DiploNews – Issue 396 – 2 June 2020

Upcoming study opportunities

Applications open for summer 2020 courses!

Applications are now open for our summer courses on diplomacy and Internet governance. All courses begin on 20 July. Applications are open until 15 June.

• 21st Century Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
• Internet Technology and Policy
• Multilateral Diplomacy

For further information or to apply, click the course title above or visit our courses catalogue.

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

Applications open for Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2021 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.

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.

In response to the current global pandemic, the introductory workshop – traditionally offered in Malta – will be run online in 2021, eliminating the need for travel and reducing expenses for participants.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states. The programme starts on 25 January 2021. Apply by 1 September 2020 and benefit from our €400 early bird discount.

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

Applications open: Receive an Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance

The Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance gives current and future Internet policy-makers a foundation in practical diplomatic skills and techniques necessary to engage effectively in international policy processes.

The programme requires completing three of the following courses within a three-year period:

• Introduction to Internet Governance
• E-Diplomacy
• Internet Technology and Policy: Challenges and Solutions (starts: 20 July)
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks

Please contact Dragana Markovski at draganam@diplomacy.edu for more information on the Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance.

Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available.

Thanks to the 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.

Upcoming events

June WebDebate (2 June): The gendered impact of COVID-19 – Towards better diplomatic responses

Responses to the current COVID-19 crisis illustrate both the importance of taking gender into account and the persisting shortcomings of doing so. The COVID-19 crisis impacts women and girls disproportionately, and diplomatic responses to the crisis need to take this into account. In our June WebDebate, we explore the importance of the gender perspective in diplomacy in general, and in our diplomatic responses to the global health crisis in particular.

Join us on Tuesday, 2nd June, at 12:00 UTC (14:00 CEST). Register for the event here.

Right On Web Chat (4 June):
Access to information and the safety of journalists in times of crisis

In times when public authorities make decisions that affect public health, civil liberties, and people’s prosperity, the public’s right to access information on these decisions is vital. Under international human rights laws, governments must protect the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information. Ensuring that reliable information is accessible in a variety of formats, and that all citizens can access the Internet, are all crucial if governments are to protect public interest.

Join us on Thursday, 4th June, at 14:00 UTC (16:00 CEST). Register for the event here.

Main takeaways from recent events

Right On Web Chat: How to prevent COVID-19 becoming a humanitarian disaster in the context of conflict situations, refugee and IDP populations?

The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the problems of persons living in situations of armed conflicts, and in particular those trying to escape from persecution, misery, and/or armed conflict, whether within or across national borders. In this web chat we discussed how to prevent the pandemic from becoming a humanitarian disaster in this context. Access the chat summary and recording.

Right On Web Chat: Protecting the rights of older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic

Older persons rank high amongst groups that are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only do they face higher threats to their rights to life and health, but preventative and response-related measures further deepen their social isolation, and the chance to exercise their rights and autonomy. In this web chat we discussed how their voices can be heard, and their views taken into account. Access the chat summary and recording.

Videos and publications

Issue 50 of the Digital Watch Newsletter

In the 50th issue of the Digital Watch Newsletter, we discuss the main developments in digital policy that took place during May.

We look at new regulations targeting social media companies; contact tracing apps; cyber-attacks; tech geopolitics; the .org controversy; and more.

Get your copy!

Video: What we learned from the Future of Meetings online conference

On 12 May 2020, close to 600 participants shared their expertise and experience at the Future of Meetings online conference.

We have now published a video summarising what we have learned from the Future of Meetings conference (below). For additional information, read our comprehensive Future of Meetings report.

Video: Dr Jovan Kurbalija on Digital governance models

In this in-depth video, Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) identifies gaps, functions, and three models of digital governance, whilst providing many useful insights on digital co-operation and digital diplomacy.

From our blog

Blog post: Information and communication technology for African livelihood

In our latest blog post Information and communication technology for African livelihood, Arthur Carindal N’guessan discusses how information and communications technology (ICT) can fundamentally change healthcare, agriculture, and the quality of life in Africa.

Don’t miss…

Ford Foundation: Technology and Society Program

We are strengthening our work in assisting civil society actors to participate more efficiently in digital policy processes – globally as well as regionally. We are proud to announce the support of the Ford Foundation and its Technology and Society Program to help us bring our capacity development activities to the next level.

Vladimir Radunović: ASEF Public Diplomacy Training webinar

DiploFoundation’s Vladimir Radunović (Director, Cybersecurity and E-diplomacy Programmes, DiploFoundation) participated in the first episode of the Asia-Europe Foundation’s (ASEF) Public Diplomacy Training webinar series. Watch the recording here:

Ambassador Kishan Rana: The Bridge Project podcast

Ambassador Kishan Rana (Professor Emeritus and Senior Fellow, DiploFoundation) participated in an exclusive three-episode podcast series titled The Bridge Project. Listen to Episode 1, Episode 2, and Episode 3.

Marília Maciel: The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE)

Congratulations to Marília Maciel (Senior Researcher, Digital Policy, DiploFoundation) who has been elected – in her personal capacity – as the new member of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise’s (GFCE) Advisory Board!