Cyber norms in action: How to translate diplomatic agreements into real security for us all? | The launch of the Geneva Manual
2023-12-07 04:00 - 08:00 (America/New_York)
Event description
Vulnerabilities in digital products and networks leading to cyberthreats raise security concerns from individual users to international security and peace. While States hold primary responsibility, meaningful cooperation with non-state actors, such as the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, is crucial to foster a secure, open, and peaceful cyberspace. However, what are those other actors expected to do? Where and how can they support states in ensuring the security and stability in cyberspace?
Join us on December 7th for the launch of the Geneva Manual – a comprehensive guide on non-state actors’ contributions to the implementation of cyber norms, developed by the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace.
The Geneva Manual will undergo continuous development in the years ahead to encompass a wide range of cyber norms, guided by discussions with the multistakeholder community.
Established by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and led by DiploFoundation, with support of the Republic and State of Geneva, C4DT, Swisscom and UBS, the Dialogue particularly asks how the norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) might be best operationalised (or implemented) by relevant actors as a means to contribute to international security and peace.
Visit website
Geneva Dialogue×The inaugural edition of the Manual focuses on two norms related to supply chain security and responsible reporting of ICT vulnerabilities.
The event will take place in a hybrid format: in situ in Geneva, and online. Registration link for the online event will be shared soon.

Strengthening Africa’s digital diplomacy
2023-12-08 08:00 - 09:30
Permanent Mission of Kenya

Permanent Mission of Namibia

DiploFoundation

Digital and AI governance through African perspectives
Friday, 8 December 2023 | 8 am – 9:30 am
WMO Building, 7bis Avenue de la Paix
African voices need to be stronger in digital and AI governance. As negotiations on the Global Digital Compact, AI governance, and other tech issues accelerate, the need to amplify African perspectives has never been more critical. Join us for an insightful conversation with an esteemed panel of thought leaders and practitioners on the future directions of African digital diplomacy.
The event, dedicated to Heads of Missions and experts covering digital issues, will address the following questions:

What are priority AI and digital issues relevant to African countries (e.g., AI, data governance, cybersecurity, and the digital economy)?
How can Africa’s digital priorities be aligned with international digital policy frameworks?
How can African countries participate actively in the negotiation of the UN Global Digital Compact?
How can African diplomats in Geneva actively follow the tech shift (AI and digitalization) in health (WHO), human rights (UNHCHR), trade (WTO), intellectual property (IPR), humanitarian (ICRC, IFRC), and other priority policy areas?
What are AI and digital tools that can help small and understaffed missions follow negotiations and policy processes meaningfully?
How can African countries develop individual and institutional capacities for digital diplomacy?

Panellists
Katherine Getao is the former Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority in Kenya, who was among the first African cyber negotiations in the UN GGE process. Katherine is well-known for her clarity of thinking, anchored in practical experience in digitalising Kenya and participating in global negotiations.
Moctar Yedaly is the former director of ICT at the African Union Commission (2008-2021) and Minister of Digital Developments of Mauritania (2022-2023). Moctar is conceptualiser of AU’s approach to digitalisation and cyber governance, including the AU Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030 and AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. Moctar also led complex negotiations on the redelegation of the ‘dotAfrica’ top-level domain.
Amr Aljowaily is Advisor to the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Egyptian ambassador. Since 1996, when he wrote the first paper on ICT (information and communication technologies) and diplomacy, Amr has been practising and reflecting upon the interplay between technology and diplomacy.
Jovan Kurbalija is the Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform. Since 1992 when Jovan pioneered work on AI and diplomacy, he has been leading research and teaching on digitalisation and diplomacy, including writing books and articles translated into more than ten languages. Together with Sorina Teleanu, Jovan worked on the landmark publication ‘Stronger Digital Voice from Africa: Building African digital foreign policy and diplomacy’.
RSVP
We look forward to welcoming you and members of your team at this event and we would be grateful if you could confirm your attendance at your earliest convenience at geneva@diplomacy.edu.

