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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Digital Diplomacy and Tourism in Africa: Unlocking Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration
2025-03-05 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | 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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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
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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?

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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.
Subscribe to Diplo Academy Newsletter for updates on our courses, programmes, and workshops.

AI, Governance and Philosophy Global Dialogue
2025-08-07 - 2025-08-17 | Beijing Institute of Technology, China
The AI, Governance and Philosophy Global Dialogue brings together scholars, practitioners, and young thinkers for a unique, multi-city journey across China. Organised by the School of Global Governance and School of Management at BIT, in collaboration with Diplo and SASA, this immersive programme explores how classical Chinese philosophies, Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism can inform the global governance of AI.
From Beijing to Shanghai, Jiaxing, Wuzhen, and Shenzhen, participants will engage in lectures, roundtables, and onboard dialogues covering key themes: human identity, ethics, knowledge, and the role of the state. The dialogue also fosters intergenerational exchange through sessions with Chinese and international youth.

African priorities for the Global Digital Compact
2025-09-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
⏰ 9am-10am EDT / 16:00–17:30 EAT / 15:00–16:30 CEST / 13:00-14:30 UTC
In 2022 the idea of a Global Digital Compact was floated by the UN with the intention of developing shared principles for a secure digital future – a future in which the power of digital technology was fully harnessed to accelerate the achievement of SDGs and where the risks and harms of the technology were effectively mitigated. The objectives of the GDC broadly addressed the right of every human to have access to sustainable information (through a digital public good) through an affordable Internet, and to enjoy effective protection from the risks of existing and emerging technologies and their applications. Subsequently the African Union developed an African Digital Compact. It had 10 pillars broadly covering 4 themes:

Aim: Affordable connectivity for all Africans,
Implementation: Development of the necessary Governance and Partnership framework, Infrastructure, and Digital skills.
Development and application: SDG applications, innovation, digital economy, public goods and services, Artificial intelligence.
Safeguards: Cybersecurity, data protection, digital rights and privacy.

As the AU recognised, Africa has special needs related to digital transformation. Some countries are forging ahead with rapid digital adoption led by a tech-savvy, youthful population. However, ground-breaking innovations have been slow to penetrate other parts of the continent due to policy, implementation and communication issues. At the same time emerging technologies such as generative AI, IoT and robotics are already making a mark on the continent with all the attendant opportunities and risks. The Webinar will bring together African experts from technology, development, diplomacy and policy domains to discuss which digital compact issues must be urgently prioritised in order to keep Africa on course in a rapidly changing world.
Register

UN Cyber Dialogue: Shaping the future global mechanism for cyber-stability
2025-09-11 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
⏰ 8 am – 9:30 am EDT
As the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of ICTs concluded its five-year mandate, the conversation now turns to the future. This expert discussion will focus on the potential contours of a future global mechanism for international cyber dialogue and cooperation. Building on Part 1 of this series — which reflected on the achievements and shortcomings of the OEWG process — this session will explore what comes next: What kind of structure or platform is needed to sustain momentum, foster trust, and enhance cyber stability? Experts will share their lessons learned from the OEWG to inform forward-looking discussions on institutional options, inclusivity, and practical implementation of the agreed norms.
The session will bring together four discussants to offer diverse perspectives on how the OEWG experience can inform future global cyber negotiations. Through the interactive format which will allow the involvement of all the participants, the discussion will provide a space to examine pathways and obstacles for implementation of the agreed framework, space for articulation of consensus on some of the many open issues – in particular those related to the applicability of the international law, possibilities to strengthen inclusivity and effectiveness in the UN cyber dialogue moving forward.
The session is organised as the second part of the two-part webinar. While the first part focused on reflections about the past five years of negotiations, the second one will shift toward the future, exploring the framing and ideas for the next phase of the UN cyber dialogue.
The discussants are:

Asoke Mukerji, Former Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, New York
Isaac Morales Tenorio, Managing Director on Cybersecurity and Security Issues, FTI Consulting; a former member of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) representing Mexico
Fan Yang, Assistant Professor, Deputy Director of Cyberspace International Law Center, Deputy Director of International Law Department, School of Law, Xiamen University

The expert session will be moderated by Anastasiya Kazakova, Geneva Dialogue project coordinator and Cyber Diplomacy Knowledge Fellow at DiploFoundation.
The discussion will be held online and will be open to the public. A recording of the event will also be made available afterwards on Diplo’s social media channels.
Register

