Diplo US

[WebDebate #44] Diplomacy in times of COVID-19: The experience of developing countries
2020-12-01 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Online
[Update] Registrations are now closed. You can follow the event on the YouTube live stream.
The COVID-19 pandemic demanded adaptations across the diplomatic profession. Most importantly, the need for social distancing has led to changes in how diplomacy is practised: meetings were cancelled, postponed, or moved online.
While the COVID-19 pandemic demanded adaptation across the diplomatic profession, small and developing countries faced an additional set of obstacles. Demands on already over-stretched diplomats based at multilateral hubs increased in many cases. Internet connectivity and lack of in-house cybersecurity expertise remain challenges.
Looking ahead, diplomats of small and developing countries, especially those posted at multilateral hubs, are likely to face an additional crisis in 2021 as increasing budget constraints and delays in replacing key personnel will create additional challenges. At the same time, some issues on the multilateral agenda have been postponed to 2021, thus leading to a backlog of agenda items and meetings.
Dedicated efforts are needed in order to avoid an increasingly uneven diplomatic playing field. This begins by closely listening to the experiences of practitioners.
In preparation of this event and for further details, please feel free to consult our new report The future of (multilateral) diplomacy? Changes in response to COVID-19 and beyond. The report and this event are supported by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Join us on Tuesday, 1st December, at 13:00 UTC (08:00 EST | 14:00 CET | 21:00 CST).
Speakers
Dr Stephanie Borg Psaila is the Director for Digital Policy at DiploFoundation, and the Editor of the GIP Digital Watch observatory. In 2018-2019, she served as Diplo’s Interim Director and Head of Geneva Internet Platform, replacing Founding Director Dr Jovan Kurbalija during his one-year position as co-Executive Director of the Secretariat of the United Nations High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation. She holds a Doctorate in Law (LL.D.), a Master’s in Contemporary Diplomacy, and two law-related diplomas from the University of Malta, and her special areas of interest include legal issues in digital policy, human rights, and e-diplomacy. She holds a warrant to practice as a Notary Public in Malta, and is a former journalist with The Sunday Times of Malta.
Ms Asha DeSuza is Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of St Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations in New York. She is responsible for social, humanitarian, cultural, and other issues covered by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. As a legal adviser, she additionally covers issues from the Sixth Committee (Legal), the Oceans and Law of the Sea, as well as health and migration, also under the remit of the General Assembly. Since her appointment in 2017, she has led several regional coordination efforts, and served as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) negotiator for the Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases, as well as the CARICOM coordinator during the 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Having completed five DiploFoundation courses, including Capacity Development in Multilateral Diplomacy for the Caribbean, she considers herself part of the Diplo family.
Ms Maricela Muñoz is Minister Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva. She has more than 20 years of experience in multilateral diplomacy, working with governments, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society organisations, particularly in the areas of climate change, disarmament and non-proliferation, and the advancement of more peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. She is particularly interested in areas such as digital diplomacy, information and communications technologies (ICTs), frontier technologies, including the Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), nature-based solutions, and blended finance for regenerative development, among others.
Mr Moctar Yedaly is in charge of the Information Society Division within the department of Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission. He is a telecom, satellite, and computer engineer with an MBA in International Business. He graduated from George Washington University, Amity University, and the Institute of Informatics. He has more than 20 years of international experience in the field communication and networks management, resources evaluation, and policy preparation. He is a former staff member of Intelsat in the USA and RASCOM in the Ivory Coast.
Moderator: Dr Katharina Höne, Director of Research, DiploFoundation
About our WebDebates
Our WebDebates on the future of diplomacy are live-streamed on the first Tuesday of every month. They are organised by DiploFoundation within the framework of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT). Learn more about our series of WebDebates.
If you belong to a dynamic circle of practitioners in your community, we encourage you to establish a diplomatic hub to follow the WebDebates and to facilitate discussions. For more information and assistance, please contact Diplo’s Ms Mina Mudric.
Registrations are now closed. You can follow the event on YouTube live stream.

Launch of the Geneva Digital Atlas
2020-11-30 05:00 - 06:00 | Online
[Update] Access the Geneva Digital Atlas, and the recording of the launch.
What is the Geneva Digital Atlas?
The Geneva Digital Atlas is a comprehensive mapping of the digital policy and Internet governance scene in International Geneva. The Atlas provides an in-depth coverage of the activities of almost 40 actors, including the analysis of policy processes and cataloguing of core instruments and featured events.

The Geneva Digital Atlas features digital governance tours combining virtual and physical experiences in dealing with standardisation, data, cybersecurity and other pressing issues of our times.
We invite you to join us for this event on Monday, 30 November at 11:00 CET (10:00 UTC).
Registrations are now closed. You can follow the event on YouTube live stream.

Digital Security and Economic Recovery
2020-11-26 02:30 - 04:30 | Online
[Update] The recording of this event is now available.

The online high-level event ‘Digital Security and Economic Recovery: Boosting Confidence and Productivity through Secure Digital Technology’ is organised by DiploFoundation and the Swiss Confederation as part of the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace. The event will be opened with a keynote address by Swiss Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer. A dialogue, moderated by Mr Jovan Kurbalija (DiploFoundation), will follow with high-level officials from leading global companies: Ms Sabine Keller-Busse (UBS), Mr Eugene Kaspersky (Kaspersky), Mr Jeremy Thompson (Huawei), and Mr Casper Klynge (Microsoft).