Tech Attaches Briefing end-of-year get-together
2023-12-18
Our monthly briefings tried to unpack developments around AI governance, the Global Digital Compact process, and events such as the IGF and the SDG Summit, while also exploring more unusual topics such as outer space, genome editing, and biotechnology. The past year has surely been busy in the digital governance world in Geneva and beyond.
To thank you for joining us throughout the year, we look forward to seeing you over a glass of wine or a cup of tea, taking stock of 2023 and looking ahead to 2024.
This is an invitation-only event.

AI and Digital Predictions for 2024 Twiter
2024-01-11 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Event description
How will AI develop in 2024? What are the top digital trends to keep an eye on? These and other questions will be addressed in traditional predictions event with Jovan Kurbalija:
Geneva and Online | Thursday, 11 January 2024 at 8 am – 9 am (14.00-15.00 CET).
You can register for the 2024 Predictions event on Zoom for an interactive experience or watch our live streams on YouTube and Facebook. For a few places in situ at our Geneva office please write to us at geneva@diplomacy.edu
For the reflections on 2023 developments in AI and digital governance, you can visit reflection page.

Register for the 2024 Predictions event on Zoom
Register×Register

The impact of AI on data collection, exploitation, protection, and privacy in Africa
2024-01-17 08:30 - 10:00 | Online
Event description
The rapid advancement of AI technologies has brought about transformative changes in various sectors globally. In Africa, where the adoption of digital technologies is on the rise, the impact of AI on data collection, exploitation, protection, and privacy is becoming increasingly significant. The webinar will explore the multifaceted implications of AI use in these domains and to propose considerations for ensuring responsible and ethical use. The deployment of AI raises critical questions regarding data protection and privacy, necessitating a thorough examination of its impact on the African continent.
The African Union (AU) Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, also known as the Malabo Convention, is a legal framework for addressing cybercrime and data protection in Africa. The convention, adopted by the AU in 2014, is a critical tool for protecting personal data and preventing cybercrime on the continent.
The Malabo Convention is now in effect. Article 36 of the Malabo Convention says that the treaty will come into effect when there are 15 ratifications. Mauritania ratified the convention in May 2023, becoming the 15th African country to do so. And the convention came into effect 30 days later, in June 2023.
Registrations are open
Register here×Following this important development, the webinar aims to:

Examine the current landscape: Investigate the existing state of AI deployment in data collection, exploitation, protection, and privacy in Africa, including case studies and notable initiatives.
Assess risks and challenges: Identify potential risks and challenges associated with AI implementation in data-centric domains, with a specific focus on the African context.
Explore opportunities: Investigate how AI can positively contribute to efficient data collection, improved exploitation for socio-economic development, and enhanced protection of privacy rights.
Highlight ethical considerations: Analyse the ethical implications of AI in data-centric applications, emphasising the need for responsible AI practices that align with cultural, social, and legal norms in African countries.

Propose policy recommendations: Develop a set of policy recommendations for governments, businesses, and civil society to ensure the responsible use of AI in data-related domains, emphasising the protection of privacy and human rights.
Time of the event
4:30pm-6:00pm Nairobi time
Agenda:
Introduction (5 minutes)

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Brief Introduction to the Webinar’s Theme

Session 1: Overview of AI in Africa (10 minutes)
Open panel

Current State of AI Adoption in Africa
Key Applications of AI in Various Sectors
Challenges and Opportunities

Session 2: Data Protection and Privacy Challenges (30 minutes)
Panelists: Tyrus Muya Kamau, Immaculate Kassait, Mercy Mutemi, Moctar Yedaly

Overview of Data Protection Regulations in African Countries
Ratification of the Africa union convention on cybersecurity and personal data protection Malabo convention
Risks and Concerns Related to AI and Privacy
Strategies for Mitigating Privacy Risks

Session 3: Data Collection and Exploitation in the AI Era (30 minutes)
Panelists: John Walubengo, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, Shikoli Makatiani

Role of AI in Enhancing Data Collection
Case Studies on AI-Driven Data Collection Projects in Africa
Ethical Considerations and Potential Biases

