DiploNews – Issue 419 – 17 May 2021

Upcoming study opportunities

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

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2022 online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy with a specialisation in internet governance, run in cooperation with the University of Malta Department of International Relations. The programme starts on 24 January 2022.

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.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states.

Discount: Apply by 1 September 2021 and benefit from our €400 early bird discount!

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

◆ Summer 2021 online courses

Our next course session starts on 26 July 2021. Register now to reserve your place in our popular courses:

• Bilateral Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
• Internet Technology and Policy
• Multilateral Diplomacy

Apply by 24 May 2021 for University of Malta accredited courses and by 21 June 2021 for Diplo certificate courses. For further information or to apply, click the course titles above 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

◆ Road to Bern via Geneva #6: Environmental Data (19 May)

In preparation to the 2021 UN World Data Forum (October 2021), a series of cross-sectoral dialogues on digital cooperation have been organised. In the 6th dialogue, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) will cover the topic ‘Using Data and Digital Technologies to Advance Sustainable Trade and Environmental Transparency’. The dialogue will showcase the latest digital sustainable trade and environment transparency concepts and tools (with an emphasis on the digital product passport concept), and bring in the perspectives of governments, businesses, and other stakeholders on the potentials of data by exploring cases, challenges, opportunities and enabling policies. Join us on Wednesday, 19th May, 10:00–12:30 CEST. Register here.

◆ IG Briefing #75: Internet governance in May 2021 (25 May)

Catch up on the major internet governance and digital policy updates from around the globe by joining our experts as they analyse existing and emerging policy trends. Join us for this month’s Digital Watch Internet Governance Briefing on Tuesday, 25th May, at 12.00 UTC (14.00 CEST). Register here.

◆ 12 Tours to Navigate Digital Geneva #4: Digital and Environment Tour (26 May)

In our next episode of the 12 Tours to Navigate Digital Geneva series, we will talk about the interplay between the digital and the environment by covering two crucial elements: data and the circular economy. Join us on Wednesday, 26th May, at 10:00 UTC (11:00 CEST) as we discuss this topic together with our speakers in a roundtable discussion. Register here.

◆ Masterclass #5: ‘Byzantine diplomacy: The elixir of longevity’ (27 May)

In January 2021, we began a series of open monthly Zoom discussions on the evolution of diplomacy and technology with Dr Jovan Kurbalija. In our 5th episode, we will cover Byzantine diplomacy and its longevity. After the fall of Rome in 476, the Byzantine Empire tried to continue Rome’s tradition and restore its glory, but without the power of the Roman Empire, it had to turn to diplomacy to a greater extent. Join Dr Jovan Kurbalija on Thursday, 27th May, at 12:00 UTC (14:00 CEST). Register here.

Main takeaways from our recent events

◆ WebDebate #47 summary: Current diplomatic responses to COVID-19

The COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access) initiative, and the work done at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) are two examples of diplomatic responses to COVID-19. Together with our guests, we discussed the challenges to diplomacy brought about by COVID-19 and the implications of the ensuing diplomatic responses. Read the summary and watch the recording here.

Blogs and publications

◆ Blog: ‘Deplatforming’ Donald Trump was a necessary quick fix. What now?

In the twilight of his presidency, Donald Trump was suspended by most social media platforms. In his blog post, Sébastien Monnet argues that the very functioning of social media is the problem, and that, beyond the short term necessity, the measures taken with regards to Trump lack consistency and are counterproductive. Read the blog post.

◆ Digital Watch Newsletter: Issue #59 (April 2021)

April was another month of digital policy updates. The latest issue of the Digital Watch Newsletter analyses issues such as regulating AI, data scraping, the aftermath of SolarWinds, and the worldwide shortage of microchips. Read it here!

Don’t miss…

◆ WSIS Forum 2021: Final Week (17–21 May)

The 2021 edition of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum’s final week will be held online from 17 to 21 May. A team of GIP rapporteurs will provide reports from this event. The reports will be available on our dedicated page, as well as our free DW Just-in-Time Reporting‘ app which you can download from the App Store or Google Play. More information here.

◆ Discussion: ‘COVID-19: Health under Threat. A Cyber perspective’ (18 May)

The Permanent Missions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Switzerland to the UN Office in Geneva will be hosting this online discussion. The event will focus on cybersecurity and healthcare by connecting the dots between the recognition of the healthcare sector (as critical infrastructure protected under the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace in the report of the UN Open Ended Working Group (UN OEWG)), and the numerous cyberattacks against hospitals, medical research facilities, and international health institutions. Register here.