About the Conference

The First International Conference on Knowledge and Diplomacy, in January 1999, initiated exploration in the field of knowledge management in diplomacy. In recent years knowledge management has become the key concept in the business world, but its applications in the world of international affairs have so far been limited. 

Knowledge has always been important in diplomacy and is especially so in today’s dynamic international environment. Thus, knowledge management tools have an important role to play in diplomacy. We need to find ways to record and transmit important and relevant information as well as unstructured knowledge such as procedures, human experience and expertise. Participants in the first conference recognised the creation of a knowledge culture as the biggest challenge posed by knowledge management. People must accept changes to their work patterns and share their knowledge with others in order for effective knowledge management to be successfully implemented.

Since the conclusion of the conference, our team has continued research and development in the field of knowledge and diplomacy. Discussion of issues raised during the conference has continued via the Internet. In August 1999 we published a pamphlet summarising the conference proceedings, and in October a book of papers on knowledge management will be published. In parallel with theoretical research, the project has continued to develop practical software for knowledge and information management. DiploWizard, a knowledge and information management system for ministries of foreign affairs, has been successfully introduced to the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Based on these achievements, we are pleased to announce that in February 2000 we will be hosting the Second International Conference on Knowledge and Diplomacy. This conference will focus on several issues:

• What is the importance of language for diplomacy? Although we usually focus on the message rather than the means of diplomatic communication, a closer examination of language use in diplomacy can lead to a better understanding of diplomatic processes. We will consider both traditional issues such as diplomatic signalling and rhetorical patterns, as well as new possibilities raised by information technology.

• What role do documents play in diplomatic communications? We propose that they are the key medium of communication: a source for gaining and transmitting knowledge and expertise.

• How can knowledge and information management systems help us to create an institutional memory for diplomatic services? How can we preserve and transfer expertise and knowledge generated by experienced diplomats to new generations?

• What organisational adjustments are necessary in order to implement knowledge and information management effectively? We will develop the concept of Diplomatic Knowledge and Information Officer (DKIO): what are the responsibilities and duties of this new position?

Website of the First International Conference on Knowledge and Diplomacy

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