Countries and territories
Swiss digital foreign poicy is governed by constitution and foreign policy strategy.
Report from Events
UN General Assembly 76 (2021)
In the statement at the 2021 UN General Assembly, Switzerland made the following references to digital issues:
…..technological developments and digitalisation offer solutions to many of the challenges we collectively face. In Switzerland, there is close cooperation with universities and the private sector to find innovative technological approaches for development and poverty reduction projects. Yet there are risks involved. The virtual world is not a lawless zone. In the General Assembly, Switzerland works to promote responsible state behaviour and the application of international law in cyberspace. It also participates in efforts to combat cybercrime. Geneva plays a role as a global centre for digital policy and networking for the actors involved.
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DiploFoundation and the Geneva Internet Platform will participate in the event 'Big Data, Big Problems? Challenges and Opportunities in the context of Data Ownership, Privacy and Protection', taking place on 24 Januar...
[Briefing] Internet governance in February 2018
[Update] The recording is now available: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qilEQzyb-sg[/embedyt] View also the IG Barometer for February. What were the main Internet governance updates in Februar...
[Briefing] Internet governance in March 2018
[Update] The recording is now available: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0jNkecGzSU[/embedyt] View also the IG Barometer for March. This month was packed with new developments. The Cambridge A...
[Briefing] Internet governance in April 2018
[Update] The recording is now available: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY43K8cvJqc[/embedyt] View also the IG Barometer for April. What were the main Internet governance updates in April? How...
[Briefing] Internet governance in May 2018
[Update] The recording is now available: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrZoC-4CwzA[/embedyt] View also the IG Barometer for May. May was a much-anticipated month, as the EU’s General Data P...
[Briefing] Internet governance in June 2018
[Update] The recording is now available: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLgfn6Bmrt4[/embedyt] View also the IG Barometer for June. This month, we will carry out a mid-year review of digital po...
[Briefing] Internet governance in August 2018
[Update] The digest and recording of the webinar is now available. What were the main Internet governance updates in August? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for ...
[Briefing] Internet governance in September 2018
[Update] The digest and recording of the webinar is now available. What were the main Internet governance updates in September? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us f...
CyberMediation: New technologies for political mediation
How can digital technology contribute to political mediation? The UN Department of Political Affairs, DiploFoundation, the Geneva Internet Platform, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, swisspeace, and researche...
Diplo & GIP at WSIS Forum 2018
DiploFoundation and the Geneva Internet Platform will be actively engaged at WSIS Forum 2018. Join us for the following events and sessions, visit us at the booth, and read our just-in-time session reports and newslet...
Disrupting development through science, technology and innovation
Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Founding Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform, will participate in the 'Disrupting development through science, technology and innovation' event, taking...
Youth Dialogue 2018: Diplomatic Kaleidoscope: A Reflection of Inclusivity
The Junior Diplomat Initiative (JDI) Youth Dialogue is an annual conference organised by JDI Switzerland. The main aim of the event is to enable students interested in diplomacy to challenge their theoretical knowledg...
SEE Hub: Internet governance in March 2018
What were the main Internet governance (IG) updates in March, and how will they shape future developments? What IG developments and events happened in South Eastern Europe (SEE) this month? And what is planned for Mar...
Geneva Internet L@w Summer School 2018
Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform, will deliver a lecture on the Geneva Internet governance landscape, at the 2018 edition of the Geneva Internet L@w Summer Scho...
Diplo at Public private partnerships for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Mr Dejan Dincic, Senior Lecturer at DiploFoundation, will participate in the international conference on 'Public private partnerships for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development', taking pl...
Workshop on digital diplomacy for small states
This workshop for small states, co-organised with the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the UN in Geneva, will explore the practical use of open data for diplomats at small permanent missions, in the areas of public d...
Lunch dialogue: Digitalisation and international law
The Geneva Internet Platform will host a lunch dialogue on Digitalisation and international law, on Monday, 16th April, between 12:30 and 14:30, at the WMO Building, 7bis, Avenue de la Paix, Geneva. The dialogue will ...
Diplo & GIP at the UNCTAD E-commerce Week
DiploFoundation and the Geneva Internet Platform will be actively engaged in the UNCTAD E-commerce Week 2018. Join us for the following sessions, and read our just-in-time session reports. [Update] On 18 April, the p...
SEE Hub: Internet governance in April 2018
What were the main Internet governance (IG) updates in April, and how will they shape future developments? What IG developments and events happened in South Eastern Europe (SEE) this month? And what is planned for May...
Invest in Cybersecurity workshop
This workshop, organised by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) – Investment Promotion, will explore the opportunities for Switzerland as a strong and innovative cybersecurity location. The aim of the workshop is t...
Diplo & GIP at Geneva Cybersecurity Law & Policy Conference
Prof. Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation and head of the Geneva Internet Platform, will participate in the Geneva Cybersecurity Law & Policy Conference, which will be held on 21 June 2018, in Geneva. Pro...
Information session: Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace
WHY While cyberspace and ICT can deliver significant benefits to society, the growing use of ICT by State and non-State actors for malicious purposes – threatening not only peace and security but also the entire di...
