Eparticipation

This one-page document aims to explain the origins and needs of the usage of ICT in global participation, as well as to mention some good practices and potential for the future.

This paper explains main concepts of e-participation, including aims, various aspects, how to participate remotely, as well as how to organise e-participation for an international event (organisational and technical aspects).

A Social Reporting Handbook was created in response to the growing trends and needs of E-participation during important global and regional policy forums: it provided useful guidance on what social reporting is, why it is needed, and how to report from the events. The international and regional policy forums are not only taking place inside conference centres, but also across the world via Internet tools such as remote participation and social media. It is important to help involve professionals to embrace social media tools in order to extend their personal and institutional capabilities to listen to a variety of other inputs, share their own contributions efficiently, and connect and discuss with others. The handbook was prepared for the occasion of the fifth global IGF that took place in Lithuania in autumn 2010.

In his dissertation Valeriu Nicolae takes the position that conventional diplomacy needs not only reform, but also the development of efficient approaches towards the prevention and negotiation of interstate/intrastate ethnic conflict. He proposes that a European Roma diplomatic corps may offer a solution in negotiating more sustainable European inclusion policies as well as in resolving inter-ethnic conflicts and in bringing about a change of attitudes within not only diplomatic and political circles, but also within the majority populations in regard to Roma.

Rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has lead to significant changes in social, economical and political relations of the modern society. Access to information and control over it contribute to the prevalence of soft power in politics of digital age, and empower the non-state actors in international relations. Contemporary diplomatic service, besides being faced with enhanced roles, requests for extended outreach and accountability, yet shrinking resources, is also challenged with multistakeholder and multidisciplinary international arena. The profoundly planned and well organised use of ICT can empower diplomatic service, especially of small and developing countries, and help it cope with the emerging challenges and deliver its maximum.

The paper provides comprehensive link between trends of the information society and the challenges of contemporary diplomacy. It analyses the potentials of ICT, as well as the related limits and possible risks, in key areas of diplomatic service: bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, consular work, negotiations, public diplomacy and the organisation of MFA. The paper suggests the apprehension of ICT with the implementation of necessary shifts in diplomatic practice, as respond to global challenges in international relations.
 

This report describes the evolution of remote participation in EuroDIG and provides an assessment of the current situation, focusing on the issue of inclusiveness by direct remote interaction. It also provides steps to improve and put in greater perspective the effectiveness and reach of remote participation hubs, as well as outlining further directions research can take regarding the networks of people and organisations mobilised in the process.

The paper takes a look at concrete case studies in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire and looks at different levels of citizens’ engagement in public policy and how social media and networks are being used. Interviews, questions, consultations, discussions, and surveys were conducted, which led to the discovery that things are happening in strange places and that the potential of social media and networks in citizen policy engagement can only be likened to a pregnancy whose term is already here.

Communication between information technologists and their clients – including diplomats - does not work as well as it should. We know that information technology has become ubiquitous. We also know that diplomats rely extensively on web services, electronic mail and documents in electronic form. Yet when communication does not work well, technologists poorly understand the needs of the diplomatic community. As a result, technical solutions may not address the real needs of end-users. This paper is a study on inter-professional miscommunication.