Diplo US

African priorities for the Global Digital Compact
2025-09-10 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
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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.
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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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Subscribe to Diplo Academy Newsletter for updates on our courses, programmes, and workshops.

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
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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.
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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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