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 both digital diplomacy, and Diplo.
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- Milestones
- Courses
- Events
- Conferences
- Publications
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22Monday January, 2024
- Policy meets tech: Augmented and Virtual reality
A series called 'Policy meets tech' focuses on augmented and virtual reality, discussing its technology and policy implications. Organized by Diplo and supported by the Permanent Mission in Geneva, it aims to assist small and developing country missions in understanding digital technologies. Sessions cover various tech topics to provide insights into their applications and policy implications for diplomats. For more information, contact Ms. Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge at geneva@diplomacy.edu.
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24Wednesday January, 2024
- Policy Meets Tech: Cryptography
The 'Policy meets tech' series, organized by Diplo with support from the Permanent Mission to the in Geneva, will focus on cryptography. It aims to aid diplomats in understanding digital technologies, their policy implications, and real-world applications. Sessions cover internet protocols, quantum computing, cryptography, and algorithms. Interested parties can contact Ms Sorina Teleanu for more information at geneva@diplomacy.edu.
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26Monday February, 2024
- ICANN79
ICANN79 will occur from March 2 to 7, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as the first Public Meeting of the year. It brings together diverse stakeholders to advance policy work, share best practices, and provide networking opportunities. Participants can join either in person or virtually. More details can be found on the event's dedicated web page.
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27Tuesday February, 2024
- Cyber Diplomacy training in Kenya
Kenya hosted a Cyber Diplomacy training in collaboration with various organizations. The course aimed to enhance cyber diplomacy awareness and knowledge among senior officers in Kenyan public sector involved in cyber-related mandates. Conducted from 27 February to 1 March 2024, the training featured expert speakers, panel discussions, and covered topics like global geopolitics, emerging technologies, and Internet governance. 21 participants received certificates upon completion.
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04Monday March, 2024
- Global digital governance: Geneva’s perspectives and role. An expert-guided dialogue among diplomats
Geneva is a hub for global digital governance discussions. A dialogue for diplomats will focus on effective solutions to digital challenges and Geneva's role. The event, facilitated by experts, aims to gather diplomats of varying experience levels. Half the seats are reserved for representatives from smaller or developing countries. The dialogue is organized by Diplo, with the support of the United Arab Emirates Mission to the UN and other international bodies in Geneva.
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02Tuesday April, 2024
- Book Launch: International Trade Law and Global Data Governance
Summary: The book launch for "International Trade Law and Global Data Governance" by Neha Mishra explores aligning trade agreements with data governance practices. Co-hosted by Geneva Graduate Institute, it features a panel discussion with Diplo's Marilia Maciel.
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04Thursday April, 2024
- Kuwait Diplomatic Institute: Executive training in Diplomatic Negotiations and AI and Diplomacy
Executive training in Diplomatic Negotiations and AI and Diplomacy will be held from April 22 to 26, 2024, focusing on equipping diplomats to navigate the impact of digital technologies on diplomacy. Participants will learn to leverage tools like big data for analysis and policymaking, and develop skills for successful diplomatic negotiations and effective interaction with stakeholders.
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15Monday April, 2024
- Trade Meets AI: Navigating in a ‘Digital New World’
Central European Time (09h00) | Singapore Standard Time (15h00) This event, organised by the Trade Policy Exchange, will explore the interplay between Trade Policy and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The advent of AI is heralding a new era in international trade, presenting unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges. From facilitating paperless cross-border transactions to reshaping global value […]
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03Friday May, 2024
- Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy training | AGDA
From 6 to 9 May 2024, the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in Abu Dhabi will host a specialised training Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy, delivered by Diplo lecturer, Ambassador Amr Aljowaily. This comprehensive programme will provide participants with key insights into the dynamics of international negotiations, diplomatic strategies, and the interplay between bilateral and multilateral […]
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06Monday May, 2024
- Diplomatic Protocol training | AGDA
DiploFoundation lecturer Amb. Amr Aljowaily will deliver Diplomatic Protocol training at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) in Abu Dhabi from 13 to 17 May, 2024. This training will provide participants with essential knowledge and practical insights into diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and ceremonial procedures. Amb. Aljowaily will guide participants through key principles that shape official […]
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16Thursday May, 2024
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait and Diplo forge strategic partnership
Kuwait City, Kuwait — 21 May 2024 His Excellency Ambassador Nasser S. Al-Sabeeh, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Saud N. Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, and Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement signifies a key partnership between the two institutions aimed at advancing capacity development frameworks and activities. […]
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18Tuesday June, 2024