September 2025 online courses | Diplo Academy
2025-09-15 | Online
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of two online courses on 15 September 2025:

AI Apprenticeship
Negotiation Skills

For further information or to apply, please click on the course titles above or visit our course catalogue.
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Advancing ethical and practical AI in diplomacy and governance in the Gulf
2025-09-23 - 2025-09-29 | Online
During Diplo’s visit to Oman and participation in the AI and Ethics Conference: The Convergence of Technology and Diverse Moral Traditions in Qatar, the team will discuss the intersection of AI, governance, and diplomatic practice. In Oman, Jovan Kurbalija will deliver a public lecture Artificial Intelligence and Geopolitical Shifts: Challenges and Opportunities for Diplomacy, lead an interactive workshop on the future of digital and tech diplomacy, including the evolving role of tech ambassadors and state engagement with technology companies, and undertake field visits focused on Oman’s National AI Strategy and innovation ecosystem.
These activities will foster discussions on the responsible deployment of AI in governance and policy, capacity development for government staff, and strategies to integrate ethical and cultural considerations into technology-driven decision-making. The programme builds on Diplo’s ongoing insights into how Arabic philosophical traditions can inform the AI era and how Islamic and Arab thinking traditions contribute to debates on AI, creating a platform to advance globally inclusive, practical, and ethical AI in diplomacy and policy.

EU Diplomacy & Diplomatic Skills: Executive Education Course
2025-10-01
Between 29 September ad 1 October 2025, the College of Europe will host an executive education course on EU Diplomacy and Diplomatic Skills.
The programme is dedicated to an introduction to EU diplomacy and external representation, and to a set of key diplomatic skills – reporting, communicating, and negotiations. A mix of workshops, lectures, and case studies will allow participants to develop a better understanding of the EU as a global actor, while fostering their practical diplomatic skills.
Sorina Teleanu, Diplo’s Director of Knowledge, will contribute to the programme, delivering a half-day interactive session focused on the use of artificial intelligence in diplomacy.

CADE Mapping and Baseline Study Report Launch
2025-10-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Diplo, as a lead of the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) consortium, is pleased to invite you to the official launch of the CADE Mapping and Baseline Study Reports.
The Mapping and Baseline studies shed light on the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities surrounding CSO participation in key Internet Governance (IG) spaces—such as the IGF, ICANN, ITU, and IETF—with a special focus on underrepresented voices from the Global South. The studies also offer actionable recommendations to strengthen meaningful and inclusive engagement of CSOs in these critical digital policy processes.
📅 Register now!

When: Thursday, 2 October 2025
13:00 – 14:30 UTC (Click here to see your local time)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

The event will:

Present key findings from the global Mapping and Baseline Study reports on civil society engagement in Internet Governance;
Highlight systemic barriers and opportunities for CSO participation in IG processes;
Feature reflections from Internet Governance institutions (ICANN, ITU, IETF, IGF);
Explore next steps to strengthen inclusive digital governance.

The launch will feature key presentations of the study’s findings, discussion among representatives from civil society, Internet Governance standard setting bodies to reflect on the way forward for CSO participation in shaping the future of the Internet.
Your insights and engagement would add tremendous value to this discussion, and we would be honoured by your presence.
We look forward to your confirmation and to welcoming you at the event.
Register

6th AI Policy Summit 2025
2025-10-03 - 2025-10-04 | ETH Zurich, Rämistrasse 101, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
The 6th AI Policy Summit continues the multi-stakeholder dialogue with leading experts in exploring the use of public policy and societal engagement to capture the benefits of artificial intelligence, minimize its risks, and enhance its adoption.
This year’s conference offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, business leaders, civil society, and academia to converge, exchange ideas, and collaboratively shape the future of AI policies.
Join us in crafting the frameworks and guidelines that will steer AI development towards a better world! Take advantage of this opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the future of AI policies.
Date:

Oct 2025 – 09:00 -18:00 CET: The session is open to all interested participants
Oct 2025 – 09:00 – 12:30 CET: This day features exclusive, invitation-only round table discussions

The AI Policy Summit is organised by the RegHorizon and the ETH Zurich Center for Law and Economics
Register

October 2025 online courses | Diplo Academy
2025-10-13 | Online
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of four online courses on 13 October 2025:

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.

