Diplo is an international non-profit organisation that has significantly contributed to advancing diplomacy by incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) into its practices. Our origins trace back to 1992 when a project aimed at enhancing diplomatic practices with ICT tools was launched at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta. By November 2002, this initiative matured into an independent organisation established through the collaboration of the governments of Malta and Switzerland.
Mission and Focus Areas
As a global entity, Diplo is dedicated to fostering capacity development and conducting research in key areas such as digital diplomacy, internet governance, and technology policy. Our mission focuses on empowering small and developing nations to assert their influence in global diplomatic discussions. To achieve this, Diplo employs various strategies:
- Developing digital diplomacy skills with our educational programmes: Diplo offers online and blended courses, online and in-person workshops, and simulation exercises to help diplomats, government officials, and civil society representatives develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital age.
- Researching the impact of technology and diplomacy – Capacity development: Diplo conducts research on a wide range of topics related to internet governance and digital policy, including cybersecurity, data governance, artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on diplomacy.
- Bridging the digital divide – Policy development: Diplo works with governments and international organisations to develop policies that promote a more inclusive and secure digital environment.
- AI and Data Lab – Tool development: Diplo’s AI and Data Lab focuses on the impact of AI on diplomacy and international relations, exploring AI policy through research and analysis, and building capacity in AI and related fields.
Organisational Structure
Diplo operates with a streamlined and adaptable framework, employing over 40 professionals across managerial, research, technical, and administrative roles, along with around 70 educators, tutors, coordinators, and project consultants. The organisation operates on an annual budget of approximately €2 million, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for its diverse programs.
Global Outreach and Participation
In 2023, Diplo’s trained 528 participants from 116 countries through 21 online and blended learning courses. The demographics of attendees included:
- 67.6% diplomats and civil servants
- 15% representatives from civil society
- 9.5% staff from international organisations
- 4% business representatives
- 4% academia
Notably, 49.4% of the participants were women, reflecting Diplo’s commitment to inclusivity. We successfully fostered a vibrant community, currently boasting over 1,600 members in its internet governance network, which is active in 46 discussion groups.
Diplo stands at the forefront of integrating technology with diplomacy, continuously evolving to meet the needs of an increasingly digital world. With our focus on education, capacity development, and the promotion of inclusive digital governance, Diplo remains a key player in shaping the future of international relations in the digital age.
For further insights into its operations and impact, Diplo’s Annual Reports are available for download, providing detailed overviews of its activities in recent years.
WHAT WE DO
Diplo Academy
Diplo AcademySince its establishment, Diplo has trained over 7,500 alumni from 208 countries and territories, drawing participants from government, private sector, civil society, media, and academia. We have offered 500+ online courses and numerous training programmes on diplomacy, digital policy, internet governance, and contemporary diplomatic practices. These programmes are carefully designed to enhance participants’ expertise and competencies in diplomacy and digital policy, effectively addressing the challenges faced in international relations. Our diverse alums include professionals from government bodies, civil society organisations, the private sector, media outlets, and academic institutions. Our faculty includes experienced practitioners, former and active diplomats, and distinguished academics specialising in digital policy, diplomacy, and international relations. Many graduates from our programmes occupy significant roles within government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organisations, and other vital institutions.
Employing an advanced educational approach alongside a unique online learning platform, our courses are designed to be flexible, tailored, and interactive. They are offered in a range of formats, including fully online, in-person, and hybrid options.
For more detailed information on specific qualifications and requirements needed to enrol in Diplo Academy’s online courses, the structure of the programmes offered, and how to apply, you can visit the official page on studying with Diplo Academy here.
Training Solutions for Ministries of Foreign Affairs
Diplo Academy provides online, blended and in-person training solutions tailored for professionals in foreign affairs ministries, diplomatic institutions, and various sectors of public administration. Our programmes attract participants from around the globe, serving as a valuable enhancement to national diplomatic training initiatives.
The curriculum encompasses modern subjects frequently absent from conventional diplomatic academies or universities, including Language and Diplomacy, E-Diplomacy, Cybersecurity, Digital Commerce, and Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks. It also addresses fundamental traditional topics such as Bilateral Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy, and Economic Diplomacy.
The programmes, delivered in English, emphasise practical skills development and are designed at a postgraduate level consistent with European Union standards. Additionally, training can be offered in a blended format that combines online and in-person components.
Workshops
Diplo Academy provides an extensive selection of capacity-building workshops, available both in-person and online, addressing various subjects such as public speaking, diplomatic protocol, and media engagement. These workshops emphasise practical exercises and are designed to assist participants in recognizing and addressing their challenges, equipping them with actionable strategies, tools, and solutions. Led by our skilled and experienced faculty, the workshops are tailored to cater to the specific needs of the region or partner organisation. For further details on the workshops offered by Diplo, please visit the Workshops page.
Capacity Development
Capacity DevelopmentDiplo’s strategy for capacity development begins with individual participants, but the impact of their involvement reaches wider systems, affecting their organisations as a whole.
At the heart of Diplo’s capacity development efforts is a diverse array of educational resources, which include online training programmes, courses, workshops, and a selection of online events like webinars. The primary research focus areas are artificial intelligence (AI), big data, science diplomacy, and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, Diplo is dedicated to capacity development through various research projects that explore multiple digital topics, such as AI, big data, science diplomacy, and cybersecurity. These initiatives have been conducted in collaboration with several organisations, including Swissnex and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Explore our Knowledge Hub.
The Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)
In 2014, Diplo launched the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), a vital initiative designed to facilitate neutral and inclusive dialogues on digital policy. The GIP serves as a hub for debate, monitoring, and analysis, providing ongoing capacity development.
Its activities include:
- Just-in-time briefings and events
- Policy research initiatives
- The Digital Watch Observatory, which acts as a comprehensive online resource for tracking the latest trends in digital policy, highlighting key developments, events, and influential actors.
Diplo’s AI and Data Tools
In the area of AI, Diplo has established its AI Lab, a comprehensive initiative aimed at advancing the field of artificial intelligence. This lab focuses on several key areas, including research and analysis of AI policies, capacity development in AI and its related domains, and the compilation of reports from significant events and discussions surrounding AI. Additionally, it evaluates the implications of AI in the realm of diplomacy by developing and testing various AI-powered tools for diplomatic practice.
During the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2019 in Berlin, Diplo introduced the humAInism project. This initiative was developed in response to increasing demands for the regulation and oversight of AI technologies. The humAInism project seeks to align AI with fundamental human values by gaining insights into its operational mechanisms and identifying the necessary policy compromises. It delves into the technical aspects of AI, assessing the associated policy, legal, and ethical consequences of algorithms and various AI applications.
Events
EventsTo address critical challenges in global governance, Diplo organises events that unite individuals from various backgrounds, such as diplomats, business leaders, and civil society representatives. These gatherings frequently lead to the development of training programmes, publications, or online engagement opportunities.
Explore our upcoming events.
ConfTech: Assisting Organisations in Transitioning from Onsite to Online
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Diplo launched the ConfTech initiative aimed at facilitating the shift of countries and organisations from traditional onsite events to online and hybrid formats. Leveraging over 20 years of expertise in e-learning, e-diplomacy, and e-participation, ConfTech focuses its efforts on five key areas:
- ConfTech Lab
- Help Desk for Online Events
- Online Meetings and Conferences Course
- Practical Support for Online Event Organizers
- Research and Resource Library