How AI is Transforming Data into Actionable Insights
Examples of AI-Driven Decision-Making in African Contexts
Societal and Economic Impacts

Q&A Session (10 minutes)

Open Floor for Questions from Participants
Panel Discussion with Experts

Closing Remarks (5 minutes)

Summary of Key Takeaways
Thanking Speakers, Participants, and Sponsors
Information on Future Webinars or Resources

Register

Policy Meets Tech: Cryptography
2024-01-24
The third event in the ‘Policy meets tech’ series will be dedicated to cryptography. It will focus on unpacking cryptographic technology and discussing its policy implications.
The series is organised by Diplo, with the support of the US Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, and is dedicated to permanent missions in Geneva. This programme features a series of informative sessions for diplomats in Geneva, with the primary goals of demystifying the intricate realm of digital technologies, comprehending their capabilities and limitations, and delving into their policy implications in a manner that is both practical and pertinent for diplomats. From the intricacies of internet protocols to the intricacies of quantum computing, from cryptography to algorithms, these discussions will provide in-depth insights into the technical underpinnings of these technologies, their real-world applications, and the policy opportunities and challenges they present.
The event is only open to permanent missions in Geneva. For details, please contact Ms Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knoweldge, at geneva[at]diplomacy[dot].edu.

Concluding session of the UN Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime
2024-01-29 - 2024-02-09 | United Nations, 760 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY, 10017-6818, United States
Event description
The UN Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime will hold its concluding session from 29 January to 9 February 2024 in New York, the United States of America.
The Ad Hoc Committee has been tasked to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the misuse of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes. In order to fulfil its mandate, the committee will hold six sessions from August 2021 to the end of June 2024 and the concluding session in 2024; the committee’s work will be concluded once it presents a draft convention to the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session in September 2024.
For more information about the event, and what to expect please visit the Digital Watch Observatory

2024 Master/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy workshop
2024-01-29 - 2024-02-12 | Online
Event description
Diplo and the University of Malta will host a two-week introductory workshop for the 2024 Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy, starting on 29 January 2024.
The workshop includes a range of diplomacy-related sessions delivered by experienced practitioners. Topics included in this year’s workshop:

Geopolitics, international order, and foreign policy
The future of multilateralism
Negotiation skills
Power in humanitarian action
Presentation skills
Building relations
Governing AI
Cybersecurity diplomacy
Tech diplomacy
Research methods and academic writing

The introductory workshop focuses on building skills for various policy and diplomacy processes. It sets the stage for the entire programme in which the participants will get to know other course participants and faculty members, providing a new professional network that will be of high value for their current and future work.

9th Geneva Engage Awards
2024-02-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Geneva and online, Geneva, Switzerland
Event description
The Geneva Engage initiative, launched by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) with the support of the Republic and Canton of Geneva in 2016, assesses the interplay between International Geneva and stakeholders worldwide. The initiative includes research on how International Geneva actors communicate and create linkages with communities worldwide that are affected by the policy discussions in Geneva that span across various domains, such as development, human rights, digital topics, etc.
In this context, the annual Geneva Engage Awards acknowledge the efforts of actors in International Geneva in digital outreach. The awards evaluate Geneva-based organisations’ social media engagement, web relevance and accessibility, and online meetings. We then give out awards in three main categories according to stakeholder groups: international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and permanent representations.
A moment of change
In addition to the main categories, we have special awards that recognise innovative ways actors can create meaningful engagement while adapting to the ever-changing digital ecosystem.
In 2020, ahead of the COVID-induced remote working, we foresaw the value of online conferencing and introduced the new Online Participation Award (now called Effective and Innovative Online Meeting Award). In 2022, we recognised the importance of curating a more inclusive experience for all and introduced the Accessibility Award.
This year, we aim to take a step back and reflect on what it means to create meaningful engagement. In this light, this year’s event involves new activities to encourage brainstorming discussions and innovations.
Registrations are open
Register×Event programme
Before the award ceremony, we invite participants to join us in situ and talk to our experts during interactive workshops. We aim to encourage discussions on practices that induce meaningful engagement.