#Cybermediation: What role for blockchain technology and natural language processing AI?
Technological developments impact all aspects of society. Similarly, they impact the practice of diplomacy. Mediation, the peaceful resolution of conflicts through a third party, is no exception. The #Cybermediation i...
Introduction to Digital Policy and Diplomacy 2018 (just-in-time Geneva-based course)
The Geneva Internet Platform is offering a course to assist permanent missions in Geneva to actively follow the increasingly important field of digital policy, cooperation, and diplomacy. The 9-week Introduction to D...
CyberMediation: the impact of digital technologies on the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts
The UN Department of Political Affairs, DiploFoundation, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and swisspeace have joined forces in March 2018 to develop an initiative to explore how digital technology is i...
Digital technology: An unprecedented opportunity for the prevention of trafficking
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bern, in co-operation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is organising: Digital technology: An unprecedented opportunity for the prevention of t...
Public International Law Day 2018
The Public International Law Day is organised by the Directorate of International Law (DIL) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in co-operation with the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP). The Public Inter...
Implementing the Water Convention: A look at the results of the first reporting exercise
The Geneva Water Hub’s Platform for International Water Law, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and DiploFoundation are pleased to invite you to, 'Implementing the Water Convention: A look at ...
Artificial intelligence and diplomacy: A new tool for diplomats?
DiploFoundation and the Think Tank Hub are organising: Artificial Intelligence and Diplomacy: A new tool for diplomats? on Monday 3rd December 2018. The event will take place at the Geneva Internet Platform, WMO Build...
Science fiction meets policy | Policy meets science fiction
What can sci-fi teach us about digital politics and its future? What was once considered science fiction is becoming a reality at an accelerated pace. What can sci-fi teach us about the future of digital politics? ...
International Conference on Web-Management for International Organisations
This was the third conference on web management organised by Diplo. Information is an essential resource for international organisations, which are highly dependent on an efficient communications infrastructure ...
Seminar: Roma Diplomacy, “Virtual Diplomacy for a Virtual Nation”
This seminar provided an opportunity for dialogue and development of the concept of Roma Diplomacy: “Virtual Diplomacy for a Virtual Nation.” Working together in a round table environment, Roma rights activi...
Online Learning in Diplomacy
Given the wide geographic distribution of diplomatic services, online learning is the natural answer to the training needs of diplomats, bridging the limitations of space and time and connecting people over grea...
International Conference - Challenges for Foreign Ministries: Managing Diplomatic Networks and Optimising Value
This conference addressed the complex environment faced by foreign ministries the world over, both abroad and at home. Domestic and external issues merge and influence each other in ways that no one anticipated ...
Panel Discussion with MEDAC Alumni
During their annual study visit to Geneva, students of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) attended a meeting organized by the Geneva Center for Security Policy in cooperation with MEDAC alumni...
Meeting of Global Knowledge 3 International Advisory Board
On May 10 – 11, Dr. Jovan Kurbalija attended the meeting of Global Knowledge 3 International Advisory Board. The International Advisory Board met to discuss the content architecture of the Global Knowledge 3 e...
Diplomacy Goes Virtual: Inauguration of Diplomacy Island and Virtual Embassy in Second Life
On May 22, Maldives became the first country in the world to open a Virtual Embassy in Second Life, the online virtual world. The Maldives Virtual Embassy is located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Diplomacy Island in Se...
*Le Bicorne et la Plume* book presentation
Thursday, 18th November 2010, Bern, Switzerland: Le Bicorne et la Plume, a book about Swiss diplomats as writers, was presented to Ambassador Georges Martin, Head of Political Secretariat of the Swiss Department of Fo...
Malta, Mexico and Switzerland cooperate for online diplomatic training
Malta, Mexico and Switzerland today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate cooperation in online diplomatic training. The three countries plan to work together in developing and delivering online courses...
Understanding Diplomacy - Workshop for Journalists
The workshop “Understanding Diplomacy”, held in Geneva on 18 September, gave all who attended the opportunity to look at the “nuts and bolts” of modern diplomacy. Using interactive sessions and practical e...
EuroDIG 2009
Twenty graduates from Diplo’s European Capacity Building Programme were among the delegates at EuroDIG (European Dialogue on Internet Governance) this year. Representing non-EU states, these graduates widened the ...
Can the United Nations be Taught?
Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation, was an invited panellist at the presentation of a publication from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna: "Can the United Nations be Taught?" The book compiles contribution...
De-Briefing of the meetings of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation and the Global Commission on Stability in Cyberspace
On 25 January, the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) will host in co-operation with the University of Geneva the De-Briefing of the meetings of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation (HLP.DC) and the Global Commi...
Artificial intelligence made in Europe: What will Alexa say?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative forces of our time and is bound to alter the fabric of society. Over the last decade, major advances were realised due to the availability of vast amounts...
How is water protected during armed conflicts?
The Geneva Water Hub’s Platform for International Water Law and DiploFoundation are pleased to invite you to, 'How is water protected during armed conflicts?'. This event is organised within the framework of the Dis...