Malicious activities in cyberspace are a significant drag on the global economy. A 2018 assessment by the US government estimated that cyber incidents are likely to have cost the US economy up to USD$106 billion in 2016, amounting to about 0.5% of GDP. Furthermore, cyber-attacks and security deficiencies in digital products undermine trust in digital technologies. As a result, delays in employing productivity-enhancing technologies throughout the economy are often an unfortunate, but regular occurrence. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need to adopt digital solutions and their crucial value for the global economy all the more clear. As highlighted by the UN Secretary General in his Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, issues of trust and security need to be addressed in order to reap the benefits of the digital transformation and for reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is a fundamental discussion to be held among all stakeholders, but one of particular importance to private sector investors, without whose confidence the global digital agenda will face significant hurdles.

The majority of cyber-attacks exploit vulnerabilities in digital products and services. Although there is a lively international debate about the responsibility of governments to establish baseline requirements for cybersecurity, and for manufacturers and service suppliers to apply the available standards, there is currently no consensus about these issues. Hence, there is a risk that governments set widely different requirements, while businesses pursue divergent industry practices.
In this context, the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behavior in Cyberspace has been discussing industry roles and responsibilities throughout 2020, with the aim to establish globally shared best practices and baseline requirements for the security of digital products and services. An output document, which includes definitions of key concepts and a collection of good corporate practices about threat modelling, supply chain security, secure development, vulnerability management, and transforming internal processes to embrace security by design, has been published for comments.
This high-level event will discuss how the fragmented regulatory environment impacts the security of digital products and services, including those in supply chains. It aims to clarify possible collaborative responses from both industry and governments on how to facilitate financial and economic recovery through trusted digital technologies.
The online event will take place on Thursday, 26th November 2020, 7:30–9:00am UTC / 08:30–10:00am CET
Speakers:

Introduction: Keynote speech by Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, Head of the Federal Department of Finance FDF, Switzerland
Panel discussion:

Ms Sabine Keller-Busse, Member of the Group Executive Board, UBS AG
Mr Eugene Kaspersky, CEO, Kaspersky
Mr Jeremy Thompson, Executive Vice President, Huawei Western European Region
Mr Casper Klynge, Vice President, European Government Affairs, Microsoft Corporation

Moderator: Mr Jovan Kurbalija, DiploFoundation

RightOn #14: Our Future, Our Voice
2020-11-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
[Update] The registrations for this event are closed. You can follow the event via Facebook or on YouTube live streams.
The struggle for climate justice and for environmental protection and conservation is a struggle for human rights. This point, together with the reverse point – that the full enjoyment of human rights supports more effective and sustainable environmental and climate policies – has been repeatedly recognised in Human Rights Council resolutions and international environmental/climate agreements. Nevertheless, around the world, 93% of children live in environments where air pollution exceeds WHO guidelines. According to the UN, the deaths of 1.7 million children under the age of five each year are due to environmental factors – notably air and water pollution and exposure to toxic substances. The impacts of environmental harm fall particularly hard on the youngest children, as well as on indigenous children and those from low-income and marginalised communities.

In order to raise awareness on climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, and thereby to protect their own rights and those of their communities, young people in particular have been at the forefront of the worldwide movements: marching peacefully and persistently; engaging in strategic litigation; helping to devise climate solutions; overturning obstacles and overcoming threats.
To find out more about children’s rights in the context of environment, international efforts and youth engagement tune in on Wednesday 25 November at 14 UTC (15 CET).

[Briefing] Internet governance in November 2020
2020-11-24 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in November? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 24th November, at 7 am EST, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in November 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 24th November, at 7 am EST. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:

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[Briefing] Internet governance in October 2020
2020-10-27 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in October? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 27th October, at 8 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in October briefing takes place on Tuesday, 27th October, at 8 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:

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[Briefing] Internet governance in September 2020
2020-09-29 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in September? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 29th September, at 7 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in September 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 29th September, at 7 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:

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[WebDebate] The UN at 75: Evolution or revolution?
2020-09-01 08:00 - 12:00 | Online
This year is the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and we are marking the occasion with a Webdebate on the past and the future of the organisation.
By looking back at the past 75 years of the world organisation, we will try to answer an important question: Are we seeing an evolution or a revolution in some of the key UN topics and how they are addressed?
The past 75 years vs the last 7.5 months: The need to respond to COVID-19 and the tremendous impact the crisis had on almost all aspects of life around the world, highlighted the crucial importance of the UN. To what extent are the past 75 years reflected in the past 7.5 months?
Our discussion will focus on three core pillars of the UN: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. We will also explore how these three pillars are increasingly connected via the emerging theme of digital co-operation.
Questions around peace and security, and human rights, have been with the organisation from its inception, while sustainable development and digital co-operation are more recent topics on the UN’s agenda. In each case, we look back at past developments in order to reflect on future ones. Are we witnessing an evolution or a revolution, and how have the past 7.5 months further shaped these topics?
Join us on Tuesday, 1st September, at 12:00 UTC (08:00 EDT | 14:00 CEST | 20:00 CST). To attend, please register below.
Registrations are open
Register×Speakers
Dr Jovan Kurbalija – Executive Director, DiploFoundation | Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) | former Executive Director of the Secretariat of the UN High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation (2018-19)
Mr Marc Limon – Executive Director, Universal Rights Group (URG) | diplomat at the UN Human Rights Council between (2006 – 2012)
Ambassador Asoke Mukerji – India’s ambassador and permanent representative to the UN in New York from 2013 to 2015
Ms Irena Zubčević – Chief, Intergovernmental Policy and Review Branch, Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Moderator
Dr Katharina Höne – Senior Researcher and Lecturer, DiploFoundation
About our WebDebates
Our WebDebates on the future of diplomacy are live streamed on the first Tuesday of every month. They are organised by DiploFoundation within the framework of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT). Learn more about our series of WebDebates.
If you form part of a dynamic circle of practitioners in your community, we encourage you to establish a diplomatic hub to follow the WebDebates and to facilitate discussions. For more information, contact Diplo’s Ms Mina Mudrić.
Register

[Briefing] Internet governance in July & August 2020
2020-08-25 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in July & August? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 25th August, at 7 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in July & August 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 25th August, at 7 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:

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July 2020 online courses
2020-07-20 | Online
The course on Multilateral Diplomacy was comprehensive, insightful, and innovative. The issues covered were timely and relevant, and the online chat sessions allowed for knowledge sharing by a wide cross-section of officials, including the facilitators working in the field.
Roshelle Henry (Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica), September 2017
Registrations are open
Register×DiploFoundation offers four interactive postgraduate-level online courses, starting the week of 20 July 2020:

21st Century Diplomacy
Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
Internet Technology and Policy: Challenges and Solutions
Multilateral Diplomacy

For more information on each course please click the course title above.
Who should apply?
Working diplomats, professionals involved in international relations, and others who wish to learn about new topics in the field of diplomacy, or expand and refresh their knowledge of more traditional topics.
How much study time will I need?
Ten weeks of part-time study, with a minimum of five to seven hours per week.
How does the online course work?
You will work through study materials provided in the online classroom together with other participants, following a weekly cycle. Each week, you read and discuss lecture texts, adding questions and comments, and responding to those added by other participants and the lecturer(s). Other weekly activities may include self-assessment quizzes, short assignments, discussion forum topics, and group tasks. At the end of the weekly cycle, you will meet with other participants and lecturers in an online chat room to discuss the topic of the week.
For more information on studying online and to apply, please visit the Diplo Course Catalogue or contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu.
You can register for the July 2020 courses via the registration button below.
Register

[Briefing] Internet governance in June 2020
2020-06-30 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in June? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 30th June, at 7 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in June 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 30th June, at 7 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:

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Geneva Talks: Charting International Collaboration in the Digital Age
2020-06-26 11:00 - 12:15 | Online
This summer marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) in a time of turmoil and uncertainty. After the Second World War, countries across the World have signed the UN Charter in San Francisco in agreement to collectively work on a multilateral future. This year, the global pandemic not only reminds us that we are all interconnected, but also challenges us in upholding the principles that stand at the core of the UN Charter. The unprecedented crisis highlights the need for cooperation across countries, sectors, and generations. It is also a time of deep reflections about past, present, and what is ahead. Science and technology are the nexus of discussions ranging from finding a vaccine against COVID-19 to foresight for the future impact of AI and robotics on our lives and society.
For more information and to register, visit the
Dedicated webpage×In the light of the UN’s 75th anniversary, swissnex San Francisco and the Consulate General of Switzerland in partnership with ICRC, DiploFoundation, and ICT4peace are hosting a two-part digital conversation aimed at bridging the dialogue between Geneva, the world’s capital for humanitarian and diplomatic affairs, and Silicon Valley, the epicenter of tech innovation. We will explore the challenges and opportunities that new technologies are introducing to the multilateral and humanitarian sector by bringing the technology industry into a conversation with actors from the multilateral and humanitarian sector.
Inspired by the conviction that technology is key to the future of humanity, the Geneva Talks series explores the symbiotic relationship between technology and humanity. The current global health pandemic highlights how central technology has become to address international crisis, and touches on the core values of the UN Charter. The future of the UN and multilateral governance, housed in Geneva, will be inextricably linked to technological progress sparked in Silicon Valley.
Our experts involved

Dr Tereza Horejsova
Project Development Director
Originally from the Czech Republic, Dr Tereza Horejsova is currently based in Washington DC. Joining Diplo in 2012, Tereza has had an international career in academia and the non-governmental sector in the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland. During her stay in Geneva (2012‒2016), she coordinated the activities of the Geneva Internet Platform. She holds an MA in International Area Studies and a PhD in European Studies, both from the Charles University in Prague.

Dr Jovan Kurbalija
Executive Director
Dr Jovan Kurbalija is the Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP). He was a member of the UN Working Group on Internet Governance (2004‒2005), special advisor to the Chairman of the UN Internet Governance Forum (2006‒2010), and a member of the High Level Multistakeholder Committee for NETmundial (2013‒2014). In 2018-2019, he served as co-Executive Director of the Secretariat of the United Nations (UN) High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation.
A former diplomat, Jovan has a professional and academic background in international law, diplomacy, and information technology. He has been a pioneer in the field of cyber diplomacy since 1992 when he established the Unit for Information Technology and Diplomacy at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta, and later, DiploFoundation.
Since 1997, Jovan’s research and articles on cyber diplomacy have shaped research and policy discussion on the impact of the Internet on diplomacy and international relations. His book, An Introduction to Internet Governance, has been translated into 9 languages and is used as a textbook for academic courses worldwide. He lectures on e-diplomacy and Internet governance in academic and training institutions in many countries, including Austria (Diplomatic Academy of Vienna), Belgium (College of Europe), Switzerland (University of St Gallen), Malta (University of Malta), and the United States (University of Southern California).
His publishes regular articles on DiploFoundation’s blog, and the Huffington Post.
Join us on Friday, 26th June, 08:00 – 09:15 PDT / 11:00 – 12:15 EDT
Registrations are open:
Dedicated webpage

[Briefing] Internet governance in May 2020
2020-05-26 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in May? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 26th May, at 7 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in April 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 26th May, at 7 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:

Register

Security in Cyberspace: Dynamics, limits, and opportunities
2020-05-14 09:30 - 16:30 | Online
The event, organised by the Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, will discuss the North and South perspectives on how cyberspace can bring challenges and solutions for interstate relations.
Security in Cyberspace: Dynamics, limits and opportunities will take place on 14 May 2020 at 09:30 – 16:30 EDT
The panel includes DiploFoundation’s Marília Maciel (Digital Policy Senior Researcher).
For more information about the event and to register, visit the dedicated webpage.

