (GDC). One of GDC’s central pillars is data governance, marking the first time this issue has been formally placed on the UN’s global agenda, with concrete commitments expected to materialise.​
As a follow-up, the United Nations General Assembly requested the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) to establish a dedicated Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Data Governance at all levels as relevant for development. This group has been convened to meet for the first time on 1-2 May 2025.
This online event, orgnised by the Open Knowledge Foundation, Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform, will discuss this important milestone. Speakers will provide an overview of the group’s mandate, discuss the main outcomes of its first meeting, and the expected next steps. In particular, they will assess the potential contribution of the WG to the establishment of a community and public-good centred data governance regime.
Moderator:
Marilia Maciel, Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo
Speakers:
Renata Avila, CEO, Open Knowledge Foundation
Linnet Taylor, Professor, Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT)

Register

The cost and benefits of using digital technology for elections in Africa
2025-05-14 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
Background and rationale
In recent years, the adoption of digital technology in electoral processes has gained momentum across Africa. Countries have increasingly turned to digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of elections. Technologies such as biometric voter registration, electronic voting, and digital platforms for voter education and election monitoring have been implemented with varying degrees of success. However, the use of digital technology in elections also raises concerns, including the financial costs, cybersecurity risks, and the potential for disenfranchisement.
As African nations continue to explore and implement digital technologies in their electoral processes, it is crucial to assess both the costs and benefits to ensure that such innovations contribute positively to the democratic process. This webinar aims to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the impact of digital technology on elections in Africa, weighing its advantages against the challenges it presents.
Objectives

Assess the costs: Discuss the financial implications of adopting digital technologies in elections, including the initial investment, maintenance costs, and potential hidden expenses.
Examine the benefits: Explore the advantages of digital technology in enhancing election transparency, reducing electoral fraud, improving voter access, and streamlining electoral processes.
Identify challenges: Highlight the challenges and risks associated with digital elections, including cybersecurity threats, the digital divide, and the potential disenfranchisement of marginalized communities.
Share best practices: Provide a platform for sharing successful case studies and lessons learned from African countries that have implemented digital technologies in their electoral processes.
Foster collaboration: Encourage dialogue and collaboration among African countries, international organizations, and tech companies to support the effective and equitable use of digital technology in elections.

Key discussion topics

Cost analysis of digital elections: Understanding the financial burden of implementing and maintaining digital election systems.
Technological benefits: Evaluating how digital technology can improve voter registration, voting processes, and election monitoring.
Cybersecurity and data protection: Addressing the risks of cyberattacks and the importance of protecting voter data.
Digital inclusion: Ensuring that all citizens, including those in rural and underserved areas, have access to digital voting technologies.
Case studies: Learning from the experiences of African countries that have successfully integrated digital technology into their electoral processes.
Future trends: Exploring emerging technologies and their potential impact on future elections in Africa.

Expected outcomes

Increased awareness and understanding of the costs and benefits of using digital technology in elections.
Identification of key challenges and potential solutions to ensure secure and inclusive digital elections in Africa.
Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to support the effective implementation of digital technologies in electoral processes.
A set of recommendations for policymakers and election officials on best practices for adopting digital technology in elections.

Contact information
For more information, please contact Mwende Njiraini, African Initiative Coordinator, at mwenden@diplomacy.edu.
Register

Cybersecurity meets Hydrodiplomacy | Geneva Cyber week 2025
2025-05-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Crossing perspectives on challenges related to sharing and protecting strategic infrastructures
Date: Thursday, May 15, from 14:00 to 15:00
Venue: Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), room 4, on level -1
Current geopolitical events and tensions have put shared critical infrastructure under a new spotlight with attacks on pipelines, energy lines and underwater communication lines. Likewise, water infrastructures have undergone a worrying trend of weaponisation in armed conflicts.
With water-related tensions globally on the rise, it’s important to recall that water, as a vital and irreplaceable resource, is also a source of peace and cooperation. It has historically been a convening theme, inducing dialogue between stakeholders to agree upon its management. Such a strategic vision has been spearheaded by the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace, launched in Geneva 10 years ago to promote a Blue Peace.
The session will explore how the experience of hydrodiplomacy in devising water governance frameworks to share benefits over water could inform current reflections on shared digital infrastructures. It will also dive into challenges in protecting water infrastructures and emerging trends in cybersecurity.
This event is co-hosted by DiploFoundation & the Geneva Water Hub

Digital Democracy for All (D4ALL): Capacity Building Programme for Armenia
2025-06-12 - 2025-06-13 | Yerevan, Yerevan, Armenia
The Digital Democracy for All (DD4ALL) project is a collaborative initiative designed to advance secure, inclusive, and effective digital governance in Serbia and Armenia. While the project unites both countries in strengthening their digital governance systems, it addresses distinct priorities based on their specific national contexts and needs.
The 2-day in-situ training aims to support policy-shapers in understanding digital policy challenges, digital governance frameworks, and the multistakeholder ecosystem, and in particular the roles CSOs play in shaping and implementing national policies.

