Climate Change negotiations: Loss and Damage – Accepting Diplomatic Failure?
Climate diplomacy, Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsThe text explores the acknowledgment of "loss and damage" in climate change negotiations. While hailed as important, the decision lacks clarity on legal liability, funding sources, and distribution methods. The vagueness surrounding these aspects hints at a diplomatic failure. The shift towards adaptation from mitigation indicates a worrying trend. Questions arise about compensating for the loss of entire territories. Despite the significance of addressing loss and damage, uncertainties persist. The negotiation's outcome leaves much to be desired, reflecting a somber acceptance of limitations in the face of climate change.
Nothing begets success like failure
Digital diplomacy, Geneva diplomacy BlogsRichard Boly's success in eDiplomacy is highlighted as a prime example of how sustained development efforts, even with limited resources, can lead to significant change. Through his leadership and involvement of diplomats in decision-making, Boly's work at the State Department serves as a model for achieving success through failure.
Webinar digest: Issues and concerns when moving to the cloud
Cloud Computing, Gender rights online, Internet governance and digital policy BlogsThe text discusses issues with cloud services such as legal concerns and security risks, focusing on privacy and data protection. It emphasizes the importance of understanding terms of use, encryption, and advocating for principles like legality and transparency. The webinar hosted by Katitza Rodriguez delves into these topics in detail, offering guidance on safeguarding data and advocating for user rights. Participants are encouraged to access the live recording for a comprehensive understanding of the cloud challenges discussed.
Social media diplomacy: the rules of engagement
Digital diplomacy, Diplomatic theory and practice, Foreign policy, International relations and diplomacy, Social media, Twitter diplomacy BlogsThe importance of listening in communication, especially in the realm of social media diplomacy, is highlighted by referencing John Marshall's wisdom from the early 1800s. The evolution of various social media platforms has emphasized the need for politicians and diplomats to engage with their audience effectively. While measuring engagement can be challenging, strategies for successful engagement on social media are outlined, emphasizing the significance of listening, interacting with stakeholders, inspiring others, being innovative, and maintaining a personable approach. Social media has revolutionized diplomacy, encouraging adaptation to effectively communicate foreign policy agendas. Diplomats are urged to embrace new communication methods to engage with citizens and foreign publics.
Happy anniversary SMS
E-tools BlogsNeil Papworth sent the world's first text message twenty years ago, on Vodafone's network, saying "Merry Christmas." In a recent interview with Vodacom, he shared insights on the historic event, including his motive, the message's content, and its impact on his life. Despite the pioneering moment, he only realized the significance ten years later. The interview touches on personal anecdotes, like announcing his children's births via text. The conversation also explores his preferences for texting famous figures, emphasizing road safety, and reminiscing about the power of letters before the digital age.
Climate change abatement and small countries
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDip Climate diplomacy, Diplomacy of small states BlogsThe text discusses the complexity of climate change negotiations, particularly the issue of equity regarding small countries' representation. It questions the usefulness of the "one country one vote" criterion in these negotiations, highlighting potential challenges and suggesting early compensation agreements as a pragmatic solution. The author expresses uncertainty on how to address this conundrum effectively and welcomes thoughts on the matter.
COP18: At the negotiation table not all are equal
Climate diplomacy BlogsThe message highlights the inequality at the negotiation table during COP18, emphasizing how those most affected by climate change have the least power. The discussion points out the disparity in resources and representation among countries, suggesting measures such as capping delegation sizes to address this issue.
From E-diplomacy Geneva to E-diplomacy Rome (via Malta)
BlogsThe text discusses E-diplomacy events in Geneva, Malta, and upcoming in Rome. It highlights interviews with participants like Paul Connealy and Tilana Grobbelaar, and mentions uploading presentations from Geneva and Malta. E-diplomacy Rome will include practical sessions and discussions on innovative practices, such as weiplomacy with Weibo.
COP18: Negotiating Climate Change. Where are the women?
Climate diplomacy BlogsThe text discusses the importance of women's representation in climate change negotiations at COP18 in Doha, Qatar. It emphasizes the need for gender mainstreaming in policies and decision-making processes due to the unique impacts of climate change on women. Despite progress in having women in leadership roles, overall representation remains low. The text highlights the potential benefits of increased female participation in shaping climate policies, considering factors like access to resources and decision-making power. A side-event at COP18 will delve deeper into this topic, focusing on "Gender and Climate Innovation: Breakthrough changes for gender equality.
The EEAS and a new European diplomacy
Diplomatic theory and practice BlogsThe European External Action Service (EEAS) has shown promise amidst Europe's challenges. Established post-Lisbon Treaty, it has grown a strong team focused on diplomacy, crisis management, and operations like anti-piracy efforts. While lacking a clear agenda and energy policy, the EEAS is seen as a valuable diplomatic tool that could evolve into a robust European diplomacy. It requires support from larger European states to flourish further and may prompt joint representation among countries, as highlighted by Richard Werly during a discussion on innovation in diplomacy.