Workshops (only in-situ)

9:00 – 9:30
Web: accessibility, visibility, tools and practices

9:30 – 10:00
Social media: trends, strategies, and practices

10:00 – 10:30
Events and conferences: meeting platforms and AI reporting

10:30 – 11:00
Coffee and networking

Geneva Awards Ceremony (in-situ and live streaming available)

11:00 – 11:30
Presentation of 9th Geneva Engage Awards

11.30 – 13.00
Geneva Engage Reception and Ideas Bazaar

RegisterRegistration for in-situ participation is available here and will be closed on Tuesday 30 January 2024, at 23:59 CET.
To learn more and register to join us in-situ, visit the dedicated page.

Learning sessions on digital standards
2024-02-09
Event description
Diplo was invited to deliver two learning sessions, one of digital standards and one on AI tools for policymaking, for the India-based IT for Change organisations and its community of researchers.
The sessions will be delivered by Sorina Teleanu (Director of Knowledge), on 9 and 26 February.

Policy meets tech: Augmented and Virtual reality
2024-02-13 | Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Event description
The fourts event in the ‘Policy meets tech’ series will be dedicated to augmented and virtual reality. It will focus on unpacking the technology and discussing its policy implications.
The series is organised by Diplo, with the support of the US Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, and is dedicated to missions of small and developing countries in Geneva. This programme features a series of informative sessions for diplomats in Geneva, with the primary goals of demystifying the intricate realm of digital technologies, comprehending their capabilities and limitations, and delving into their policy implications in a manner that is both practical and pertinent for diplomats. From the intricacies of internet protocols to the intricacies of quantum computing, from cryptography to algorithms, these discussions will provide in-depth insights into the technical underpinnings of these technologies, their real-world applications, and the policy opportunities and challenges they present.
For details, please contact Ms Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knoweldge, at geneva@diplomacy.edu.

Open Consultations Final Brief on the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event
2024-02-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Event description
The WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event, co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD and co-hosted by ITU and the Swiss Confederation, will serve as a platform to review the progress, achievements, challenges, and opportunities of the WSIS follow-up process since the two phases of the Summit – Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005.
The event will take place from 27 to 31 May 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Open Consultation Process is an open and inclusive consultation with WSIS stakeholders to prepare for the event, including developing the event programme, identifying gaps in the implementation of the Geneva Plan of Action and the WSIS Action Lines, and contributing to the WSIS+20 review process.
All stakeholders are encouraged to actively engage in the Open Consultation Process (OCP) by participating in consultative meetings and submitting input through the official submission form
Register

Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024
2024-03-01 - 2024-03-03 | Nest congress and exhibition centre, Antalya, Turkey
Event description
The 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where regional, global and thematic issues will be discussed, will be held in Antalya on 1-3 March 2024, under the title of “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil”.
Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) is a high-level dialogue platform bringing together prominent figures in the field of diplomacy. The ADF constitutes a unique platform providing the opportunity for regional and global actors, mainly political leaders, diplomats, opinion makers or academics, to be engaged in discussions on a wide range of cross-cutting topics with global, economic, technological, cultural etc. aspects.
Diplo will participate in the ADF event: ‘The Role of Science and Tech Diplomacy in a Globalized World’ which is to be held on 2 March 2024, at 10:00 UTC. The session will be livestreamed.
You can find more detailed information at the organizer webpage.

Hurdles to negotiating a first-ever UN cybercrime convention – DataFocus 2024
2024-04-09
Event description
The DataFocus conference brings together law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, judges, court expert witnesses, and other experts, and lets them talk about their experiences with digital evidence and digital forensic investigations.
Bojana Kovač (Researcher, DiploFoundation) will take part with her keynote lecture Hurdles to negotiating a first-ever UN cybercrime convention.
DataFocus 2024 (International Conference on Digital Forensics and Digital Evidence) will take place in Zagreb, Croatia on 9 April, 2024. For more information, visit the official page.

