A brief history of Diplo
Diplo’s roots date back to October 1992 when Jovan Kurbalija established the Unit for Computer Applications at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta. After a few iterations, this unit became DiploFoundation on 20 November 2002.
This year, we celebrate 20 years of Diplo, as well as 30 years of research and education on the impact of digitalisation on diplomacy. Join us on the journey through the evolution of digital diplomacy, and Diplo!
- All
- Milestones
- Courses
- Events
- Conferences
- Publications
-
01Thursday October, 1992
- Journey starts…
Jovan Kurbalija initiated digital diplomacy in 1992 at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta, highlighting the need for diplomacy to evolve alongside technological advancements.
-
01Tuesday June, 1993
- First public presentation on computerisation and diplomacy
In June 1993, a presentation on computerization and diplomacy was given at a UN-sponsored event in Malta. It discussed how computers could enhance diplomatic methods, especially for newly established countries in Eastern Europe.
-
15Saturday January, 1994
- First manual on computers and diplomacy
The Unit for Computer Applications in Diplomacy, led by Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, released its inaugural publication in January 1994, titled "New Tools for Diplomats: Computer Applications in Diplomacy.
-
24Monday January, 1994
- First workshop on computer applications in diplomacy
In January 1994, the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies held a workshop on Computer Applications in Diplomacy in collaboration with the UN Secretariat and Malta's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This workshop later transformed into an annual event and developed into a Postgraduate Diploma course on Technology and Diplomacy.
-
20Monday November, 1995
- Training on information technology in international relations for Commonwealth diplomats
Commonwealth diplomats participated in a workshop in Malta from 20 November to 1 December 1995, focused on information technology's role in international relations.
-
28Tuesday November, 1995
- Mediterranean digital diplomacy initiative
In 1995, a MedGate workshop in Malta offered digital diplomacy training for Mediterranean nations. The MedGate portal facilitated policy discussions among these countries in collaboration with the Council of Europe.
-
07Sunday July, 1996
- ICT and diplomacy presentation at African Union Summit
A presentation on computer applications in diplomacy was given at the African Union Summit in Yaounde, Cameroon on July 8-10, 1996.
-
01Thursday August, 1996
- Training on information technology and diplomacy in Trinidad and Tobago
In August 1996, a workshop on the influence of information technology on diplomacy was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain. A presentation on this topic was delivered by the Unit.
-
01Thursday August, 1996
- First publication on information technology and diplomacy
In August 1996, Dr. Kurbalija published the first paper discussing the relationship between information technology and diplomacy, marking the inception of e-diplomacy or digital diplomacy.
-
15Thursday August, 1996
- Domain www.diplomacy.edu starts
The domain www.diplomacy.edu, established in 1996, is one of the oldest in the field of diplomacy and international relations. Despite increased competition, it remains a top domain for topics related to diplomacy, ranking high on Google for various key concepts.
-
06Wednesday November, 1996
- First presentation on computers and diplomacy at the International Forum on Diplomatic Training
The text discusses the incorporation of computers in diplomacy, particularly highlighted in the first presentation at the International Forum on Diplomatic Training in Ankara, Turkey in 1996. Subsequently, computer applications in diplomacy became a recurring theme in annual Forum meetings.
-
21Monday July, 1997
- Is diplomacy profession in peril?
Jovan Kurbalija discussed the impact of digitalization on diplomacy at a conference in July 1997, presenting a threefold methodology to assess its effects.
-
01Saturday November, 1997
- First Geneva training on IT and diplomacy
Dr Jovan Kurbalija conducted a course on IT and diplomacy at the first Geneva training session.
-
17Saturday October, 1998
- Cybersecurity emerges as policy topic
Jovan Kurbalija discussed the connection between cybersecurity and security at the 3rd International Security Forum in Zurich in October 1998, where the importance of cybersecurity as a policy topic was emphasized among a diverse group of decision-makers in the field of international security.
-
01Friday January, 1999
- Knowledge and diplomacy conference
The Conference on Knowledge and Diplomacy, organized by DiploProjects, united global experts to exchange insights and publish conference papers in a book named "Knowledge and Diplomacy.
-
01Monday February, 1999
- First postgraduate accredited course
In 1999, DiploProjects collaborated with the University of Malta to introduce the first Postgraduate Diploma course in and Diplomacy. It attracted 14 participants from 9 countries, with a blended learning approach including a workshop in Malta and online sessions. This course later developed into the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy, continuing to be provided by Diplo and the University of Malta.
-
16Tuesday February, 1999
- Expanding the offering
Jovan Kurbalija presented on using the internet for diplomat training at the International Studies Association convention in Washington in February 1999.
-
01Wednesday September, 1999
- DiploNews starts
DiploNews, an electronic newsletter for the diplomatic community, started on September 1, 1999, offering brief news and useful web links.
-
01Saturday January, 2000
- Internet guide for diplomats
The Internet Guide for Diplomats, published in 2000 by Jovan Kurbalija and Stefano Baldi, was the inaugural resource designed to aid diplomats and international affairs professionals in utilizing the Internet effectively. It encompassed fundamental technical details about the Internet and addressed pertinent issues relevant to diplomatic Internet usage.
-
01Tuesday February, 2000
- Knowledge and diplomacy (2nd conference)
In February 2000, experts convened for the second international conference on Knowledge and Diplomacy to delve deeper into the subject.
-
01Monday January, 2001
- Language and diplomacy conference
DiploProjects delved into Language and Diplomacy in 2001, organizing an international conference on the subject. This initiative resulted in a book titled "Language and Diplomacy," comprising papers from conferences held in 2000 and 2001. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija and Hannah Slavik edited the collection.
-
09Friday February, 2001
- Web-management in diplomacy (1st conference)
DiploProjects held the International Conference on Web-Management in Diplomacy in Malta from February 9-11, 2001.
-
01Friday February, 2002
- Web-management in diplomacy (2nd conference)
The second International Conference on Web-Management in Diplomacy, held in Malta in February 2002, emphasized addressing specific diplomatic service needs through functional and reliable web-management. Diplomats, web designers, and specialists collaborated on strategies during the event.
-
18Monday February, 2002
- Training for Caribbean diplomats
Caribbean diplomats were trained in modern diplomacy, trade, and diplomatic relations by DiploProjects and the Institute of International Relations in Trinidad and Tobago. The workshop aimed to provide skills for navigating the evolving diplomatic landscape.
-
01Monday April, 2002
- Diplo Handbooks launch
DiploProjects introduced their new series, Diplo Handbooks, with the release of "Bilateral Diplomacy" by Ambassador Kishan S Rana in April 2002. The book focuses on the significance of bilateral diplomacy in international relations for practitioners and students.
-
01Sunday September, 2002
- A dedicated language and diplomacy forum
In September 2002, DiploProjects initiated an online forum specifically focused on language and diplomacy.
-
30Wednesday October, 2002
- Getting strategic about websites
DiploProjects organized a conference in Geneva in 2002 on Web-Management for International Organizations discussing the strategic importance of websites for effective communication in multilateral diplomacy.
