DiploNews – Issue 389 – 18 February 2020

Upcoming study opportunities

May 2020 online courses

Check out our next course sessions,
starting on 4 May 2020:

• Bilateral Diplomacy
• Diplomacy of Small States
• E-Diplomacy
• Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks

Apply by 2 March 2020 for University of Malta accredited courses and by 30 March 2020 for Diplo certificate courses. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses listed above, or visit our courses webpage. Register now to reserve your place.

Malta scholarships

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 2020. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information. You can also sign up for our courses mailing list to be informed about upcoming courses.

Masters workshop successfully concluded

During the 10-day residential workshop held in Malta from 2 to 12 February, 10 students reading for the Master/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy attended a series of lectures, introducing them to the main topics covered during the 16-20 month study programme. During the workshop, apart from getting acquainted with the study programme, students got to meet each other and their lecturers, initiating positive dynamics between people from diverse backgrounds.

Read more about the Master/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy, with an Internet Governance specialisation option, offered in cooperation with the University of Malta on the programme webpage.

Upcoming events

[Briefing] Internet governance in February 2020

What were the main Internet governance updates in February? How will recent updates influence the developments in upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing on Tuesday, 25th February, at 12:00 UTC (13:00 CET), for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments. Remember to register for the event.

Recent events

DiploFoundation director awarded honour by the Republic of Malta

During a meeting with the President of Malta, George Vella, Prof. Jovan Kurbalija, director of DiploFoundation and head of the Geneva Internet Platform, was presented the honour bestowed upon him by the Republic of Malta as Honorary Officer in the National Order of Merit.

During the cordial meeting, Prof. Jovan Kurbalija and President George Vella discussed current trends in digital policy; the impact of technology on humanity; DiploFoundation’s latest initiatives; and, future plans and projects.

Latest digital policy trends

What does the coronavirus have to do with digital policy?
More than most expect! On the Digital Watch Observatory coronavirus crisis page we delve into the spreading of fake and correct information related to the pandemic; cybercriminals exploiting fear around it; how AI is being used to predict the outbreak’s path and find solutions; and, more. Check it out!

The Internet Society’s (ISOC) announcement of its intention to sell the Public Interest Registry (PIR) – the .org top-level domain registry – for US$1.135 billion has raised concerns. The dedicated page on the .org controversy gives a historical background, timeline of events, details of the deal, and main arguments in favour of and against the sale of the PIR. Read more!

Visit the Digital Watch Observatory trends page for more on other issues such as quantum computing, Libra cryptocurrency, and more.

Publications

For the benefit of our French speaking followers, the latest Digital Watch Newsletter has been translated in French. Get your copy!

What’s been happening in Diplo’s blogosphere

‘Digitalisation has fundamentally changed the way we think about health. While we benefit from technological breakthroughs, it is also important to address the issues that it has brought.’ Nagisa Miyachi’s blog post Digital Health looks at the implications of digital health, the practical applications, and the challenges it faces.

‘Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have a colossal challenge before them. However, looking back to look ahead can provide them with the knowledge, skills, and experience that can help them be effective in their roles.’ By looking back at past examples from the Caribbean in his latest blog post CARICOM at the UN, Rawl Prescott takes a look at the important positions held by Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the United Nations, and how they can make the most of them.