The Charter of the United Nations interpreted by an artist: Amedeo Besana
Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsArtist Amedeo Besana offers a unique interpretation of the United Nations Charter, focusing on the phrase "We, the peoples of the United Nations" and depicting humanity's essence through his paintings. His exhibition portrays people from various countries with optimism, promoting peace, human rights, and respect for diversity. Besana's work emphasizes that the UN Charter is fundamentally about serving and protecting individuals, not just legalities. The paintings convey a message to uphold human rights and safeguard the universal aspirations of ordinary people worldwide.
From film house to ghost house: eight former embassies around the world
BlogsFormer embassies worldwide have been repurposed creatively, like the Taipei Film House in a former Japanese embassy. Other examples include a themed museum in a former U.S. embassy in Tehran and a music video set in the "Ghost Embassy" in Berlin. From refugee shelters to upscale condos, these diplomatic buildings have taken on new identities and purposes, showcasing unique transformations.
Overcoming policy silos: the next challenge in Internet governance
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe text discusses the importance of overcoming policy silos in Internet governance to ensure coherence among various stakeholders and policy areas. It emphasizes the need for coordination, dialogue, and bridging different communities for effective governance. The Geneva Internet Platform is facilitating discussions on policy areas like data protection, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in mapping out these policy processes at national and global levels. This initiative aims to contribute to the upcoming Geneva Internet Conference addressing critical issues in Internet governance.
Ten years of Internet governance – Tens of thousands of copies – Ten languages
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe sixth edition of An Introduction to Internet Governance by Dr Jovan Kurbalija was launched at the Internet Governance Forum in Istanbul. The book has been translated into ten languages, including Turkish, Spanish, and Indonesian. It aims to provide a fundamental understanding of Internet governance for various audiences. Updates in the latest edition focus on data protection, surveillance, and privacy. Internet governance discussions are evolving rapidly, with plans for a seventh edition addressing post-Snowden revelations. The launch event attracted over 40 attendees interested in translating the book further. Contact for translation rights: Mina Mudric at DiploFoundation.
Day 4 of the 9th IGF in Istanbul
Internet governance and digital policy BlogsDay 4 marked the end of the 9th IGF in Istanbul. Diplo's team reflected on engaging sessions, debates, and new connections. Workshops covered future internet architecture debates. Participants discussed open internet advocacy and capacity building. Freedom House emphasized discouraging ad hominem attacks and improving human rights online. The need for more dialogue on corporate surveillance was highlighted. A call for input on the 10-year review of IGF outcomes was made. Cybersecurity month in October was previewed, encouraging staying informed and participating in upcoming webinars.
Day 3 of the 9th IGF in Istanbul
Internet governance and digital policy, Multistakeholder diplomacy BlogsDay 3 of the 9th IGF in Istanbul includes discussions on Internet governance and human rights, with Edward Snowden expected to join remotely. Topics range from multistakeholder negotiation, funding strategies, and protecting human rights online. The event also addresses digital inclusion challenges, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The day features debates on embedding human values into the Internet's architecture and the necessity of multiple Internets based on human rights principles. Despite quieter halls, discussions persist on various critical issues in the digital era.
Day 2 of the 9th IGF in Istanbul
Internet governance and digital policy, Net neutrality and zero-rating BlogsThe second day of the 9th IGF in Istanbul featured discussions on net neutrality, human rights, and mapping initiatives. Topics included zero rating, human rights as user-led demands, and the role of the UN in shaping net neutrality policies. Various workshops highlighted social participation initiatives like crowdsourcing ideas for internet governance. Other discussions covered regional cooperation, capacity building, and plans for an international Cyberspace Conference hosted by the Dutch government in 2015. Additionally, a new initiative, the Internet Governance Forum Support Association, was introduced to provide sustainable support for the IGF Secretariat. Diplo launched the 6th edition of An Introduction to Internet Governance.
High optimism and low realism mark the start of the 9th IGF in Istanbul
Data governance, Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe 9th IGF in Istanbul began with high optimism and low realism among speakers. A shift from traditional prefixes like e- to digital was noted, reflecting a change in the digital policy approach. The event featured 21 speakers from various sectors, discussing commonality terms and the evolution of language in the digital realm. Dr. Goran Milovanović conducted the analysis, with further updates available on new initiatives by DiploFoundation and the Geneva Internet Platform. Text-mining analyses for subsequent days of the 2014 IGF are also accessible for review.
Days 0 and 1 of the 9th IGF in Istanbul
Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe 9th Internet Governance Forum began with Day 0 focusing on evaluating the process with positive feedback but also highlights for improvement. Day 1 included orientation sessions and discussions on net neutrality, setting the stage for the official opening. Connectivity issues were noted, emphasizing the importance of integrating the Internet effectively into the event.
Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) in full voice at 9th Internet Governance Forum this week
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) team plays a significant role at the 9th Internet Governance Forum in Istanbul, highlighting Geneva's importance in digital discussions. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija and the team are active in promoting Geneva's involvement in future digital negotiations, focusing on issues like Internet neutrality. Their presence in Istanbul previews the upcoming Geneva Internet Conference in November. The GIP is a key global forum for internet policy discussions. The team's engagement in Istanbul sets the stage for the conference in Geneva, showcasing the city's prominence in digital diplomacy.
