Official Launch of the Geneva Internet Platform – Tuesday 8th April
Gender rights online, Geneva diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe launch of the Geneva Internet Platform on April 8th emphasizes the city's role in reshaping digital governance. The platform aims to enhance global internet governance, address policy initiatives, and facilitate multistakeholder participation. Geneva hosts key organizations such as the Internet Governance Forum and the World Trade Organization, making it a hub for digital policy discussions. The Geneva Internet Platform will bridge policy silos, monitor digital policies, and support evidence-based research to strengthen global internet governance. Contact @diplomacy.edu for more information.
NETmundial: On the path to Brazil
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy, Multistakeholder diplomacy BlogsPreparations are underway for the mundial meeting in Brazil on April 23-24. The event aims to facilitate discussions on Internet principles and an international roadmap, steered by multiple stakeholders. With a focus on inclusivity, the meeting will gather participants from various sectors, supported by remote participation options. The goal is to reach a common position on an outcome document, enhancing the multistakeholder model. While not revolutionary, the meeting is seen as a step forward. The meeting seeks to unite the Internet community in discussions on crucial issues, fostering progress through shared principles and steps.
Successful completion of IG programme for MENA region
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsParticipants from the MENA region completed a successful Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme, led by Hivos, DiploFoundation, and the Association for Progressive Communications. The programme included introductory and advanced courses on various internet governance topics over ten weeks, emphasizing human rights, privacy, and freedom of expression. Over 50 individuals from countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, and Yemen engaged in collaborative learning sessions, sharing knowledge and experiences on policy, infrastructure, legal, economic, sociocultural, and development aspects of internet governance.
Twitter bans, Facebook drones, public or private networks: e-Diplomacy futures
Cybersecurity, Digital diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsTwitter use in Turkey dropped after a ban was imposed, impacting e-Diplomacy efforts. The significance of control over digital channels like Facebook and Google, potential influence of their collaboration with security establishments, and the implications of initiatives like solar-powered drones for Internet access are discussed. Concerns about privacy and surveillance, alongside the innovation spurred by platforms like Facebook, are highlighted. The message emphasizes the need for transparency in Internet governance amidst complex technological advancements shaping our future.
Oops! What did I do wrong?
Digital diplomacy, Privacy and data protection BlogsThe text discusses a homeowner in Ireland who faced potential prosecution under data protection laws for posting images of criminals caught burglarizing his home. The homeowner's website aimed to warn others and encourage sharing of criminal images. The message highlights inadvertently breaking the law, the complexities of data protection, and the potential legal implications of various online activities.
Europe’s role in shaping the future of the Internet
Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe European Commission is actively involved in shaping Internet governance. They advocate for transparent, inclusive decision-making processes, capacity-building initiatives, and strengthening legislation to enhance online trust. Emphasizing the importance of a multistakeholder approach, the Commission aims for a governance framework that is adaptable to future changes in the Internet landscape. They stress the need for stewardship over control in managing Internet governance. The Commission also supports a single, unfragmented network respecting fundamental rights and democratic values. Andrea Glorioso explains these principles and initiatives in a recent communication and webinar.
The articulate diplomat’s best friends: book donations to the Myanmar MFA
Capacity development, Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsDiploFoundation donated 16 books to Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the importance of literature for diplomats' growth. The donation was well-received, with the minister expressing gratitude for the educational opportunity for young diplomats. This gift marked 57 years of collaboration between Switzerland and Myanmar. The donation ceremony was considered a significant event, and future training initiatives are planned to enhance diplomatic relations between Asia and Europe.
Climate scientists beat economists at predicting the future
Climate diplomacy BlogsClimate scientists have shown remarkable accuracy in long-term predictions compared to economists. Climate models have consistently outperformed economic models in accuracy over the past two decades. The media tends to exaggerate minor errors in climate models while downplaying their overall reliability. This disparity in accuracy is highlighted when comparing climate models' successful predictions with economists' inaccurate projections for variables like oil prices, debt, and population. Despite proven climate model accuracy, skepticism persists due to media sensationalism and misplaced uncertainty. Calls are made for action based on the reliable track record of climate models, contrasting with the unreliable nature of economic forecasts.
“More inclusive and effective diplomacy is a necessity”
Diplomatic theory and practice, Humanitarian diplomacy BlogsDr. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca emphasizes the importance of Diplo's efforts in making diplomacy more inclusive and effective during a meeting with the Friends of Diplo in Geneva. Various diplomats and representatives discuss Diplo's involvement in Internet governance and global diplomacy, stressing the need for broader societal engagement. The President-Designate highlights Diplo's value in turbulent regions like northern Africa, advocating for its innovative and effective approach to foster peaceful international relations.
‘Yes, we scan’: Internet politics, placebos, antibiotics, and homeopathy
Digital diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsJovan Kurbalija discussed the complexities of post-Snowden digital politics at a cyber surveillance panel. He highlighted how online surveillance is deeply integrated into the modern economy, with companies like Google and Facebook profiting from selling behavioral information. Kurbalija suggested a nuanced approach, comparing the situation to a medical scenario where a homeopathic solution is favored over antibiotics, emphasizing the importance of finding a balanced solution through transparency, checks and balances, and regulations to address the issue effectively.
