Online Learning for Diplomats from Small Island States

Date: July 9, 2008
Location: New York

DiploFoundation was one of two organisations invited to present their training activities in the field of climate change at the UN Special Event on Climate Change Diplomacy held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on July 9, 2008. Climate change is becoming a key issue in a diverse range of global and regional negotiation processes. Small island states in particular suffer from a lack of trained people who can work on climate change issues within their specific fields. Panelists at the meeting concurred that online training offers an opportunity for governments of small island states to address this human resources challenge. The event was co-chaired by the Maltese and Swiss Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, Ambassador Saviour Borg and Ambassador Peter Maurer, and was honoured by the presence of the President of the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Srgjan Kerim.

Read more..

(External Relations Directorate General)

Date: June 10 - 22, 2008
Location: Brussels

Diplo was one of several diplomatic training institutions to contribute to a training programme for EU officials. Due to its experience with teaching and research in the field of multistakeholder diplomacy, Diplo was selected to deliver training focused on the participation of various stakeholders in modern diplomacy, including diplomats, business community, civil society and academia. The course consisted of a conceptual introduction, a simulation exercise and a language workshop, and was delivered by a team of Diplo faculty members. It was organised in cooperation with the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA).

Date: June 17-18, 2008
Location: Baku

As part of an ongoing programme of cooperation with the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, Dr. Jovan Kurbalija delivered a two-day workshop on Cyber Diplomacy for Azeri diplomats in Baku. The workshop focused on the impact of the Internet and digital technology on modern diplomacy. It consisted of a theoretical introduction and numerous practical exercises involving use of the Internet tools in diplomacy.
Photos from Baku.

Date: February 7-8, 2008
Location: Malta

Both the urgency of climate change issues and their complexity require innovation in diplomatic processes. Climate change diplomacy is a multi-disciplinary field demanding input from a wide variety of disciplines including science, technology, policy processes, legislation, ethics, and philosophy. Climate change is a global issue that transcends national borders, but it must be addressed on all levels from the individual to the United Nations, in local, national, regional, and global fora. By necessity, climate change diplomacy is multistakeholder diplomacy. Although states must take the leading role in addressing climate change issues, other actors, including civil society, the business community, and academia are essential partners. This conference will focus largely on capacity-building and will address the training and other needs of small states, and other actors who, due to limited financial or human resources, currently do not participate fully in climate change diplomacy.

Conference website | Photo gallery