DiploFoundation joins the eTrade for All initiative

DiploFoundation has become a member of the eTrade for All initiative, launched during the 2017 UNCTAD E-commerce Week. The initiative aims to expand the positive impact of e-commerce on development. It provides a hub for actors to find information, offer resources, build partnerships and receive the support they need to strengthen digital trade. ‘Leveraging e-commerce is a challenge that requires joint multistakeholder action and the initiative provides the perfect framework for collaboration’, observed Dr Jovan Kurbalija, director of DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform.

The eTrade for All initiative can also serve as a vehicle for supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on decent work and economic growth, the advancement of innovation and infrastructure, and revitalising global partnerships. It can also contribute to the attainment of the goals related to gender equality by furthering the empowerment of women using ICTs.

Diplo is committed to the core mission and principles of the eTrade for All platform, working towards making e-commerce discussions more inclusive. Diplo contributes to increasing the knowledge on emerging issues around the world, especially through capacity building initiatives, such as the upcoming Online Course on Digital Commerce, which will start on 25 September. This course is targeted at stakeholders in developing countries and LDCs, and will cover trade and digital policy issues. It will be delivered by DiploFoundation and CUTS International Geneva, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), and UNCTAD. Fellowships are being offered for actors from developing countries and applications are open until 7 September.

The eTrade for All initiative now counts 25 members, comprising governmental and non-governmental actors, working together to connect donors, partners and developing countries with the aim of leveraging the benefits of e-commerce. The August edition of the eTrade for All newsletter features an interview with Dr. Jovan Kurbalija on a ‘Roadmap for a new partnership‘.