Tech Attaches Briefing: Unpacking the Global Digital Compact Zero Draft
2024-04-09
Event description
On 9 April, Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) will welcome Geneva diplomats to a briefing and discussion on the recently released Zero Draft of the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for staff at permanent missions in Geneva following digital policy issues.
***
Read more about the GDC process on the Digital Watch observatory.

Policy Meets Tech: Quantum computing
2024-04-15
Event description

The fifth event in the ‘Policy Meets Tech’ series will be dedicated to quantum computing.
Today’s computing systems, although having significantly improved decade after decade, can only solve problems up to a certain size and complexity. More complex issues require advanced computational power, and quantum computing promises to deliver such power. But how much do we know about quantum computers (QC)? How exactly do they function? What types of problems could they solve, and when? We also hear that QC will break cryptography as we know it today. What does this mean and what is being done to address the issue? Last, but not least, the promises of QC make it a subject of competition between companies and countries alike. In the ongoing race for quantum supremacy some are better positioned than others. How do we ensure that the research and development around QC evolves in such a way that the benefits are widely distributed?
Guiding a discussion on these and other tech and policy issues surrounding quantum computers will be two experts in the field:

Amb. André Xuereb | Malta’s Ambassador for Digital Affairs and Professor and Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Malta
Prof. Barry Sanders | Scientific Director of Quantum City at the University of Calgary, Canada and Member of the Open Quantum Institute Advisory Committee

***
The ‘Policy Meets Tech’ series is organised by Diplo, with the support of the US Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, and is dedicated to missions of small and developing countries in Geneva. This programme features a series of informative sessions for diplomats in Geneva, with the primary goals of demystifying the intricate realm of digital technologies, comprehending their capabilities and limitations, and delving into their policy implications in a manner that is both practical and pertinent for diplomats. From the intricacies of internet protocols to the intricacies of quantum computing, from cryptography to algorithms, these discussions will provide in-depth insights into the technical underpinnings of these technologies, their real-world applications, and the policy opportunities and challenges they present.
This is an invitation-only event. For details, please contact Ms Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge, at geneva@diplomacy.edu.

Cybersecurity risks in social media: Remedies and solutions
2024-04-17 06:00 - 07:30 | Online
Event description
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Nairobi time)
Overview:
In the digital age, social media platforms have become integral parts of daily life, facilitating communication, networking, and information sharing on a global scale. However, alongside the benefits, these platforms also pose significant cybersecurity risks, ranging from privacy breaches and data theft to identity fraud and cyberbullying. To address these challenges effectively, it is crucial to raise awareness about cybersecurity risks in social media and explore practical remedies and solutions to safeguard individuals, businesses, and organisations.

Registrations are open
Register×
Objectives:

Raise awareness: Shed light on the various cybersecurity risks associated with social media usage and their potential consequences.
Identify vulnerabilities: Discuss common vulnerabilities and loopholes in social media platforms that can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Explore remedies: Examine effective strategies and best practices for mitigating cybersecurity risks in social media, including encryption, authentication measures, and privacy settings.
Discuss solutions: Share insights into emerging technologies and tools designed to enhance cybersecurity in social media, such as AI-driven threat detection and incident response systems.
Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cybersecurity professionals, social media users, and platform developers to collectively combat cybersecurity threats.

Key Topics:

Overview of cybersecurity risks in social media
Common threats and vulnerabilities
Best practices for securing social media accounts
Emerging technologies for cybersecurity in social media
Case studies and real-life examples
Regulatory framework and compliance
User education and awareness programmes

The webinar on ‘Cybersecurity Risks in Social Media: Remedies and Solutions’ aims to provide a comprehensive platform for discussing and addressing the evolving challenges posed by cyber threats in social media. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure online environment for all of us.

Register

30 Years of Internet in China: Between past growth and future challenges
2024-04-19 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Event description
Online Anniversary Symposium
(14:00 – 15.00 CEST / 12:00 – 13.00 UTC)
This message was given by Madam Hu Qiheng, a computer scientist who connected China to the internet on 20 April 1994.

