DiploNews – Issue 412 – 2 February 2021

Upcoming study opportunities

◆ Apply now! February 2021 online diplomacy and digital policy courses

Start the new year with one of our most popular online courses:

• Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks
• Capacity Development
• Diplomatic Theory and Practice
• Humanitarian Diplomacy
• Introduction to Internet Governance
• Public Diplomacy

Courses start on 22 February 2021. We have extended application deadlines till 8 February 2021 for Diplo certificate courses and we will continue to accept applications as long as places remain. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses listed, or visit our courses webpage.

◆ Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available.

Thanks to 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 2021. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

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

Upcoming events

◆ WebDebate #45: Visual storytelling for diplomatic practice (2 Feb.)

Diplomacy is often thought of as a practice centering on language. Yet, the visual image of diplomatic practice is increasingly important in a world in which images proliferate and videoconferencing has replaced face-to-face meetings. Join us on Tuesday, 2nd February, at 13:00 UTC (14:00 CET) as we discuss the increasing importance of images and visual storytelling in diplomacy. Register for WebDebate #45.

◆ 6th Geneva Engage Awards (18 Feb.)

The annual Geneva Engage Awards recognise International Geneva actors in their social media outreach and online engagement. The Awards encourage convergences around development, human rights, digital and other policy issues between communities worldwide and International Geneva which hosts many international negotiations that have an impact across countries and continents. This year, the 6th Geneva Engage Awards will also consider the innovative and effective use of the internet for conducting meetings. Register to attend.

Our recent events

◆ [Briefing #71] Internet governance in January 2021

In our first 2021 briefing, we looked back at 2020 and predicted which keywords will dominate 2021. Watch our livestream recording.

◆ [Diplomacy and Technology: A historical journey #1] An introduction

On 28 January, Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, DiploFoundation; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) held the introductory discussion of his masterclass series on the interplay between diplomacy and technology. Kurbalija’s presentation was followed by interventions and questions from attendees. Watch the livestream recording.

Note: Don’t miss our new in-depth page Diplomacy and Technology: A historical journey.

Blogs and publications

◆ Blog post: ‘2021: The emergence of digital foreign policy’

‘As many countries worldwide look for ways to deal with the digitalisation of foreign policy, the Swiss strategy can serve as a very useful guideline. It brings terminological and conceptual clarity in addressing the interplay between digital and diplomacy,’ writes Dr Jovan Kurbalija in his latest blog post on digital foreign policies. Read the blog post.

◆ Blog post: ‘A platinum jubilee for the UN: A brighter future for multilateralism’

Just as the pandemic does not recognise frontiers, so should our efforts look beyond national borders.

In his latest blog post, Amb. Amr Aljowaily looks at the UN’s 75th anniversary in a world plagued by COVID-19 and the opportunities that come along with crises. Read the blog post.

◆ Book chapter: ‘The “Working” Non-Aligned Movement: Between Belgrade, Cairo, and Baku – The NAM’s Leadership Visibility’

‘The key to effectiveness for group work, including on the multilateral level, remains clear working dynamics, efficient management, cohesive ‘professional’ culture … and ensuring genuine collective ownership,’ writes Amb. Amr Aljowaily in the publication Non-Aligned Movement from Belgrade 1989 to Baku 2019: 30 Years of Transformation in Uncertain Times. Read the book chapter.

Don’t miss…

◆ Podcast: Chrono-Narcissism, Philosophy & Diplomacy in a High-Tech World with Jovan Kurbalija

In the 6th episode of the podcast Last Week on Earth with Global Arena Research Institute, Dr Kurbalija tackles a number of topics, from artificial intelligence and the US presidential elections, to philosophy, diplomacy, digital policy, and more. Listen to the podcast.

◆ Discussion (in French): CENSORSHIP – Twitter and Facebook make the law. But by what right? (CENSURE – Twitter et Facebook font la loi. Mais de quel droit?)

By censoring or excluding the (now former) president of the USA Donald Trump from their platforms, Twitter and Facebook assumed extraordinary powers. But by what right? And is this good or dangerous for democracy? Dr Jovan Kurbalija took part in this important discussion organised by the Geneva Press Club. Watch the recording