The AI digest: Announcing the AI Community Lunch
2025-11-04 | Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
We are thrilled to launch Diplo’s monthly AI Community Lunch in Geneva. Join us for the first edition on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, at DiploFoundation’s offices in the WMO Building, Geneva.
In the AI era, the most effective learning returns to the timeless practices of apprenticeship (learning by doing) and storytelling (learning through narrative). We believe in gaining hands-on expertise through practice, but also that authentic learning happens when we give structure to our knowledge by sharing our experiences. This regular, informal gathering is the perfect place to tell your story and learn about the latest developments in AI and the UN.
It’s a dedicated time for you to:

Share the projects you’ve been involved in and the lessons you’ve learned.
Connect with peers by hearing their stories and building connections.
Staying updated on the latest developments surrounding AI and the UN.

This invitation is open to AI Apprenticeship alumni, current apprentices, and colleagues from across IOs in Geneva interested in the topic of AI. We’d be delighted if you could join us for a complimentary light lunch and share what you’ve been working on.
Please RSVP by Monday, 3rd November 2025, 12:00 PM CET via email to geneva@diplomacy.edu.

Pióro dyplomaty / La penna del diplomatico (The Diplomat’s Pen)
2025-11-04 - 2025-12-31 | Krakow, Poland
By Arturo Varè
The Diplomat’s Pen: An Exhibition in Krakow Illuminates the Literary Tradition of Italian Diplomacy
An exhibition is set to open in Kraków, Poland, offering a view into the intellectual work of Italian and Polish diplomatic officials. Titled “Pióro dyplomaty / La penna del diplomatico” (The Diplomat’s Pen), the exhibition will reveal the often-unseen creative dimension of those dedicated to representing their nations abroad.
The event is scheduled to begin on November 4, 2025, and will run until the end of the year at the Faculty of International and Political Studies of the Jagiellonian University. This undertaking is the result of cooperation between the University’s research team, the Italian Cultural Institute in Kraków, and Ambassador Stefano Baldi, who conceived and guided the Italian section. The exhibition is held under the Honorary Patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Warsaw.
The Diplomat’s Pen focuses on how writing is an essential activity in the life of a diplomatic professional. Diplomats are born with a pen in hand, as reports, letters, analyses, and internal communications are constant companions throughout their professional careers. However, the exhibition celebrates the books they publish, moving beyond routine professional writing.
The Italian Project: A Spark for Polish Research
The exhibition features both an Italian section, titled “Books Published by Italian Diplomats” and a parallel Polish exhibition. The Italian side is founded upon the extensive research project also named “La penna del diplomatico” a project that proved instrumental in inspiring the Polish complementary research. Amb. Stefano Baldi has been explicitly thanked for the inspiration and valuable contribution provided for the realisation of the Polish initiative. The Polish exhibition section focuses on those who served Poland with words as faithfully as with action, illustrating how their books and memories create a spiritual bridge between diplomacy and culture.
The underlying Italian research project was conceived and managed by Amb. Baldi and began more than twenty years ago, starting with the publication of the volume of the same name, written with Amb. Pasquale Baldocci. This long-running initiative has since found and listed nearly 1,500 books authored by more than 350 Italian diplomats who have served since the Republic was proclaimed in 1946. More recent figures confirm this wide output, referencing over 1,400 books by more than 340 authors. The aim of this work is to highlight the vast cultural contribution and literary activities of the diplomatic world.
The person central to this research is Stefano Baldi, a career diplomat who has combined his official duties with a constant engagement in research and public presentation of cultural topics. He is currently the Coordinator for Online and Continuous Learning at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His past postings included serving as Ambassador of Italy to Bulgaria and as Permanent Representative of Italy to the OSCE in Vienna. He has authored or edited over thirty volumes.
His work in uncovering the books written by his colleagues has produced several key publications, fundamental to the entire project. The initial findings were published in the volume La penna del diplomatico. I libri scritti dai diplomatici italiani dal dopoguerra ad oggi (2004/2006), which examined over five hundred titles. To reach an international audience, an English version was published: Through the Diplomatic Looking Glass: Books Published by Italian Diplomats Since 1946 (2007). Later, he edited Il diplomatico su carta. Repertorio dei 1200 libri pubblicati da diplomatici italiani (2018), which updated the findings with a detailed list of 1,200 books.
Themes and Literary Genres
The exhibition presents the thematic diversity of these books through eighteen display panels. The collected works show that diplomatic officials engage with genres spanning political essays, memoirs, fiction, poetry, theatre, and specialised studies.
Analysis of the output indicates a strong connection to the professional lives of the authors. The majority of books concentrate on Memoirs and recollections, History, and International Relations. Memoirs, in particular, are considered important supplemental sources of knowledge, not only for historians but also for younger diplomats, offering detailed accounts of specific events and encounters that complement the often detached style of official documentation. History is a recurring theme, driven by the authors’ deep cultural and academic preparation and their proximity to major international events, even if the preferred historical period is often the most recent and tied to Italy’s own history. International Politics frequently focuses on European questions and the internal dynamics of specific countries, with Russia being a particularly analyzed nation across different historical phases.
The books in other genres are a clear indication of the diversity of the personalities that characterize the Italian diplomatic career. These include fiction, where autobiographical details often appear, and a smaller collection of poetry and theatre works. There are also books dedicated to the historical and social aspects of Italian communities across the globe, often written by the diplomat while serving in that specific location.
The Project’s Online Resources and Comprehensive Memory Initiatives
The “La penna del diplomatico” project is more than just an exhibition or a series of books; it functions as a continually growing multi-platform initiative aimed at preserving diplomatic memory.
The project maintains a dedicated digital presence through its website (http://baldi.diplomacy.edu/diplo), which provides updated information and complements the initial published research. The site is a key resource where new titles published by diplomats are regularly added. It also hosts a digital library, allowing users to freely access and download some of the identified books in digital format. Furthermore, research updates and discussions, sometimes focusing on foreign authors or books in other languages, are maintained through a project blog. A distribution list is also managed to share information globally about books published by diplomats.
Complementing the written materials, Amb. Baldi has initiated two distinct projects: the “Immaginario diplomatico” project collects and digitizes over 600 historical photographs of Italian diplomats from 1861 to 1961, making this visual heritage publicly available. Meanwhile, the “Storia orale della diplomazia italiana” gathers and shares interviews (in conversation format/podcasts) with retired Italian diplomatic staff, contributing to an oral history of the profession. Within this context, the series of books Memorie e studi diplomatici supports further historical and scholarly examination of diplomacy. Through this exhibition in Kraków, the project clearly demonstrates that diplomacy is characterized not only by the necessary negotiation and policy work but also by the enduring power of the word, functioning as an essential tool for memory and cultural exchange between peoples.