Round-table on current practices and trends in the use of e-learning platforms
What are the current and potential uses of e-learning platforms? How can learning be made more coherent and co-ordinated? The round-table discussion is being organised by the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) of the United...
Quarterly briefing: Reviewing digital policy developments & what to expect
Recent headlines in digital policy showed that private companies continue to face pressure from governments, while the tech industry continues to push the boundaries with technology. Internet disruptions were at their...
CyberMediation conference
[Update] Read the press release for this event. Technological developments impact all aspects of society. Similarly, they impact the practice of diplomacy. Mediation, the process whereby a third party assis...
Comment désamorcer les discours de guerre (How to defuse war talks)
The Club suisse de la presse will hold a debate on 'How to defuse war talks' on 20 September at the Château de Penthes in Geneva. The event is part of the 22e Fête de la Presse & de la Communication. Jovan Kurbal...
Digital co-operation: Can Geneva make it a win-win?
In June, the UN High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation made a series of recommendations to the private sector, civil society, national governments, and international organisations on how to improve digital co-operati...
Digital policy in 2019: A mid-year review
The first six months of this year were dominated by the tech rivalry between the USA and China, and the Huawei controversy. This came amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation and other harmful content, ...
Unpacking the High-Level Panel’s Report: Contributions from Geneva
[Update] The event report, including the participants' recommendations, is now available. One of the main mandates of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, launched in July 2018, was...
Digital (and) Diplomacy: How to deal with digital aspects of foreign policy
Digital issues shape our future and the future of each country; they are no longer niche issues. Key conversations on the governance of digital issues take place at the international level, with profound geopolitical ...
Staff talks: Data localisation: Impact on small business?
Staff talks explores a timely and relevant subject and its benefit to International Trade Centre (ITC) work and projects during a short 30-minute interactive conversation with staff, for staff. The talk usually involv...
Diplo at AI for Good Gobal Summit
The 'AI for Good Global Summit 2019' will be held on 28-31 May 2019 at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The event identifies the leading UN platform for dialogue on...
'Geneva Day' at the World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos
'Geneva Day' at the World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos will take place on 21 January 2020. Jovan Kurbalija, director of DiploFoundation, will be moderating the Panel : How to govern Digital Interdependence. The Annua...
5th Geneva Engage Awards
The list of winners, detailed report and methodology explanation, and photo gallery are now available. The annual Geneva Engage Awards recognise the actors in International Geneva in their social media outreach ...
Data 2025 - Conference
*UPDATE: The Data 2025 - Conference has been postponed to a later date - to be announced. The Data 2025 - Conference will take place on 19 March from 09:00 - 10:30 (CET). Jovan Kurbalija, founding director of Diplo...
Round table on The Future of Internet Governance in Geneva
[Update] The recording of the live stream is available below. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkkWpgACBfw&start=537[/embedyt] With the launch of the report "Internet Governance in International Geneva"...
Launch: Tech Meets informal get-togethers (Geneva)
Launching on Thursday, 8th October | Geneva The number of diplomats assigned to cover digital policy issues is increasing. In International Geneva, where more than half of the digital policy discussions take place,...
Launch: New Geneva Digital Atlas (Geneva and online)
Launching on Monday, 26th October | Geneva & online We’re launching the new Geneva Digital Atlas, a useful guide for navigating digital issues, actors, and processes in International Geneva. The aim is to incre...
Launch: ConfTech Immersion Lab (Geneva)
Launching on Thursday, 29th October | Geneva The way we meet is the way we live and run our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped us realise this simple truism. Our new immersion lab, which will be unveiled in...
Hybrid conference: The future of (multilateral) diplomacy
On Thursday, 22nd October (12:00 to 14:30 UTC | 14:00 to 16:30 CEST ), we will present our research study on the future of (multilateral) diplomacy at a hybrid conference which will include both online and in situ par...
Data Tour | 12 Tours to Navigate Digital Geneva
Every month the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) navigates International Geneva through a specific lens: that of a given digital policy issue. Each month we connect the dots on the many initiatives, organisations and p...
AI-based report of United Nations Security Council debate marks start of a new era in multilateral diplomacy
Press release Diplo is proud to announce that its new AI-powered reporting tool, DiploAI, has successfully assisted analysis and reporting of a UN Security Council (UN SC) debate. The UN Security Council debat...
4th AI Policy Summit
In a world shaped every day by technological developments, it is of utmost importance to discuss what roles these technologies should play in society. The 4th AI Policy Summit continues the multi-stakeholder dialog...
Town hall meeting on AI and Diplomacy at the Swiss Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva
The meeting featured an in-depth look at the impact of AI on diplomacy and the future of human knowledge. What emerged was that: AI is driving major changes in diplomacy and the day-to-day work of foreign affairs ...
Policy Meets Tech: Artificial intelligence
The second event in the 'Policy meets tech' series will be dedicated to artificial intelligence. It will focus on unpacking AI technology and discussing its policy implications. The event will offer participants t...
Open Consultations Final Brief on the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event
The WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event, co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD and co-hosted by ITU and the Swiss Confederation, will serve as a platform to review the progress, achievements, challenges, and opportu...
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Diplo is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.
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