Compared with 30 years ago, the progress is so fast now, and for those who are hurrying to catch the pace with AI, there is perhaps not much time to review the past.
To my understanding, all happened because of the two great events. The internet, epoch-making creativity, sprang up from the West while in China, we had been in the Reform and Open-Door age. Because of those two great events, with the impact of the internet, China started to embrace the world market, and China’s booming economy became world-shacking.
At the same time, because of the joining of China, the world had also changed profoundly.
I wish the Symposium complete success.
Hu Qiheng
6 April 2024
Beijing, China

On 20 April 1994, China connected to the internet. It was one of the most important developments in the digital history of the 20th century. Digitalisation has been the engine behind the rise of the Chinese economy, lifting millions out of poverty. Today, China has 1.050 billion Internet users, or 20% of the global Internet population. China displays a vibrant digital economy and is home to many leading digital companies.
In the 1990s, U.S. technology was largely employed to build the ‘Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal’ fibre-optic backbone, a nationwide grid-shaped fibre-optic network representing the Chinese internet’s core. As globalisation boomed, China and the West became increasingly intertwined by growing flows of trade, finance, and by the decentralisation of production, which engendered today’s complex global value chains. The use of Chinese platforms has boomed. China has also enacted a wide range of digital legislation on data security, personal information protection, and digital governance.
In less than two decades, however, telecommunications and mobile technology became the first well-established fields of geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. This dispute for leadership is spreading through a vast array of so-called ‘critical and emerging technologies’, including artificial intelligence. Tension is rising between the two digital powers, and measures have been put in place to restrict access to each other’s digital markets.
On the occasion of this 30th anniversary, Diplo will host a discussion focusing on past growth and future challenges of Chinese digitalisation.
The discussion will address, among others, the following questions:

What is the significance of the last 30 years of Internet deployment in China to developing the global internet?
What are the expectations for the future of China’s internet?
What are the main trends in AI and digital regulation in China?
What is China’s current and possible future role internationally in AI and digital governance?

of the major global IG and digital policy developments.
Provisional list of panelists

Jovan Kurbalija, Director of Diplo & Head of Geneva Internet Platform
Lee Xiaodong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Fuxi Institution & Professor, Tsinghua University
Liu Hao, Executive Chair, School of Global Governance, Beijing Institute of Technology
Rogier Creemers, Assistant Professor and Lecturer in Modern Chinese Studies, University of Leiden
Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge, Diplo

Moderator:

Marilia Maciel, Head of Digital Commerce and Internet Policy, Diplo

Register

Executive training in Diplomatic Negotiations and AI and Diplomacy
2024-04-22 - 2024-04-26
Event description
New digital technologies have had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on both the practice and content of diplomacy. The digital ecosystem in which diplomats operate nowadays offers new opportunities but also challenges traditional organisational structures.
The in situ Executive Training in Diplomatic Negotiations and AI and Diplomacy for the participants from the Saud N. Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute will take place between the 22 and 26 April 2024.
The goal of the training is to equip diplomats to deal with the changes and challenges imposed by digital technologies and to turn them into opportunities that will help them pursue their countries’ foreign policy goals. By the end of this training, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the most recent developments in AI tools and learn how to use them in their daily work.
The training will be based around the following topics:

AI and diplomacy
How to use big data in analysis and policymaking, and how to effectively use AI tools in daily work. At the end of this session, participants will understand geopolitical and practical aspects of using AI in diplomacy.
Diplomatic negotiations
Skills and strategies that enable diplomats to engage effectively with their counterparts and other stakeholders. At the end of this session, participants will understand the basic concepts, tools and techniques to become successful negotiators and influencers in diplomatic settings.

Book Launch: International Trade Law and Global Data Governance
2024-04-23 | Geneva and online, Geneva, Switzerland
Event description
Neha Mishra’s (Assistant Professor, Geneva Graduate Institute) book International Trade Law and Global Data Governance examines how international trade agreements apply to domestic regulations on cross-border data flows and then proposes a multilayered framework to align international trade law with evolving norms and practices in global data governance.
This event will be co-hosted by the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Global Governance Centre, the Centre for Trade and Economic Integration and the International Law Department.
Diplo’s Marilia Maciel (Head, Digital Commerce and Internet Policy) will participate in the event’s panel discussion.
For more information, visit the official website.