The Future of Meetings - online conference
2020-05-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Coronavirus crisis is changing how we meet and interact, ushering in new ways of organising conferences and other events. Hybrid meetings, which combine virtual and face-to-face interaction, will become the norm.
The Future of Meetings conference will address the emerging practices in organising and running meetings. Can we fit online and onsite events into the same policy process? How can we moderate online sessions effectively? Can we integrate corridor chats into formal virtual meetings? What will the future bring for diplomatic protocol and procedures?
We invite you to join the discussion, organised within 20 sessions and 5 parallel tracks (technology, security, moderation, behaviour, and diplomacy).
This innovative online conference builds on Diplo’s 20-year-long experience in online meetings, teaching, intensive research, and running online events. (visit the Conference Tech Lab).
The ways in which we meet, consult, and negotiate will shape the future of diplomacy, governance, and our society as a whole.
Join us for this timely discussion!
For more information and to register, visit the dedicated page!

#SciDipTalks | Technology at the service of global health crises: Threats and opportunities
2020-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
SciTech DiploHub has partnered with other organisations to put forward 5 online sessions with leading world experts (#SciDipTalks) that will explore the role of international cooperation in the current crisis; the European response to COVID-19; the impact of cities, and particularly Barcelona, in global mitigation efforts; the responses to pandemics in Iberoamerica; and, the threats and opportunities of new technologies. This is the fifth event of the #SciDipTalks series. DiploFoundation’s Katharina Höne will be among the speakers.
About this webinar
Technology and data-driven solutions have been at the forefront of successful national responses to the current COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, social media platforms have been instrumental in informing, and sometimes misinforming, the general public about the pandemic. This session will address the role of technology in advancing global health, with in-depth discussions about the potential impact of digital strategies on data privacy and human rights. It will also reflect upon the role technology plays during health crises, and the responsibility of digital platforms.
The event will take place on Monday, 11th May 2020 at 12:00 EDT, online.
Speakers for this event include:

Kathleen Carley (Professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University)
Xavier Ferràs (Associate Professor at ESADE Business School)
Katharina Höne (Senior Researcher in diplomacy and new technology at DiploFoundation)
Elizabeth M. Renieris (Fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University)
Moderator: Esther Paniagua (Science and Technology Journalist)

For more information about the event and to register, visit the dedicated webpage.

May online courses 2020
2020-05-04 | Online
As a diplomat of a small state, operating in a dynamic and rapidly changing international environment, I must sharpen my skills and be equipped with the right tools in order to be successful. I particularly enjoyed the rich, constructive exchange of views/ideas among participants. The opportunity to undertake a case study on one small state was truly enlightening. The bonus was the flexibility of studying at my own convenience from the comfort of my home or office and receiving certification, without leaving my country.
Nicholette Williams, Assistant Director/Foreign Service Officer IV, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica (July 2015)
Registrations are open
Register×
Diplo offers four interactive postgraduate-level online courses starting the week of 4 May 2020

Bilateral Diplomacy
Diplomacy of Small States
E-diplomacy
Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks

For more information on each course please click on the titles above. These online courses are available as Diplo Certificate Courses (application deadline: 30 March 2020) and University of Malta Accredited Courses (application deadline: 2 March 2020)
Who should apply?
Working diplomats, professionals involved in international relations, and others who wish to learn about new topics in the field of diplomacy or expand and refresh their knowledge of more traditional topics.
How much study time will I need?
Ten weeks of part-time study, with a minimum of five to seven hours per week.
How does the online course work?
You will work through study materials provided in the online classroom together with other participants, following a weekly cycle. Each week, you read and discuss lecture texts, adding questions and comments and responding to those added by other participants and the lecturer(s). Other weekly activities may include self-assessment quizzes, short assignments, discussion forum topics and group tasks. At the end of the weekly cycle, you will meet with other participants and lecturers in an online chat room to discuss the topic for the week.
For more information on studying online and to apply, please visit Diplo’s courses website or contact admissions@diplomacy.edu

Register

[Briefing] Internet governance in April 2020
2020-04-28 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in April? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 28th April, at 7 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.
We receive them, too.
We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.
Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in April 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 28th April, at 7 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open:
Register