Diplo/GIP at IGF 2025
2025-06-23 - 2025-06-27 | Lillestrøm, Norway, Lillestrøm, Norway
The 20th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be hosted by the Government of Norway in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025, under the overarching theme Building Digital Governance Together.
Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) will participate at the 20th IGF in several tracks, providing just-in-time-reporting agd contributing to discussions during the forum. More information will be provided on this page and on the Digital Watch observatory.
Just-in-time reporting
As in previous years, the GIP Digital Watch observatory will provide just-in-time reporting from the IGF.
Bookmark the Digital Watch space or download the Dig.Watch News+ app to stay up-to-date with our IGF session reports and newsletters.
Diplo/GIP booth in the IGF village
If you are attending the IGF in Norway, make sure to drop by our Diplo and GIP booth.
We’ll showcase some of our publications and initiatives and we look forward to engaging with you.

Diplo/GIP at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-11 | Geneva and online, Geneva, Switzerland
The 2025 edition of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum – branded as WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 – will take place on 7–11 July 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The event is co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss Confederation, and co-organised by ITU, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The forum will facilitate multistakeholder dialogue on achievements, key trends, and challenges since the two phases of WSIS in 2003 and 2005. In the lead-up to the WSIS+20 review by the UN General Assembly, the event will also feature discussions on progress made in the implementation of the WSIS outcomes. For more information, please visit the official event web page.
Diplo and GIP will participate in the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in various ways, co-organising several sessions, having a booth at the venue, and providing just-in-time reporting via the Digital Watch observatory.
Our sessions at WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025
Session 155: AI (and) education: Convergences between Chinese and European pedagogical practices
Monday, 7 July, 14:00-14:45 | Co-organised by Diplo, the Geneva Internet Platform, and the Beijing Institute of Technology | Official session page
As AI becomes more and more integrated into our societies, there is an urgent need to develop effective pedagogical frameworks that prepare learners for the AI era. This session will explore the convergences and divergences between Chinese and European approaches to AI education. It will examine how AI can be best integrated into education systems to foster critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, while addressing ethical and cultural considerations. The discussion will highlight innovative pedagogical practices, discuss challenges, and propose actions to ensure that education for the AI era is inclusive, equitable, and future-ready.
This session will take the form of a moderated dialogue around the following topics:

The AI era and education: overview of the impact of AI on education globally; drawing parallels with past educational reforms during technological revolutions.
Pedagogical practices in China and Europe: examination of Chinese educational philosophies (e.g. Confucianism) and of European educational models, highlighting approaches that prioritise creativity and critical thinking; discussion on strengths and weaknesses of Chinese and European pedagogical practices in the context of AI; identification of common goals, e.g. fostering critical thinking, creativity, and ethical considerations in AI use; reflections on case studies showcasing AI integration in educational settings.
A vision for AI-enhanced education and practical stepsfor international cooperation in this field: suggestions for curriculum that incorporates AI literacy, ethical considerations, and adaptability in learning methodologies; brainstorming on how to leverage Chinese and European approaches and expertise to advance international cooperation in shaping the future of AI (and) education.

Session 423: Developing capacities for bottom-up AI in the Global South: What role for the international community?
Thursday, 10 July, 10:00-10:45 | Organised by DiploFoundation, the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the UN, Microsoft, and IT for Change | Official session page
Used responsibly, AI has the potential to turbocharge progress in support of the SDGs and drive significant economic growth and opportunities. But a significant AI divide persists, with many underserved communities facing challenges in developing, deploying and adopting AI technologies, especially in the Global South. These challenges relate to the availability of digital infrastructure, capacities to leverage data and knowledge, AI-skilled workforces, and enabling policy environments, among others.
Bridging this divide requires targeted and comprehensive capacity development efforts that prioritise the development of long-term knowledge and awareness, and empower countries and communities to drive their own AI development. The international community includes many actors (donor agencies, development banks, international organisations, companies, think tanks) which could support AI diffusion efforts in the Global South and empower countries and communities to leverage AI solutions that respond to their realities, priorities and needs.
This session will take the form of a scenario-based exercise where participants will propose action plans detailing how countries can accelerate AI adoption and diffusion by leveraging internal resources and forms of international support.
Just-in-time reporting
As in previous years, the GIP Digital Watch observatory will provide just-in-time reporting from the WSIS Forum.
Bookmark the Digital Watch space or download the Dig.Watch News+ app to stay up-to-date with our session reports.
Diplo/GIP booth
If you are attending the event in Geneva, make sure to drop by our Diplo and GIP booth.
We’ll showcase some of our publications and initiatives and we look forward to engaging with you

Diplo/GIP at AI for Good Global Summit
2025-07-08 - 2025-07-11 | Geneva and online, Geneva, Switzerland
The 2025 edition of the AI for Good Global Summit will be held on 8–11 July 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with over 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland. Discussions will revolve around a wide range of issues such as AI governance, AI skills and capacities, AI and human rights, AI and sustainable development, technical standards, and robotics.
Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) will take active part in the event. Diplo’s Executive Director, Jovan Kurbalija, will speak at a workshop on AI detection (on 10 July), and we will also be present at the summit’s exhibition space, showcasing some of our AI-related initiatives. More details to follow.

July 2025 online courses | Diplo Academy
2025-07-21 | Online
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of three online courses on 21 July 2025:

Bilateral Diplomacy
Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
Internet Technology and Policy

For further information or to apply, please click on the course titles above or visit our course catalogue.
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Subscribe to Diplo Academy Newsletter for updates on our courses, programmes, and workshops.