Tech Diplomacy: Regulation and Digital Issues on the International Agenda
2024-04-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Internet Masr (Internet Society, Egypt Chapter) and The Diplomat Magazine – Egypt (AlDiplomassy Magazine) are organising the webinar titled Tech Diplomacy: Regulation and Digital Issues on the International Agenda.
Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Founding and Executive Director, Diplo; Head, Geneva Internet Platform) will be this event’s keynote speaker. He is the author of many books, the latest of which is History of Diplomacy and Technology: From Smoke Signals to Artificial Intelligence.
Amb. Amr Aljowaily (Editor, Book Review Section of AlDiplomassy Magazine) will be the webinar’s moderator, leading an interactive discussion on the issues, actors, and frameworks of digital international relations.
The event will take place online on Wednesday, 24 April, at 11:00 EDT (17:00 CEST).
To participate in the webinar, fill in the dedicated registration form.
Register

May 2024 online courses | Diplo Academy
2024-05-06 | Online
Event description
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of four online courses on 6 May 2024:

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

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait and Diplo forge strategic partnership
2024-05-21 | Kuwait City, Kuwait, Kuwait
Event description
Kuwait City, Kuwait — 21 May 2024
His Excellency Ambassador Nasser S. Al-Sabeeh, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Saud N. Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, and Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement signifies a key partnership between the two institutions aimed at advancing capacity development frameworks and activities.
This formalised strategic partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Diplo follows the first executive training on diplomatic negotiations and AI in diplomacy conducted for Kuwaiti diplomats in April this year.
The MoU sets forth specific objectives to enhance the competencies of diplomats within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on capacity development and knowledge sharing. It highlights a joint commitment to education and the enhancement of diplomatic skills, with a focus on the responsible use of AI technology in policy development and diplomatic practices. The partnership leverages existing resources and facilities for mutual benefit, emphasising global digital policy discussions and the smart application of AI in diplomacy.

World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) Forum High-Level Event
2024-05-27 - 2024-05-31 | Geneva and online, Geneva, Switzerland
Event description
The WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event is scheduled to be held from 27 to 31 May 2024, co-organised by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD and co-hosted by ITU and the Swiss Confederation, with the support of remote participation. The event will serve as a platform for the WSIS+20 review to provide an opportunity for information exchange, knowledge creation, and sharing of best practices while identifying emerging trends and fostering partnerships, taking into account the evolving information and knowledge societies.
All stakeholders are invited to participate and contribute actively to the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event and its upcoming open consultation process. The Open Consultation Process is an open and inclusive consultation with WSIS stakeholders to prepare for the event, including developing the event programme, identifying gaps in the implementation of the Geneva Plan of Action and the WSIS Action Lines, and contributing to the WSIS+20 review process.
For more information about the event, please visit the dedicated web page.

AI for Good Global Summit
2024-05-30 - 2024-05-31 | Online
Event description
The AI for Good Global Summit will take place on May 30-31, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. The AI for Good Global Summit is the main event of the AI for Good platform organised by ITU in partnership with 40 UN Sister Agencies and co-convened with Switzerland. The summit aims to Identify practical applications of AI to advance the SDGs and scale those solutions for global impact.
The AI for Good Global Summit is designed to feature several interactive stages where the visitor can learn, build and connect. Stages will feature keynote speakers, cutting-edge AI solutions, pitching sessions, and performances by AI-inspired artists.
AI for Good is a year-round digital platform with weekly sessions where relevant stakeholders learn, build and connect to help identify practical AI solutions to advance the UN SDGs and other global development priorities. The platform aims to encourage cooperative efforts to assure reliable, secure, and inclusive AI technology development and equal access to its advantages.
Please visit the dedicated page for more information about the AI for Good platform and the upcoming sessions.

