China stresses the importance of true multilateralism and international governance system
Climate diplomacy, Multilateral diplomacy, Security UpdatesChina has called for true multilateralism and the strengthening of the international governance system in order to address global challenges. China supports the proposal on building a community with a shared future for mankind and emphasises the role of the United Nations (U.N.) in global governance. China promotes global security governance, supports political settlements of crises, and advocates for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. China also supports global development governance, including initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, China emphasizes the importance of human rights, cultural exchange, and the equitable use of new frontiers, such as cyberspace and outer space. China calls for the reform of the U.N. to increase the representation and voice of developing countries and stresses the need for international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA Player, Appointed to President Biden’s African Diplomacy Council
UpdatesWNBA player Chiney Ogwumike has been named to President Biden's council on African diplomacy, recognizing her involvement in diplomatic efforts concerning Africa.
Panda’s diplomacy in crisis as pandas return home
Animal diplomacy, Bilateral diplomacy, Panda diplomacy UpdatesChina is set to recall giant pandas from the United States, Britain, and Australia, signalling a possible change in China's "panda diplomacy" strategy. The move may be a response to tensions between China and the West.
African leaders at UNGA: adapting diplomacy for development in a changing landscape
UpdatesAfrican leaders discussed innovative forms of cooperation and diplomacy for development during their participation at the UNGA, adapting to evolving global dynamics.
Universities stop using AI detection tool such as Turnitin
Artificial Intelligence, Education diplomacy, Ethics, Pedagogy UpdatesVanderbilt University has decided to disable the AI detection tool provided by Turnitin due to concerns about its reliability and potential false positives. The tool was launched without providing detailed information on how it detects AI writing. Other companies offering AI detectors have either changed their business models or closed down. Instructors are advised to communicate with students about AI usage, establish guidelines, and consider revising assignments. They can look for inconsistencies in writing style and inaccuracies in sources to determine if a submitted text is AI-generated. AI tools are expected to become more prevalent, and resources are available to help instructors incorporate AI in teaching.
Challenges in relief efforts emerge from Morocco’s earthquake and Libya’s floods, including failed disaster diplomacy and infrastructure devastation
UpdatesThere have been difficulties encountered during relief efforts following the earthquake in Morocco and the floods in Libya, such as ineffective disaster diplomacy and extensive infrastructure damage.
Reporting initiative from Western Balkans Digital Summit 2019
UpdatesThe Digital Watch Observatory conducted a reporting initiative during the 2nd Western Balkan Digital Summit, supported by Serbia. Over 70 sessions on topics like infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital economy were covered. The conference, with over 3,000 participants, aimed to advance regional digital cooperation.
How can handwriting improve learning in the digital era?
AI & linguistics, humAInism Pedagogy UpdatesHandwriting is beneficial for conceptual understanding and memory retention, according to the article in the Economist. Handwriting is endangered as laptops enter classrooms worldwide. Some countries reacted by banning computers in the classroom or introducing compulsory handwriting. As typing is critical skill for digital era, it should not be banned. It also has some advantages for summarising texts. Thus, it is essential to strike right balance and proper timing of using typing and handwriting in educational process.
Emerging Kenya’s climate diplomacy
Climate diplomacy, Development UpdatesKenya has been fostering emergence of Africa's climate diplomacy. African leaders are calling on rich countries to fulfil their financial pledges to support developing nations in their climate change efforts. However, Africa faces challenges such as a lack of resources, an incipient debt crisis, and the impact of Western policies on trade and competitiveness. Kenya is leading the way in attracting climate finance and pursuing green industrialisation, but there are concerns about this approach. The Economist's article emphasizes the need for African countries to focus on what they can control, such as the investment climate, and for the world to address why many African countries still rely on fossil fuels for economic development.
How can science diplomacy support the use of AI in scientific research
AI & linguistics, AI & philosophy, AI Technology, humAInism AI diplomacy, Artificial Intelligence, Science diplomacy UpdatesArtificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to accelerate scientific discovery and help solve humanity’s biggest problems, according to the Economist coverage. Two areas that show particular promise are “literature-based discovery” (LBD), which analyzes existing scientific literature for new ideas, and “robot scientists” or self-driving labs, which use AI to generate and test hypotheses. The main barrier to AI’s transformation of scientific practice is the willingness and ability of scientists to embrace and use AI tools.