Ethiopian Green Legacy Diplomacy
UpdatesEthiopia has successfully planted 18 billion seedlings through its tree-planting campaign in the last three years. The Green Legacy Diplomacy initiative has fostered regional peace, development, and partnerships.
Defending Africa against geopolitical power plays
Geopolitics UpdatesAfrican leaders call for renewed UN to protect small and developing countries from geopolitical power games.
Why is ‘Arm’, UK high-tech company, becoming a key actor in digital geopolitics?
Geopolitics, Semiconductors UpdatesArm', a prominent UK high-tech company, is crucial in the realm of digital geopolitics due to its role in developing microchips for various tech products. Despite recent challenges, including rejecting a buy-out from Nvidia and potential changes to their business model, 'Arm' continues to maintain its neutral position in the semiconductor industry, likened to the 'Switzerland of the tech industry'. Policymakers are even contemplating government involvement in the company.
Metaverse arrives with virtual celebrities in China
Metaverse Diplomacy UpdatesAn emerging trend in China showcases the rise of virtual celebrities over real-life ones. These computer-generated avatars attract millions of followers, providing cost-effective and easily controllable alternatives for companies. However, issues arise regarding the treatment of the humans operating these virtual celebrities, raising concerns about a potential shift towards a metaverse economy with limited rights for individuals. As global investments in the metaverse grow, discussions must focus on its societal impact, from human well-being to labor rights.
Western Sanctions and food security
UpdatesChina's Foreign Spokesperson Zhao Lijian criticizes Western sanctions on Russia for impacting global food security by disrupting grain and fertilizer exports, leading to higher food prices. He accuses the West of manipulating the food trade system for profit, blaming them for past food crises. Lijian advocates for peace talks to resolve conflicts and stabilize the environment to address the food crisis.
50 years of UN environmental diplomacy
Updates Science diplomacy UpdatesIn 1972, the UN initiated global environmental diplomacy due to acid rain, pollution, and other issues. The Stockholm Conference was a crucial moment in addressing environmental concerns worldwide, setting principles for resource management. Now, 50 years later, a reflection on the progress and future trends in environmental diplomacy is presented.
Are we close to mine the Moon?
Updates Science diplomacy, Space diplomacy UpdatesHelium-3 mining on the Moon could fuel future nuclear fusion reactors, potentially benefiting the struggling coal industry with new job opportunities.
The African House
UpdatesTurkey's first lady is promoting cultural diplomacy with Africa through the African House initiative. This project supports African women and children by purchasing handmade goods from various African countries and selling them in a fair market. The income generated helps fund capacity-building projects for African women. Additionally, African House hosts social and cultural events to strengthen Turkey-Africa relations, including summits, trade forums, expos, and art performances during Africa Day on 25 May.
Could digital diplomacy, science, and stats bring peace to Ukraine?
Data and diplomacy, Data governance, Digital diplomacy, Science diplomacy UpdatesSpanish scientists challenge the idea of a binary East-West divide in Ukraine by analyzing violent events data to show conflicts have complex origins beyond this split. Lack of reliable data is the main hindrance, especially in social and political fields, making obtaining usable data a major challenge. To apply statistical models and scientific approaches to diplomacy effectively, timely and reliable data is crucial.
Will Google support data sovereignty?
Data and diplomacy, Data governance UpdatesGoogle is launching cloud servers in Spain with Telefonica to enable data localisation. The focus is on supporting data sovereignty and complying with regulations. This move addresses sectors like government, healthcare, and finance that require local data storage for regulatory and governance purposes.