G7 Summit 2024
2024-06-13 - 2024-06-15 | Fasano, Italy, Fasano, Italy
Event description
The upcoming 50th G7 summit is scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 June 2024 in Fasano, Italy.
Italy’s G7 agenda for 2024 aims to blend existing priorities with new emphases. These include continued support for Ukraine, addressing crises in the Middle East, ensuring energy security, and, as highlighted by the Italian Prime Minister, an increased focus on supporting African development and managing the challenges presented by AI.
The G7 Summit serves as a yearly gathering for leaders from the G7 member states: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. Additionally, the EU, represented by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, partakes in all deliberations as guests.
More information will be available soon.

European Dialogue on Internet Governance: EuroDIG 2024
2024-06-17 - 2024-06-19 | Vilnius, Lithuania and online, Vilnius, Lithuania
Event description
The European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) 2024 is scheduled to take place from June 17–19 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The event will be hosted by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Lithuania (RRT) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania and Public Institution GoVilnius.EuroDIG is an open multistakeholder platform to exchange views about the internet and its governance.
First organised in 2008 by several organisations, government representatives and experts, it fosters dialogue and collaboration with the internet community on public policy for the internet – culminating in an annual conference in a different European city every year. The results are conveyed in the form of ‘Messages’, which are forwarded to policymakers and fed into the annual global UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
For more information about the event, please refer to the dedicated web page.

July 2024 online courses | Diplo Academy
2024-07-22 | Online
Event description
Diplo Academy is excited to announce the start of three online courses on 22 July 2024:

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

Using current and emerging cyber tools for disaster management in Africa
2024-07-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Online
Event description
Time: 9.30am – 11am (EDT) 4:30pm – 6:00pm (EAT)
This webinar will focus on leveraging technology to enhance preparedness, response,
and recovery efforts in the face of natural or man-made disasters on the African
continent. This webinar aims to explore the utilization of cutting-edge cyber tools and
technologies to improve disaster management practices in the context of Africa. The
webinar will delve into innovative solutions that enable quicker, more coordinated
responses to crises, ultimately enhancing overall resilience in the region.
The objectives of the webinar include:

To share insights on the role of cyber tools in monitoring, early warning, and communication during disasters.
To showcase case studies highlighting successful integration of technology in disaster management across various African countries.
To discuss challenges and opportunities in the adoption of current and emerging cyber tools for disaster preparedness and response.
To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of disaster management and technology.

Key areas that the webinar will cover:

Overview of cyber tools and technologies relevant to disaster management.
Real-life examples of successful implementation of cyber tools in disaster
response.
Data security and privacy considerations in utilizing technology for disaster
management.
Integration of traditional knowledge with modern cyber tools for enhanced
disaster preparedness.
Future trends and emerging innovations in the field of cyber tools for disaster
management.

It is expected that by the end of the webinar, participants will gain a deeper
understanding of the potential of current and emerging cyber tools in enhancing
disaster management practices, with actionable insights on leveraging technology for
more effective preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the African context.
Overall, this webinar promises to be a valuable platform for knowledge sharing,
collaboration, and innovation at the intersection of technology and disaster
management in Africa.
Register

Kautilya in Modern Governance and Diplomacy
2024-09-04 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Event description
Kautilya’s Arthashastra, one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive treatises on the science of statecraft, offers profound insights into the administration of justice, management of security, and strategies for state protection and expansion, including the nuanced concept of governance by stealth.
On Thursday, September 5th, Prof. Dr. Subrata K. Mitra, Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Heidelberg University, will give an online lecture highlighting how the Arthashastra remains crucial for understanding the modern Indian state, its democratic political system, and its foreign policy in a multipolar world.
Although written over two millennia ago, Kautilya’s teachings continue to influence contemporary India and beyond. This lecture will explore how India’s post-independence state and its leaders’ strategic thinking draw on the Arthashastra‘s intellectual legacy and deep political culture.
It will also examine the resilience of the Indian state, its ability to adapt and modernize institutions, and the broader relevance of these lessons for state-formation, governance, and diplomacy in the Global South and North.
To deepen your understanding of Kautilya’s enduring legacy and its impact on modern governance and diplomacy, join us for an interactive online discussion on September 5th at 8am EDT (12:00 UTC).
Register