(Cyber)Security and the shift to online
2020-04-09 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
The rapid shift to online work makes us more dependent on the critical Internet infrastructure and digital services. While this infrastructure is already under a lot of pressure as a result of the recent surge in the use of online tools, DDoS attacks against health or e-learning platforms aggravate this strain. Our demand for more information on COVID-19 makes us easy victims for perpetrators of phishing schemes impersonating health institutions including the World Health Organization. Ransomware campaigns, which often lock down critical systems in hospitals and medical research centres, may now lead to more fatalities. In our next live discussion on COVID-19, on Thursday, 9th April 2020 at 8 am EDT, we will ask our experts: Is the COVID-19 crisis leading towards an increasingly insecure cyber-world?
Registrations are open
Register×
As our communications shifts online, confidentiality also becomes a major challenge. Numerous online meeting platforms and messenger apps have embedded encryption, yet only some services encrypt data between users and platform servers, and fewer encrypt data on their servers. As deepfake algorithms advance, the integrity of information and authenticity of interlocutors may also become an issue.
Do cybersecurity risks increase in times of crisis, or do they just change form? What are the specific roles (and responsibilities) of authorities, the private sector, and users and communities? What could be the post-COVID-19 consequences?
Join us to revisit cybersecurity challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. We welcome your active participation in our live discussion.
Expert:
Mr Vladimir (Vlada) Radunović is a lecturer in cybersecurity policy, Internet governance, and e-diplomacy on postgraduate and professional courses. He also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) and as an expert with the Geneva Internet Platform. He served as a member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from 2012 to 2014. Vlada has been a lecturer, speaker, and resource person on a number of educational and training programmes and events worldwide, including within the WSIS and IGF processes. His professional and research focus is on Internet governance, broadband policy and net neutrality, cybersecurity and cyber-diplomacy, e-diplomacy, and capacity development. He holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Belgrade and a Master’s in Contemporary Diplomacy from the University of Malta. He is currently working on his PhD in cybersecurity. Vlada is currently member of the Board of Directors of Diplo US.
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[WebDebate] Multilateral diplomacy in times of COVID-19
2020-04-07 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
For many around the world, the briefings of the World Health Organization (WHO) provided crucial information on the emerging crisis. A key moment came when the WHO declared a global pandemic. On March 24th, the UN Secretary-General called for a ‘global ceasefire in all corners of the world’ and argued that ‘the fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war’. Furthermore, responses to COVID-19 illustrate great cooperation and solidarity on the one hand, and evidence of emerging nationalism on the other.
Registrations are open
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In this WebDebate, we will take a look at multilateral diplomacy in the times of COVID-19 in three main steps:

First, we will unpack the role of the UN system and the WHO in particular. We will explore how the system is set up to deal with such a crisis and a global pandemic. For example, how does the WHO work with member states, and how is the decision to declare a global pandemic made?
Second, we will branch out to consider the role of multilateral diplomacy more broadly. While there is a general agreement that joined efforts are needed to manage the crisis, responses seem largely unilateral. Some might even say that we are seeing a new nationalism taking hold. Is multilateralism failing us, and if so why? Moreover, is multilateralism failing those most vulnerable to the economic and societal impacts of the corona crisis, namely countries in the Global South?
Lastly, looking ahead, will we see elements of a new UN or a new multilateral system emerge after the crisis, and what will its building blocks be?

Participants:
Amb. Umej Bhatia is Singapore’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva. He joined the foreign service in 1996 and has served in various capacities on issues covering Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the UN in the ministry’s headquarters. He served overseas as first secretary in Singapore’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, from 1999 to 2003; and as an alternate representative for Singapore on the UN Security Council from 2001-2002; as Singapore’s consul-general in Dubai from September 2011 to December 2012; as Singapore’s first resident ambassador to the United Arab Emirates from January 2013 to December 2016; and, as director-general in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia from January 2017 to May 2019.
Fabrizio Hochschild-Drummond is special adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Preparations for the Commemoration of the United Nations’ 75th Anniversary. He has been serving as assistant secretary-general for Strategic Coordination in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General since 2017. Prior to that, he served as deputy-special representative for the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in 2016; as UN resident coordinator, humanitarian coordinator and resident representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Colombia from 2013 to 2016; as director of the Field Personnel Division in the UN Department of Field Support, New York from 2010 to 2012; and, as chief of Field Operations and Technical Cooperation in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva from 2005 to 2009.
Dr Owain Williams is a senior research fellow at the University of Leeds (POLIS). He is a former fellow at the University of Queensland School of Public Health and the Centre for Health and International Relations, the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, UK; he is an expert on the politics and political economy of health policy, and on intellectual property rights and access to medicines; he worked for the UNDP as a consultant on this area in 2014; and, he has published on access to medicines and global health governance, and new actors in health. His work includes, with Adrian Kay (eds.) Global Health Governance: Crisis, Institutions and Political Economy (Palgrave 2009); Partnerships and Foundations in Global Health Governance with Simon Rushton (eds.) (Palgrave 2011), New Political Economy of Pharmaceuticals in the Global South (Palgrave 2013); and The Transformation of Global Health Governance (Palgrave 2014).
Join us on Tuesday, 7th April at 8 am EDT
About our WebDebates
The WebDebates on the future of diplomacy are live streamed on the first Tuesday of every month. They are organised by Diplo within the framework of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT). Learn more about our series of WebDebates.
If you form part of a dynamic circle of practitioners in your community, we encourage you to establish a diplomatic hub to follow the WebDebates and to facilitate discussions.
For more information, contact Diplo’s Ms Mina Mudric.
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How to ensure the functional continuity of global diplomacy in time of crisis
2020-04-02 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
In times of crisis, global cooperation is essential. Yet, COVID-19 has grounded global diplomacy with the cancellation of meetings and negotiations. In our next live discussion on COVID-19, on Thursday, 2nd April 2020 at 8 am EDT, we will discuss ways of ensuring the functional continuity of global diplomacy. Join us online.
Registrations are open
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In response to the COVID-19 crisis which has grounded onsite meetings and conferences, G7 and EU leaders have taken to video-conferencing to continue their work. The UN and diplomatic services worldwide are now in the search of new solutions for functional continuity during these testing times.
Our just-in-time live discussion will reflect on the reactions to COVID-19’s challenges for global diplomacy, and plans for the future. In particular, the discussion will focus on the functionality of new solutions, security risks, protocol challenges, and the need to ensure that small and developing countries are not marginalised in this transition towards online meetings.
We welcome your active participation in our live discussion.
Experts:
Amb. Stefano Baldi is a career diplomat in the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation. Before the appointment as Ambassador of Italy to Bulgaria he was a Training Director at the Ministry since 2011. He was previously Head of the Science and Technology Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2011. From 2006 to 2010 he was First Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the European Union, responsible for legal and financial aspects of the Common Foreign and Security policy as Relex Counsellor. He has also served at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the International Organisations in Geneva and to the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in New York in charge for disarmament affairs. He has been the first head of the Statistical Office of the Ministry from 2000 to 2002.
Ms. Chrystiane Roy is the First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in Geneva and the WTO. Roy has been following all aspects of digital policy and cybersecurity across all UN based agencies in Geneva since 2015. She joined Global Affairs Canada in 2002. Prior to her arrival in Geneva, she was Deputy Director in the Disarmament and Non-proliferation Division, working on issues relating to biological and chemical weapons, including related export control mechanisms as well as being Canada’s National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention. Overseas, she completed assignments in the Canadian embassies in Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina. She is also a graduate of a number of DiploFoundation courses.
Mr Moctar Yedaly is the Head of the Information Society of the African Union Commission. By vocation, Yedaly is a telecom, satellite and computer engineer with an MBA in international Business. He holds degrees from George Washington University, Amity University and Institute of Informatics. He has more than 20 years of international experience in policy preparation and implementation, program development and management, partnerships development, operational management, and capacity building. Yedaly has an excellent understanding of the global political and business systems including government institutions in Africa and the Middle East. He also has excellent knowledge of the digital economy and Internet governance, as well as the requirements of the developing world. He has worked for and with private companies and international organisations in the US and Africa. He is fluent in major languages spoken in Africa and the Middle East, namely, English, French and Arabic.
Moderator:
Prof. Jovan Kurbalija is the Founding Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform. In 2018 and 2019, he served as co-Executive Director of the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. Previously Prof. Kurbalija was a member of the UN Working Group on Internet Governance (2004-2005) and a Special Advisor to the Chairman of the UN Internet Governance Forum. Between 2013 and 2014, he was a member of the High Level Multistakeholder Committee for NETmundial (2013‒2014). His book, An Introduction to Internet Governance, has been translated into 9 languages and is used as a textbook for academic courses worldwide.
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[Briefing] Internet governance in March 2020
2020-03-31 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in March? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 31st March, at 8 am EDT, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
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You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.We receive them, too.We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in March 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 31st March, at 8 am EDT. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.

