DiploNews – Issue 398 – 3 July 2020

Upcoming study opportunities

◆ Applications open! Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy (€400 early bird discount)

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2021 online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy with a specialisation in Internet Governance, run in co-operation with the University of Malta Department of International Relations.

During 16 to 20 months of online study, the programmes guide working diplomats, international relations professionals, and Internet policymakers through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

In response to the current global pandemic, the introductory workshop – traditionally offered in Malta – will be run online in 2021, eliminating the need for travel and reducing expenses for participants.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states. The programme starts on 25 January 2021.

Discount: Apply by 1 September 2020 and benefit from our €400 early bird discount.

For further information and to apply, please visit the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy webpage.

 

◆ Applications open! Diplo’s 2020 summer courses (start: 20 July)

Apply now for our summer courses on diplomacy and Internet governance. All courses begin on 20 July.

• 21st Century Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
• Internet Technology and Policy
• Multilateral Diplomacy

For further information or to apply, click the course title above or visit our courses catalogue.

Sign up for our courses mailing list to stay informed about upcoming courses.

◆ Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available.

Thanks to the support from the government of Malta, partial scholarships are available for applicants from developing countries to attend upcoming Diplo online courses. These scholarships cover 30%–60% of course fees and can be applied to most online courses in 2020. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

Upcoming events

◆ WebDebate: ‘Permanent missions at global diplomatic hubs: More or less relevant in 2020?’ (7 July)

Our July WebDebate explores the role and work of permanent missions in diplomatic hubs such as New York, Geneva, and Vienna. As we are getting closer to the summer break, and the appointment of new staff to permanent missions, we want to reflect on the important work of permanent missions, share experiences, and highlight best practices.

Join us on Tuesday, 7th July 2020, at 12:00 UTC (08:00 EDT | 14:00 CEST | 20:00 CST). Register here!

Main takeaways from our recent events

◆ Online conference: Navigating Geneva’s digital landscape

​​​​​Most Geneva-based institutions and organisations are now tackling digital aspects as part of their work. The Geneva digital policy landscape has therefore become richer and more diverse. Together with over 100 practitioners, we discussed the various approaches and initiatives regarding Geneva’s digital landscape. Read the conference report

◆ Workshop: ‘Geneva Talks: Charting International Collaboration in the Digital Age’

Inspired by the conviction that technology is key to the future of humanity, this workshop explored the future of multilateral governance in a post-pandemic world. The event was organised by swissnex San Francisco and the Consulate General of Switzerland in partnership with the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), DiploFoundation, and ICT4peace. Watch the recording of the first part of the discussion:

◆ GIP Briefing: A historic 2020 – Six months in review

In our monthly Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) briefing, alongside the latest digital policy updates, we presented a six-month overview, together with a preview of the new Digital Watch observatory. Watch the briefing

Publications & blog posts

◆ Digital Watch newsletter: Issue 51 (June 2020)

Issue 51 of the GIP’s Digital Watch newsletter includes a six-month digital policy review, an analysis on the UN Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, an overview on taxation in the digital economy, an article on the ‘Navigating Geneva’s digital policy landscape’ online conference, and much more. Get your copy!

◆ Blog post: ‘Digital Roadmap: The realistic acceleration of digital cooperation’

In his blog post, Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, DiploFoundation; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) outlines the UN SG’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, and analyses the proposed actions, conveyed messages, and the way to move forward. Read the blog post

You can read a more in-depth analysis of the Roadmap on the Digital Watch observatory’s dedicated page. This analysis includes the reading together video Reading the Roadmap Together. Read the analysis and watch the video.

◆ Blog post AI and the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation

In this blog post, Dr Katharina Höne zooms in on the key points related to artificial intelligence (AI) as they are presented in the UN SG’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, and as they were reflected on in the discussions that ensued. Read the blog post

◆ Policy paper: Virtual reality and the future of peacemaking

In this policy paper, Ms Julie A Gregory explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in supporting mediation and peace processes. The paper builds on 30 expert interviews with international mediation and VR experts. Read the paper and see our other Diplo’s Policy Papers publications.

Diplo team at external events

◆ Webinar: Bridging the Gap between Theory & Practice in India (4 July)

Ambassador and professor emeritus Kishan S Rana will take part in this webinar organised by The Bridge Project, in collaboration with the Centre for Policy Research. Read more about the event and register here.

◆ Webinar: ‘Corona Diplomacy: Will changes affect future practice?’

Dr Katharina Höne (Senior Lecturer, Researcher, and Project Manager, DiploFoundation) participated in International Debat’s webinar where she focused on how international organisations and diplomatic services navigated through the transition to online meetings in response to COVID-19, as well as on the opportunities, challenges, and potential inequalities resulting from this. Watch the recording

◆ Webinar: ‘Introduction to Internet Governance: Actors, Issues, Trends & Opportunities’

Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, DiploFoundation; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) participated in this webinar organised by the Broadband India Forum and Bharat Exhibitions. Kurbalija gave a presentation on Internet governance, and its implications and applications in addressing vital policy areas; outlined the UN GS’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation; and presented his outlook on India’s potential for progress in the field of Internet governance. Read more about the event and watch the recording:

◆ Webinar: Lessons in Crisis Communication in the Internet Age

Former senior diplomat and DiploFoundation’s course lecturer Ms Liz Galvez has weighed in on this discussion organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). She focused on digital public diplomacy efforts and highlighted that public diplomacy plays an essential part in spreading information within national boundaries, as well as on the international stage. Watch the recording: