
US government launches Digital Transformation with Africa initiative
Access, Capacity development, Critical infrastructure, E-commerce and trade, Telecommunications infrastructure Access, Capacity development, Critical infrastructure UpdatesThe US government has launched the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, committing over $350 million to expand digital access and literacy in Africa. The initiative focuses on three pillars: digital economy and infrastructure, human capital development, and digital enabling environments, aiming to support African Union and sub-Saharan Africa strategies.

Science diplomacy in practice: Interview with Amb. Bhaskar Balakrishnan
Diplo Wisdom Circle Science diplomacyAmb. Bhaskar Balakrishnan, an expert in science diplomacy, shares insights on how India and the Global South engage in this practice. India focuses on capacity building, technology acquisition, and sustainable development through science and technology policies. Balakrishnan emphasizes the need for diplomats to understand major scientific developments and engage with science stakeholders. He highlights the importance of South-South cooperation and advises practitioners, whether diplomats or scientists, to enhance their knowledge of international cooperation mechanisms for successful science diplomacy endeavors.

Mapping the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence for the conduct of diplomacy
The report discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on diplomacy, highlighting its growing importance and influence on international relations. AI presents both challenges and opportunities for diplomats and professionals in the field of international relations.

Diplo at IGF 2023
Events Capacity development EventsDiplo will be actively involved in the 2023 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Kyoto, Japan, focusing on topics like bottom-up internet governance, knowledge management, enhancing civil society participation, and cyber norms. They will host sessions and discussions, emphasizing the importance of human imperfection, knowledge sharing, and responsible behavior in cyberspace. Challenges such as monopolies over information and reducing vulnerabilities will be addressed. Diplo also highlights the need for multistakeholder collaboration and inclusivity in digital policy discussions. Participants are encouraged to engage both in-person and online to contribute to shaping the digital future.

Digital Diplomacy in practice: How knowledge sharing happens thoughout the UN system
AI Technology Webinars Artificial Intelligence EventsAn online event on digital knowledge in diplomacy will explore implementation strategies, data analysis, and perceptions of International Geneva at other diplomatic hubs. Diplo will present X-ray studies, Geneva’s Digital Footprint, and social media data analytics. Register on the official page for more details.

Rapport: Des voix africaines plus fortes dans le numérique : construire une politique étrangère et une diplomatie africaines du numérique
À mesure que le dynamisme numérique de l'Afrique s'accroît, sa participation à la politique
numérique mondiale doit augmenter. Dans cette transition, les pays africains doivent composer
avec les réalités géopolitiques de notre époque.

Stronger digital voices from Africa: Building African digital foreign policy and diplomacy
As Africa’s digital dynamism grows, its participation in global digital policy must increase. In this
transition, African countries have to navigate the geopolitical realities of our times.
The report is also available in French.

Diplomatic reporting: Structure and style
Faculty Diplomatic functions and tools, Diplomatic reportingDiplomatic reporting is a vital aspect of diplomatic missions that involves observing, discussing, and reporting on conditions in the receiving state. The structure and style of these reports are guided by rules such as conciseness, focusing on one topic, and being based on discussions with local representatives. Diplomatic reports serve as a key tool for diplomatic operations, complementing media reporting. They provide a unique advantage by offering insights not available to other sources, contributing to diplomatic efforts over centuries. Diplomatic reporting is crucial for diplomats and ambassadors in navigating international relations effectively.

Rwandan diplomats and officials complete online training in digital diplomacy
Press release Capacity development, Digital diplomacy, Digital foreign policy Courses, Press releasesRwandan diplomats and officials complete online training in digital diplomacy with the support of Malta’s Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. The training focused on the impact of digitalization on diplomacy, geopolitics, and practical tools. Malta emphasized the importance of cyber diplomacy for smaller nations and highlighted the collaboration and friendship between Malta and Rwanda. DiploFoundation, specializing in internet governance and digital policy, conducted the training, aiming to enhance Rwanda's skills in digital geopolitics, negotiations on cybersecurity and e-commerce, and the utilization of digital tools in diplomacy.

2023 Diplo Days in Geneva
AI & art, AI & linguistics, AI Technology Artificial Intelligence2023 Diplo Days in Geneva feature various sessions on digital technologies from November 4th to 8th. The event also includes a Diplos Evening on December 7th to share plans for 2024. Sessions include topics like employing AI for consumer redressal and digital economy agreements. The launch of the Geneva Manual on cyber norms is scheduled, along with exploring the Geneva Digital Atlas. An exhibition by Prof. Vladimir Veljasevic showcases artistic perceptions of technology, governance, and diplomacy. Additionally, a panel on strengthening African digital diplomacy takes place on December 8th.