Gaming and Africa’s youth: Opportunities, challenges, and future pathways
2025-12-03 08:00 - 09:30 | Online
⏰ 16:00–17:30 EAT / 14:00–15:30 CET / 13:00-14:30 UTC
Background and rationale
The largest and fastest-growing youth population in the world, African youth, faces a severe unemployment crisis, with millions of young people unable to find sustainable livelihoods. At the same time, the continent’s digital revolution has given rise to a vibrant gaming culture that cuts across geography, class, and language.
While gaming is often seen as mere entertainment, it has emerged globally as a powerful creative industry and one of the largest economic sectors —producing jobs, exports, and innovation. Africa’s youth are not only eager consumers of games but also potential creators, entrepreneurs, and competitors in this dynamic field.
The question is: Can Africa transform its youth gaming culture into a productive, ethical, and inclusive economic force?
Objectives

Explore the potential of the African gaming industry as a driver of youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Examine the educational, psychological, and social dimensions of gaming—how it can support learning, mental health, and positive engagement.
Discuss the economic opportunities of digital gaming as a cross-border, foreign-currency-earning sector.
Debate the risks associated with gaming—addiction, time loss, gambling, and the lack of regulation.
Identify policy, investment, and capacity-building strategies to ensure that gaming supports instead of undermining Africa’s youth potential.

The webinar will explore gaming as an industry and as an educational and development tool which is expected to rise as a continental opportunity. Despite its potential, gaming has inherent risks and ethical concerns and therefore needs governance and regulation.
Expected outcomes

A shared understanding of gaming’s role in Africa’s youth economy.
Identification of policy gaps and opportunities for government, industry, and academia.
Inspiration for youth participation in game development, e-sports, and creative entrepreneurship.
Recommendations for ethical and responsible gaming practices in Africa.