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Could COVID-19 disrupt the Internet?
2020-03-24 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
The pressure on the Internet infrastructure is increasing, with the shift of our professional and daily reality from the physical to the online space. On Tuesday, 24 March at at 9 am EDT we will discuss the practical, technical, business, and political aspects of Internet traffic, and possible bottlenecks.
Registrations are open
Register×By tracking the journey of Internet traffic from our personal computers to big platforms, we will learn about potential challenges to our local (personal, home, and office) connectivity, and monitor what happens with telecom, Internet providers, and tech platforms, including their applications and clouds. On this journey, we will also find out what happens with our messages and documents when they start navigating the major Internet cables on land and the seabed, and eventually reach the cloud servers. Our session will reflect on politics and regulation of Internet traffic, and issues such as content policy (or policing), traffic management, and net neutrality. Join us on this digital journey which shapes our daily reality in times of crisis.
Moderator:
Prof Jovan Kurbalija, is the Founding Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform. In 2018 – 2019, he served as co-Executive Director of the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation. Previously Prof. Kurbalija was a member of the UN Working Group on Internet Governance (2004-2005) and a Special Advisor to the Chairman of the UN Internet Governance Forum. Between 2013 and 2014, he was a member of the High Level Multistakeholder Committee for NETmundial (2013‒2014). His book, An Introduction to Internet Governance, has been translated into 9 languages and is used as a textbook for academic courses worldwide.
Participants:
Olaf Kolkman is the Principal – Internet Technology, Policy and Advocacy at Internet Society. He also serves as senior advisor to, and spokesperson of, the Internet Society. In his role, Kolkman formulates, reviews, and advises on technical and policy positions. He has extensive experience in Internet technology and policy matters, including security and trustworthiness of the Internet. Kolkman is a board member of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) and a commissioner of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC).

