DiploNews – Issue 277 – 2 June 2015

May developments in Internet governance

While important developments on cybersecurity, privacy and data protection, and net neutrality took place last month, two main highlights evolved: the emergence of a link between digital policy and sustainable development  – which will become more prominent in the lead-up to the UN General Assembly in September – and a move towards the 'securitisation' of digital policy due to new agreements on information security. Other developments helped shape the digital policy debate last month. Read the digest and watch the recording of the May briefing on Internet governance, and join us next month for another round-up of IG developments. Take part in our poll: What will be the future of the IGF, in your opinion?
  

Event in Geneva and online summary: The Way forward for the WSIS+10 Review Process

On 28 May, a luncheon event on 'The way forward for the WSIS+10 review process' was organised in Geneva, in co-operation with ICC-BASIS, Global Partners Digital, the Center for Democracy & Technology, the Geneva Internet Platform and the Internet Society. The full event recording is available.
 

GIP Reporting from WSIS Forum 2015

The GIP team provided daily reporting from the WSIS Forum in Geneva. In addition, the GIP organised a workshop during the Forum on Engaging Digital Actors, Fostering Effective Digital Policy, and Monitoring Internet Governance.
  

Upcoming study opportunities

Applications open for 2016 Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2016 Master/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy, and the Master/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy with an Internet Governance specialisation. These unique postgraduate programmes, offered in cooperation with the University of Malta, include a 10-day residential workshop in Malta followed by 16–20 months of online learning. Visit the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy webpage to read more and to apply. Scholarships covering 20–50% of Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states. The programme starts on 1 February 2016. The application deadline is 1 October 2015 for international applicants and 15 November 2015 for Maltese applicants.

Summer online courses

Diplo's summer online courses start on 20 July 2015:

• 21st Century Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
• Infrastructure and Critical Internet Resources
• Multilateral Diplomacy

Apply by 15 June 2015 for Diplo certificate courses. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses above, or visit our courses webpage. Register now to reserve your place.

Malta scholarships

Thanks to support from the government of Malta, partial scholarhships are available for applicants from developing countries to attend upcoming Diplo online courses. These scholarships cover 50-70% of course fees and can be applied to any online course in 2015. Please browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

Children and mobile technology

Diplo is pleased to offer a new online capacity development course on Children and Mobile Technology in cooperation with the GSMA. This interactive 7-week online course looks at children's use of ICTs, and the inherent risks and opportunities. The course is for staff and management of national telecommunications regulatory authorities, with priority given to applicants from developing countries. Participation in this course is fully funded by the GSMA (there is no tuition fee for selected applicants). The first course starts on 29 June 2015. To read more and apply online by 8 June please visit the course webpage.

Internet governance for MENA region

From data privacy and cybersecurity to content regulation and net neutrality, policymakers and advocates face complex challenges related to the Internet. What background knowledge is necessary to understand these complex topics? How can civic actors engage on these issues and effectively advocate for policies that benefit Internet users? What are the unique challenges and opportunities for civic actors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)? Diplo and Hivos, through the IGMENA programme, are working together to offer the third annual online course on Internet Govenance for the MENA region, starting on 3 September 2015. The course creates a unique opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and tools to address these issues; communicate with actors from government and the technical community; and to influence policy outcomes. Tuition fees are fully covered through fellowships from Hivos. Read more and apply by 27 July.

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

What's happening in Diplo's blogosphere?

In Part 9 of his series on understanding United Nations reform, Petru Dumitriu  posits that the UN Charter is not the only Constitution that needs changes. The UN reform must be harmonised with a possible reform of Bretton-Woods institutions. Check out his series at https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog and remember that you, too, can have your say by commenting on this or any of our blog posts. And, if you’d like to be a guest blogger, let us know.