
[WebDebate #12 summary] Standardisation: Practical solutions for strained negotiations, or an arena for realpolitik?
Alumni Contemporary diplomacy, Digital standards, Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsStandards are essential in everyday life and can shape habits, making life easier. The WebDebate discussed the importance of standardization in facilitating daily activities, supporting sustainable development, and international trade. However, challenges arise in the negotiation process due to varying interests of stakeholders. Despite the aim to benefit all involved parties, powerful actors, like corporations, can dominate standard-setting discussions, potentially leading to biased outcomes. The main goal of standards is to benefit those they apply to, with regular revisions to ensure relevance. Standards play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and advancing international relations, yet their impartiality and representation of diverse interests remain subjects of scrutiny.

Negotiation Skills online course
Alumni Diplomacy courses and workshops, Diplomatic theory and practice, Education diplomacy, Language (and) diplomacy, Negotiations, Remote participationLearn the practical skills to successfully prepare, undertake, and conclude negotiations in formal and informal settings, as well as how to choose appropriate negotiation strategies, deal with power imbalances, build effective partnerships, and more.

Kickstart of the Just-in-time Course on Digital Commerce
Press release E-commerce and trade, Online education Press releasesThe Just-in-time Course on Digital Commerce was launched during E-commerce Week 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. The course, focusing on the increasing complexity of digital commerce, aims to help policymakers and individuals understand its nuances and potential benefits, especially in developing countries. The launch highlighted the importance of grasping this topic and its impact on various aspects of society. The course methodology was explained, and the inaugural lecture covered Internet functionality and emerging business models, illustrating how digital commerce has evolved to meet people's needs and desires.

HRC 34th session: digital rights in general, privacy in particular
Alumni Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe report by Special Rapporteur Joseph Cannataci, presented at the 34th session of the Human Rights Council, focused on digital rights with an emphasis on privacy. The report highlighted the need for a legal instrument to regulate surveillance, following concerns over government surveillance practices and the Snowden revelations. Recommendations included improving oversight of intelligence agencies and safeguarding privacy universally. The resolution adopted by the Council stressed the importance of encryption, metadata protection, and respecting principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality in privacy infringements. There were calls for an expert workshop and further reports in 2018 to address digital privacy challenges.

A 12-step guide to implementing the SDGs
Alumni Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsA group at the Internet Governance Forum created a 12-point guide for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Recommendations include better education and awareness, improved communication, collaboration, linking programs to the goals, and involving and motivating youth. It emphasizes regional diversity, empowering local communities, and inclusive problem-solving. The group believes that collective action from various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, private sector, and technical experts, is crucial to achieve the SDGs by 2030 for a sustainable future.

Diplo alumnus appointed UNECE’s Executive Secretary
Alumni BlogsOlga Algayerova, a Diplo and University of Malta alumna from Slovakia, has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). She succeeds Christian Friis Bach. Algayerova, with a background in diplomacy and business, is praised for her leadership, diplomatic skills, and knowledge of the region. Her experience includes roles in various international organizations. Diplo congratulates her on this appointment.

Workshop on public speaking
Alumni Training and workshops Language (and) diplomacy EventsA workshop on public speaking will cover communication basics, delivery skills, feedback, and presentation styles. It includes hands-on activities and requires active participation. The facilitator is a public speaking coach specializing in training for non-native English speakers. The workshop will be held on April 21st and 22nd in Belgrade, Serbia, with limited spots available. Contact Andrej Škrinjarić for more information.

Data Diplomacy: Mapping the Field
The adoption of open data policies and the standardization of data collection were among the recommendations made during DiploFoundation's Data Diplomacy Roundtable: Mapping the Field, a brainstorming event that took place on 5 April 2017 – on the role of (big) data in international affairs and diplomacy.

Just-in-time course on Digital Commerce
Courses, TimelineA just-in-time course on digital commerce was introduced during E-commerce Week 2017. This five-week blended course was a collaborative effort involving various organizations such as the International Trade Centre, Consumer Unity & Trust Society International, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and Diplo.

Diplo at OSCE inter-regional cybersecurity conference
Alumni Panels and conferences Internet governance and digital policy, Cyberconflict and warfare EventsDiplo Foundation participates in discussions on cybersecurity at the OSCE inter-regional conference, focusing on global cyber stability through coordinated regional efforts. Vladimir Radunovic of Diplo Foundation presents key findings on secure cyberspace and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cyber capacity building. The conference aims to deepen dialogue on cybersecurity issues affecting Euro-Atlantic and Asian regions, fostering confidence and cooperation among networked states worldwide.