Digital transformation among the priorities of Germany’s new strategy for Africa
Access, Capacity development, E-commerce and trade, Telecommunications infrastructure Access, Capacity development, E-commerce and trade, Telecommunications infrastructure Updates
Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has launched a new Africa Strategy dedicated, among other goals, to 'lend[ing] structural support to the achievement of the development goals set by the African Union…
Nigeria and Rwanda sign Artemis Accords
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
Nigeria and Rwanda signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the first two African countries to adhere to the set of nonbinding commitments to facilitate the peaceful and safe exploration of outer space.
The Artemis Accords, signed by 23…
Gender equality in space diplomacy
Gender and diplomacy, Space diplomacy Gender and diplomacy, Space diplomacy UpdatesSpace diplomacy should become more gender-inclusive – from changes in the language used in space negotiations, to greater involvement of women in space diplomacy.
US government launches Digital Transformation with Africa initiative
Access, Capacity development, Critical infrastructure, E-commerce and trade, Telecommunications infrastructure Access, Capacity development, Critical infrastructure Updates
The US government has launched a Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative dedicated to 'expand[ing] digital access and literacy and strengthen[ing] digital enabling environments across the continent'. The USA plans to dedicate…
Horizon Worlds losing users, reports show
Metaverse Diplomacy UpdatesHorizon Worlds, Meta’s flagship metaverse platform, is failing to meet internal performance expectations, as was reported by The Wall Street Journal which reviewed internal company documents. The Journal said the records showed that the user…
Israeli embassy opens in Virtual environment
UpdatesThe Embassy of Israel in Korea opened a virtual pavilion in the metaverse on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The embassy is envisioned to set a new standard which would serve as a tool for public diplomacy…
Kuleba to make the first tour of African countries in history of Ukrainian diplomacy
UpdatesUkrainian foreign affairs minister will tour African countries 3–14 October to consolidate support in light of the attempt to annex Ukrainian territories.
In addition, the minister will seek to strengthen the role of Ukraine as a guarantor…
Metaverse, an important digital opportunity according to EU officials
Metaverse Diplomacy UpdatesEuropean Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has published her ‘2022 State of the Union Letter of Intent ', underpinning the Metaverse as an important digital opportunity and trend. While Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for Internal Market of the European Union, explained in a blog post that the Metaverse was one of the European Commission's (EC) most pressing challenges, and that its plan to foster the virtual world will focus on people, technologies, and infrastructure.
Hermès enters the metaverse
UpdatesThe French luxury brand Hermès has filed a trademark application for its name, signaling its plans to enter the metaverse. This was revealed by metaverse trademark attorney Michael Kondoudis.
According to the trademark application submitted…
iHeartMedia plans to stage metaverse concerts
Metaverse Diplomacy UpdatesiHeartMedia plans to stage Metaverse concerts. Virtual world mixes engaging gameplay with a regular schedule of amusing events, programming, and unique fan experiences.
Leading Chinese universities and Big Tech partners to establish a joint metaverse research institute
Metaverse Diplomacy UpdatesContent: Shanghai Securities Journal reports that some of the most influential IT businesses in China have teamed together to establish the "Joint Research Institute of Metaverse and Virtual-Real Interaction" in Shanghai. The foundation of this research institute could mean that Chinese citizens will be surfing the metaverse sooner than the rest of us.
Outer Space in the UN Pact for the Future
Space diplomacy Updates
In the Pact for the Future which should be adopted during the UN Summit for the Future to be held in September 2023, one of seven pillars is outer space.
The UN SG aims to achieve a high-level political agreement on the peaceful, secure…
