Geneva Policy Immersion of the Capacity Development Programme in Multilateral Diplomacy for Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific Islands
Alumni Training and workshops Capacity development, Multilateral diplomacy EventsDiplomats from small developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and Pacific islands will undergo a 10-day policy immersion in Geneva as part of a multilateral diplomacy capacity development program. This program aims to enhance their representation in international governance hubs like Geneva, crucial for their socio-economic development. The immersion includes meetings, visits, and discussions with various institutions, providing exposure to Geneva-based processes. The initiative addresses the challenge faced by small states with limited resources, emphasizing the importance of networks, alliances, and technology tools for effective representation on global issues. Participants include 14 Africans, 10 Caribbean representatives, and 2 from the Pacific islands.
Diplo at third South Eastern Europe Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEEDIG)
Alumni Panels and conferences Cyberconflict and warfare, Internet of things, Network security EventsDiplo Foundation's participation at the third South Eastern Europe Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEEDIG) in Ohrid, Macedonia will include moderating sessions on cybersecurity and the Internet of Things. They will also support the Youth School and Meeting Fellowship Programme to enhance regional stakeholders' capacity. Diplo has been backing SEEDIG since its inception in 2015, focusing on open, multistakeholder dialogues on Internet governance.
Advocate General: Uber is a transport company
Alumni E-commerce and trade, Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe debate on whether Uber is a transport company or not has reached the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Advocate General's opinion declared Uber as a transport company. This decision has significant implications, not just for Uber but for the entire sharing economy. The sharing economy has brought positive impacts, but it also raises questions about fair competition with traditional services. Ultimately, the court's ruling will shape the future of the sharing economy, affecting both new and established businesses worldwide.
DiploFoundation at 17th European Diplomatic Programme
Alumni Training and workshops Data and diplomacy, Online education EventsDiploFoundation will provide training on online diplomatic training, social media in diplomacy, and data diplomacy at the 17th European Diplomatic Programme in Malta. This program aims to enhance European diplomacy through collaboration among member states and institutions. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija and other experts will lead the training for young diplomats and officials from the European Commission and Council Secretariat.
5 things I’ve learned on public speaking
Alumni Communication, Diplomacy courses and workshops, Diplomatic theory and practice, Public Diplomacy BlogsThe author learned five valuable lessons on public speaking from a workshop with a coach specializing in communication training. The key takeaways include the importance of giving the audience a reason to care, practicing speaking out loud confidently without apologizing, handling mistakes gracefully, utilizing the advantage of being a non-native English speaker for concise communication, and the significance of being an active listener and providing constructive feedback. These lessons helped the author overcome their fear of public speaking and improve their communication skills.
[WebDebate #12 summary] Standardisation: Practical solutions for strained negotiations, or an arena for realpolitik?
Alumni Contemporary diplomacy, Digital standards, Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsStandards are essential in everyday life and can shape habits, making life easier. The WebDebate discussed the importance of standardization in facilitating daily activities, supporting sustainable development, and international trade. However, challenges arise in the negotiation process due to varying interests of stakeholders. Despite the aim to benefit all involved parties, powerful actors, like corporations, can dominate standard-setting discussions, potentially leading to biased outcomes. The main goal of standards is to benefit those they apply to, with regular revisions to ensure relevance. Standards play a crucial role in addressing global challenges and advancing international relations, yet their impartiality and representation of diverse interests remain subjects of scrutiny.
Negotiation Skills online course
Alumni Diplomacy courses and workshops, Diplomatic theory and practice, Education diplomacy, Language (and) diplomacy, Negotiations, Remote participationLearn the practical skills to successfully prepare, undertake, and conclude negotiations in formal and informal settings, as well as how to choose appropriate negotiation strategies, deal with power imbalances, build effective partnerships, and more.
HRC 34th session: digital rights in general, privacy in particular
Alumni Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe report by Special Rapporteur Joseph Cannataci, presented at the 34th session of the Human Rights Council, focused on digital rights with an emphasis on privacy. The report highlighted the need for a legal instrument to regulate surveillance, following concerns over government surveillance practices and the Snowden revelations. Recommendations included improving oversight of intelligence agencies and safeguarding privacy universally. The resolution adopted by the Council stressed the importance of encryption, metadata protection, and respecting principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality in privacy infringements. There were calls for an expert workshop and further reports in 2018 to address digital privacy challenges.
A 12-step guide to implementing the SDGs
Alumni Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsA group at the Internet Governance Forum created a 12-point guide for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Recommendations include better education and awareness, improved communication, collaboration, linking programs to the goals, and involving and motivating youth. It emphasizes regional diversity, empowering local communities, and inclusive problem-solving. The group believes that collective action from various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, private sector, and technical experts, is crucial to achieve the SDGs by 2030 for a sustainable future.
Diplo alumnus appointed UNECE’s Executive Secretary
Alumni BlogsOlga Algayerova, a Diplo and University of Malta alumna from Slovakia, has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). She succeeds Christian Friis Bach. Algayerova, with a background in diplomacy and business, is praised for her leadership, diplomatic skills, and knowledge of the region. Her experience includes roles in various international organizations. Diplo congratulates her on this appointment.