Vladimir Radunovic is a Director of e-diplomacy and cybersecurity programmes at DiploFoundation. He is a lecturer in cybersecurity policy, Internet governance, and e-diplomacy and serves as an expert on the Geneva Internet Platform. Radunovic is a also a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE). Between 2012 and 2014, he was a member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
Please fill in the registration form and join use on Tuesday, 24 March at 9 am EDT for this timely discussion.
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[Briefing] Internet governance in February 2020
2020-02-25 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in February? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 25th February, at 7 am EST, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Registrations are open
Register×You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.
We receive them, too.
We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.
Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in February 2020 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 25th February, at 7 am EST. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
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IGF 2019 Debrief Roundtable
2019-12-11 16:30 - 18:00 | New America, 740 15th Street Northwest #900, Washington, DC, DC, 20005, United States
Join us for a roundtable discussion on the key takeaways from the IGF 2019.
[Update] This event’s recording is now available
Watch againAs many of us return from Berlin and others return from Thanksgiving with our families, join us for a roundtable discussion on the key takeaways from the IGF 2019. This will be an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and questions from this year’s conference.
Join us on Wednesday, December 11 from 4:30-6:00 pm EDT at New America. This Debrief is intended to be a useful forum for anyone interested in the IGF 2019, whether they attended or not.
Remote participation will be available!
Refreshments will be served.
This event is hosted by ISOC-DC, IGF-USA and Diplo US.
What’s in store for IGF 2019? The five-day meeting, themed One World. One Net. One Vision, includes a large number of workshops, open forums, dynamic coalition meetings, outputs of intersessional activities, and other events that will give participants the opportunity to engage in open discussions on multiple Internet governance and digital policy issues. National and regional IGF initiatives (NRIs) shared experiences and discussed about their specificities, challenges, and plans for the future. Several main sessions were part of the programme; the main themes this year were data governance; digital inclusion; and safety, security, stability and resilience. For more information, read about the IGF process on our dedicated page and visit the official IGF 2019 website.
Registrations are open:
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[Briefing] Internet governance in November 2019
2019-11-26 07:00 - 08:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in November? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 26th November, at 7 am EST, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.

Registrations are open
Register
×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.
We receive them, too.
We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.
Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in November 2019 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 26th November, at 7 am EST. Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open: Register

Cyber-diplomacy web discussion: Norms and confidence building measures (CBMs): Are we there yet?
2019-11-21 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
DiploFoundation is pleased to invite you to the web discussion: Norms and confidence building measures: Are we there yet? This webinar is the fourth in a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions, organised by DiploFoundation with the support of Microsoft. It follows the discussions Cyber-armament: A heavy impact on peace, economic development, and human rights; Applicability of international law to cyberspace: Do we know the rules of the road?; and Traceability and attribution of cyber-attacks: How confidently can we point a finger? The series focuses on risks for international peace and security stemming from cyberspace, and hosts a number of distinguished international discussants.

Registrations are open
Register
×
As cyberspace increasingly gets (mis)used by states for military purposes, international negotiations on rules of behaviour in cyberspace evolve, in particular within the UN context. DiploFoundation, with the support of Microsoft, is organising a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions which aim to map trends, introduce challenges, clarify open issues on the negotiation table, outline processes where discussions are happening, and explain how all of us can get involved.
The Norms and confidence building measures: Are we there yet? web discussion will look into the importance of norms and capacity building measures (CBMs), go over already existing norms and CBMs in cyberspace, and debate the need for new ones.
Thursday, 21st November 2019, 8 am EST
Possible issues for discussion include:
What are norms and capacity building measures (CBMs) and why do they matter (on global and regional scales)? Do we have an agreed upon framework on responsible behaviour for cyberspace? What norms and CBMs do we already have? Do we need more norms, and if so, what is missing? How do we enforce the agreed upon framework? Where are these discussions taking place, and how can we get involved?
This webinar is the fourth in a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions which consisted of four hour-long webinars, running from October to November 2019. Each debate involved recognised international experts in the field, and a senior fellow of DiploFoundation as the moderator. Thematic focus of the web discussions was on pertinent issues related to ongoing global negotiations about responsible behaviour in cyberspace: trends and impacts of cyber-armament, applicability of international law to cyberspace, challenges of traceability and attribution of cyber-attack, and perspectives and applicability of norms and confidence building measures. To make the webinars ‘actionable’ and help participants get involved, the webinars discussed open issues, effects on security, human rights and economic development, and reviewed existing processes and avenues of contributions by various actors.
Discussants

Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, Commissioner at the Global Commission for Stability of Cyberspace, and Executive Chairman of Consultancy Support Services Ltd
Bart Hogeveen, Analyst at the International Cyber Policy Centre, Australian Strategic Policy Institute

Host and moderator

Ms Marilia Maciel, Digital Policy Senior Researcher, Diplo Foundation

Tentative timeline for the entire series:

22 October 2019: Cyber-armament: A heavy impact on peace, economic development, and human rights
7 November 2019: Applicability of international law to cyberspace: Do we know the rules of the road?
15 November 2019: Traceability and attribution of cyber-attacks: Who did it?
21 November 2019: Norms and confidence building measures (CBMs): Are we there yet?

For background information about the context, and the open and controversial issues discussed in the main negotiation tracks – the UN Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (UN GGE) and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) – visit the dedicated GIP Digital Watch page.
Registrations are open: Register

Cyber-diplomacy web discussion: Applicability of international law to cyberspace
2019-11-07 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
DiploFoundation is pleased to invite you to the cyber-diplomacy web discussion Applicability of international law to cyberspace: Do we know the rules of the road? This webinar is the second in a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions, organised by DiploFoundation with the support of Microsoft. The series will focus on risks for international peace and security stemming from cyberspace, and host a number of distinguished international discussants.

