How will WikiLeaks affect diplomacy?
Digital diplomacy BlogsThe text reflects on the potential of WikiLeaks to demystify diplomacy while cautioning that it might lead to more secretive diplomatic practices, contrary to the desired openness and engagement with global citizens.
The more confidential documents you have, the less confidential they become?
Digital diplomacy BlogsThe blog post discusses the inverse relationship between the quantity of confidential documents and their actual confidentiality, highlighting a strategy by Ambassador Nabil Fahmy to reduce confidential communications by leveraging publicly available information.
What is a diplomatic cable?
Digital diplomacy, History of diplomacy BlogsAn overview of the history and role of diplomatic cables in international communication, with emphasis on their continued importance despite technological advancements.
Second Committee approves draft resolution on ICT for development
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe Second Committee approved a draft resolution on 'Information and communications technologies for development' by consensus. The United States representative voiced concerns about better reflecting the Internet Governance Forum's actions, a sentiment shared by Belgium and Canada representatives. The representative of the United States highlighted the importance of including all stakeholders in discussions on Internet governance. The text is expected to be adopted by the General Assembly soon.
IGF renewal a step closer: Second Committee to approve final text on Nov. 30
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe Second Committee of the General Assembly has finalized a draft text for the Internet Governance Forum renewal, expected to be approved on November 30. The resolution extends the IGF mandate for five years and emphasizes multi-stakeholder dialogue. Proposed amendments like changing the Secretariat to a Bureau have been eliminated. The text also clarifies distinctions between the IGF and enhanced cooperation processes. References to Critical Internet Resources have been removed. The final text will be forwarded to the General Assembly for adoption without a vote. Further interventions on the text are deemed unlikely.
IGF renewal: negotiations under way
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsNegotiations are ongoing for the renewal of the Internet Governance Forum's mandate for another five years, following its expiration. Formal consultations have taken place with recommendations in favor of an extension. A draft resolution addresses concerns such as managing internet resources democratically. However, closed-door negotiations raise questions about potential challenges in reaching a consensus among states. The focus lies not on the term extension but on the specifics of how the forum will proceed, including addressing funding and oversight issues, promoting multistakeholderism, and protecting internet principles.
Webinar: ‘NATO’s challenges: from Kabul to Lisbon. Lessons from the Summit’
Digital diplomacy BlogsA webinar titled 'NATO's challenges: from Kabul to Lisbon. Lessons from the Summit' will discuss NATO's ability to fulfill promises beyond a strategic concept and its involvement in Afghanistan. The event, hosted by Richard Werly, will cover topics like NATO's strategic direction, the situation in Afghanistan, and the feasibility of a successful transition out of the country. For insightful analysis and key insights, participants are encouraged to register for the webinar.
Social media: How less (money) can lead to more (impact)
Digital diplomacy BlogsJovan Kurbalija explores the success of the State Department’s e-diplomacy project, DiploPedia. The project's achievement stemmed from its lack of budget, forcing the team to utilize open-source tools and foster a culture of information sharing. This unconventional approach led to significant impacts within the State Department, challenging traditional diplomatic norms. The DiploPedia story emphasizes the power of innovative, cost-effective solutions in achieving success, highlighting that less money can often result in more impactful outcomes. Boly's approach prioritized practical problem-solving over grand designs, emphasizing the value of sharing knowledge and walking one's own path.
Waking up to Facebook, six years later
Digital diplomacy BlogsPoliticians are just now realizing the importance of social media, like Facebook, for engaging with constituents, despite it being around for six years. Taxpayers are upset over the cost of training politicians to use social media, feeling they should have caught up sooner themselves. Citizens suggest politicians simply have their children teach them instead. This reflects a disconnect between politicians and voters, with the public being more advanced in utilizing social networking tools for communication.
[Brussels e-briefings] NATO’s challenges: from Kabul to Lisbon. Lessons from the Summit
BlogsThe text discusses Richard Werly's insights on NATO's challenges from Kabul to Lisbon, linking events in Afghanistan with the Lisbon Summit. It explores NATO's relevance as a military alliance, its commitments and leadership, and the situation in Afghanistan under NATO's supervision. Key topics include NATO's evolving role beyond Cold War threats, the Afghan war strategy, leadership changes, and the outlook for Afghanistan's future post-2014 transition.