Register

Digital inclusion by design: Leveraging existing infrastructure to leave no one behind
2025-12-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Giga Connectivity Centre – Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
Co-organisers & host
The event is co-organised by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), Giga, and DiploFoundation. It is hosted by the Giga Connectivity Centre in Geneva.
Context
In 2024, 2.6 billion people did not use the internet at least once every three months, with individuals in low- and middle-income countries, rural and remote areas, women, the elderly, marginalised groups, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) disproportionately unconnected. Moreover, even when marginalised groups have some access to the internet, they are less likely to be meaningfully connected in a way that enables access to essential digital services and opportunities because they often use the internet too infrequently or lack internet-enabled devices, reliable high-speed connections, economic resources, or the digital skills necessary for a safe, affordable and productive online experience.
As economies and societies are rapidly digitalising, these persisting digital divides often result in digital transformations that mainly benefit easier-to-reach connected populations, inadvertently deepening inequalities. Innovative approaches are needed to ensure that unconnected and less connected individuals do not remain excluded when sectors and countries undergo digital transformations, but can also meaningfully participate in the digital economy and society.
Focus of the event
Twenty years ago, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) set out a vision of a ‘people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society’. While significant progress has been made, this vision is yet to be fully realised. As we mark the WSIS+20 milestone, a renewed commitment and concrete actions are needed to bridge persistent digital divides and ensure meaningful digital inclusion, leaving no one behind.
This event is dedicated to the international digital community, aims to share practical experiences from the ground on leveraging existing infrastructure to connect the unconnected and the hardest-to-reach populations. The extensive physical network of community anchor institutions, which enjoy the reach and the trust of local populations – including community centers, post offices, schools, libraries, or other public spaces – has proved well placed to provide digital support and digital services to unconnected communities, less digitally savvy individuals, including those living in rural and remote areas.
The discussion will provide concrete examples of how embedding existing community anchor institutions into digital transformation strategies – and enabling them to facilitate digital literacy training or provide access to services such as e-commerce, e-government, e-learning or digital financial services – can be a cost-effective way to expand the benefits of the digital economy to areas where usually no other service providers are present.
The event will also seek to foster discussions on the way forward – how to advance from lessons learned toward meaningful and sustainable digital inclusion.
Agenda
15:30 | Registration and welcome coffee/tea
16:00 – 17:00 | Panel discussion on the benefits of using the existing community anchor institutions to achieve digital inclusion

Presentation of the new UPU Digital Panorama report, showcasing how posts are successfully supporting governments in enabling inclusive digital transformation | Ms. Radka Sibille, Digital Policies and Trade Coordinator, and Mr. Kevin Hernandez, Digital inclusion expert, UPU
Presentation by Giga on connecting schools across the world | Ms. Irene Kaggwa, Giga Programme Manager, ITU
Contribution by Ms. Maria De Brasdefer, Digital Affairs Policy and Advocacy Officer, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
Q&A

17:00 – 18:00 | Interactive discussion on what’s next for meaningful digital inclusion
This interactive discussion will look ahead: What have we learned from twenty years of efforts to bridge the digital divides, and what more is needed to achieve the goals set by WSIS and reaffirmed in the Global Digital Compact? Building on the insights from the first session, we will explore policy priorities, partnerships, and practical measures to advance meaningful connectivity for all. The conversation will also connect to the ongoing WSIS+20 discussions and the upcoming UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting in mid-December 2025.
The event will be moderated by Ms. Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge, DiploFoundation and Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director, DiploFoundation.
The discussion will benefit from the insights of the GIGA Learning Hub participants, composed of procurement officers, ICT policymakers, education ministry officials, and stakeholders responsible for designing and delivering national school connectivity projects.
Light refreshments will be provided.
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Kindly note that this is an in-situ event only. Participation is free of charge, but seats are limited.
Register

Capacity Development Programme for CSOs 2025–2026 I CADE
2025-12-10 - 2026-05-31
The Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is strengthening the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) – especially those from the Global South – to play a stronger role in shaping digital policy.
The programme, developed and delivered by DiploFoundation, guides participants through a practical, step-by-step learning journey that builds both technical knowledge and diplomatic skills, supported throughout by a flexible helpdesk service offering tailored expert advice.
1. Technical Knowledge Track (10 December 2025 – 31 March 2026)
2. Diplomatic Skills Track (6 April 2026 – 31 May 2026)

February 2026 online courses | Diplo Academy
2026-02-16 | Online
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of four online courses on 16 February 2026:

AI Technology, Policy and Governance
Diplomatic Communication
Multilateral Diplomacy Institutional Aspects
Public Diplomacy Essentials

For further information or to apply, please click on the course titles above or visit our course catalogue.
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