Registrations are open
Register
×
As cyberspace increasingly gets (mis)used by states for military purposes, international negotiations on rules of behaviour in cyberspace evolve, in particular within the UN context. DiploFoundation, with the support of Microsoft, is organising a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions which aim to map trends, introduce challenges, clarify open issues on the negotiation table, outline processes where discussions are happening, and explain how all of us can get involved.
The cyber-diplomacy web discussion Applicability of international law to cyberspace: Do we know the rules of the road? will look into the international rules that are already in place, and the challenges of their applicability.
Thursday, 7th November 2019, 8AM (EST)
Possible issues for discussion include:
What is the right to self-defence against cyber-attacks, and how do parties see possible ways to respond? How do cyber-attacks impact sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of states? What are the impacts on human rights and fundamental freedoms? Where are these issues discussed? How to get involved and make an impact?
This webinar is the second in a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions which will consist of four hour-long webinars, running from October to December 2019. Each debate will involve recognised international experts in the field, and a senior fellow of DiploFoundation as the moderator. Thematic focus of the web discussions will be on pertinent issues related to ongoing global negotiations about responsible behaviour in cyberspace: trends and impacts of cyber-armament, applicability of international law to cyberspace, challenges of traceability and attribution of cyber-attack, and perspectives and applicability of norms and confidence building measures. To make the webinars ‘actionable’ and help participants get involved, the webinars will discuss open issues, effects on security, human rights and economic development, and review existing processes and avenues of contributions by various actors.
Discussants

Prof Robin Geiss, Glasgow Centre for International Law and Security (GCILS)
Deborah Housen-Couriel (Adv.), Chief Legal Officer and VP Regulation, Konfidas Ltd., Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Law, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Research Associate, ICT at ICT Herzliya

Host and moderator

Dr Jovan Kurbalija, the Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)

Tentative timeline for the entire series:

22 October 2019: Cyber-armament: A heavy impact on peace, economic development, and human rights
7 November 2019: Applicability of international law to cyberspace: Do we know the rules of the road?
11 November 2019: Traceability and attribution of cyber-attacks: How confidently can we point a finger?
21 November 2019: Norms and confidence building measures (CBMs): Are we there yet?

For background information about the context, and the open and controversial issues discussed in the main negotiation tracks – the UN Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (UN GGE) and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) – visit the dedicated GIP Digital Watch page.
Registrations are open: Register

[Briefing] Internet governance in October 2019
2019-10-29 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
What were the main Internet governance updates in October? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing, Tuesday, 29th October, at 8AM (EDT), for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments.

Registrations are open
Register
×
You receive hundreds of pieces of information on digital politics.
We receive them, too.
We decode, contextualise, and analyse them.
Then we summarise them for you.
Every last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
The Internet governance in October 2019 briefing takes place on Tuesday, 29th October, at 8AM (EDT). Join us online; fill in the registration form to reserve your place.
The monthly Internet governance briefings are organised by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a Swiss initiative run by DiploFoundation. Learn more about our monthly briefings and local hubs. To keep up-to-date with GIP events, subscribe to our mailing list. More information at gip@diplomacy.edu.
Registrations are open: Register

Cyber-diplomacy web discussion: Cyber-armament
2019-10-22 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
DiploFoundation is pleased to invite you to the web discussion: Cyber-armament: A heavy impact on peace, economic development, and human rights. This webinar is the first in a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions, organised by DiploFoundation with the support of Microsoft. The series will focus on risks for international peace and security stemming from cyberspace, and host a number of distinguished international discussants.

Registrations are open
Register
×
As cyberspace increasingly gets (mis)used by states for military purposes, international negotiations on rules of behaviour in cyberspace evolve, in particular within the UN context. DiploFoundation, with the support of Microsoft, is organising a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions which aim to map trends, introduce challenges, clarify open issues on the negotiation table, outline processes where discussions are happening, and explain how all of us can get involved.
The Cyber-armament: A heavy impact on peace, economic development, and human rights web discussion will look into the development trends of states’ offensive cyber capabilities, and the potential consequences of the growing number, sophistication, and power of cyber-attacks conducted against countries and critical components of societies.
Tuesday, 22th October 2019, 8 am (EDT)
Discussants:

Chris Painter, Commissioner of the Global Commission on Stability of Cyberspace, and former Co-ordinator for Cyber Issues at the U.S. State Department
Oleg Demidov, Cyber Portfolio Researcher at UNIDIR

Host and moderator:

Vladimir Radunovic, Cybersecurity and E-diplomacy Programmes Director, DiploFoundation

Possible issues for discussion include:
Is there such a thing as ‘cyber-armament’? Are there ‘cyber-weapons’, and what are ‘offensive cyber-capabilities’ (OCC)? Are such capabilities part of hybrid warfare, and how are they used, particularly in peace-time? What are the possible consequences on economy and business, human rights, development (particularly developing countries), and international peace and security? What are the various international fora where such issues are discussed – from multilateral fora such as the UN and Wassenaar Arrangement, to multistakeholder fora such as the Paris Call? How to get involved and make an impact?
This webinar is the first in a series of cyber-diplomacy web discussions which will consist of four hour-long webinars, running from October to December 2019. Each debate will involve recognised international experts in the field, and a senior fellow of DiploFoundation as the moderator. Thematic focus of the web discussions will be on pertinent issues related to ongoing global negotiations about responsible behaviour in cyberspace: trends and impacts of cyber-armament, applicability of international law to cyberspace, challenges of traceability and attribution of cyber-attack, and perspectives and applicability of norms and confidence building measures. To make the webinars ‘actionable’ and help participants get involved, the webinars will discuss open issues, effects on security, human rights and economic development, and review existing processes and avenues of contributions by various actors.
Tentative timeline for the entire series:

22 October 2019: Cyber-armament: A heavy impact on peace, economic development, and human rights
31 October 2019: Applicability of international law to cyberspace: Do we know the rules of the road?
11 November 2019: Traceability and attribution of cyber-attacks: How confidently can we point a finger?
21 November 2019: Norms and confidence building measures (CBMs): Are we there yet?

For background information about the context, and the open and controversial issues discussed in the main negotiation tracks – the UN Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (UN GGE) and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) – visit the dedicated Digital Watch page.
Registrations are open: Register