- Internet Freedom Meet
The Internet Freedom Meet (IFM), organised by the Balkan Research Network (BIRN) with the support of the European Union, brought together experts this year to tackle emerging online challenges. David Geer, Head of the EU Delegation in North Macedonia, highlighted the need for a collective approach, involving government, private sector, academia, technology companies, civil society, […]
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24Monday June, 2024
- Governing AI for Humanity: Recommendations from the UNSG’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence
In October 2023, the UN Secretary-General convened a multistakeholder High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI. Following an interim report presented in December 2023 and a series of consultations and discussions, the AI Advisory Body (AIAB) will release draft recommendations over the summer of […]
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24Wednesday July, 2024
- Using current and emerging cyber tools for disaster management in Africa
Time: 4:30pm – 6:00pm (EAT) This webinar will focus on leveraging technology to enhance preparedness, response,and recovery efforts in the face of natural or man-made disasters on the Africancontinent. This webinar aims to explore the utilization of cutting-edge cyber tools andtechnologies to improve disaster management practices in the context of Africa. Thewebinar will delve into […]
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29Monday July, 2024
- AI Accountability and Digital Trade: Policy Options for the UK
Everyday interactions are mediated by algorithms, with significant impacts for the individual, economies, and wider society. The AI-as-a-service global market is growing rapidly, and governments are struggling to regulate this phenomenon effectively. Discussions are siloed, fragmented nationally, and isolated from international trade policy discussions. The workshops will bring together researchers with legal, trade and technical […]
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05Thursday September, 2024
- Visit by the Digital Policy Leadership Program, University of St. Gallen
Under the framework of the Digital Policy Leadership Program (DPLP), a joint initiative between Insper Brazil and the University of St. Gallen, a group of students will visit Diplo and meet with some of their experts. The group will discuss opportunities and challenges related to artificial intelligence policy, digital trade, and internet governance. They will […]
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11Friday October, 2024
- Humanitarian Diplomacy training | AGDA
On 14-15 October 2024, Ambassador Christopher Lamb, an expert in humanitarian diplomacy, will deliver an online training session for trainees of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA). The training will explore the essential role of diplomacy in humanitarian action, focusing on negotiation, advocacy, and coordination in crisis situations. Drawing from Ambassador Lamb’s extensive experience, participants […]
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22Tuesday October, 2024
- UN Cybercrime Convention: What does it mean and how will it impact all of us?
After three years of negotiations, initiated by Russia in 2017, the UN Member States at the Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) adopted the draft of the first globally binding legal instrument on cybercrime. This convention will now be presented to the UN General Assembly for formal adoption later this year. The Chair emphasised that the convention […]
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28Monday October, 2024
- Leadership training on AI and diplomacy @ the UAE diplomatic academy
From November 18-20, 2024, Diplo delivered leadership training on AI and diplomacy at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA). This engagement aims to deepen Diplo’s strategic relationship with AGDA and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strengthening collaborative ties that span nearly a decade.Highlights of this visit included the official signing of a Memorandum of […]
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30Wednesday October, 2024
- Digital trade for Africa’s prosperity
The webinar held on 13 November 2024 focused on digital trade and its potential for Africa’s prosperity. Panelists discussed various aspects of digital trade, including e-commerce, policy frameworks, infrastructure challenges, and financial services. Key points included the need for improved internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, and the importance of developing robust data protection and cybersecurity laws […]
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25Monday November, 2024
- Tech attache briefing: The road to WSIS+20 high-level review
The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for diplomats at permanent missions and delegations in Geneva following digital policy issues. It is an invitation-only event. *** About a year from now, a high-level meeting will be convened at the UN General Assembly to review the implementation of […]
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04Wednesday December, 2024
- Diplo at IGF 2024
Diplo will be actively involved in the 2023 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Kyoto, Japan, focusing on topics like bottom-up internet governance, knowledge management, enhancing civil society participation, and cyber norms. They will host sessions and discussions, emphasizing the importance of human imperfection, knowledge sharing, and responsible behavior in cyberspace. Challenges such as monopolies over information and reducing vulnerabilities will be addressed. Diplo also highlights the need for multistakeholder collaboration and inclusivity in digital policy discussions. Participants are encouraged to engage both in-person and online to contribute to shaping the digital future.
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27Friday December, 2024
- Implementing AI in daily work: Training for the EU staff in Geneva
Diplo will deliver specialised, exercise-based training, ‘Implementing AI in Daily Work’, for the EU Delegation to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva and the EU Delegation to the World Trade Organization (WTO). AI technology holds immense potential to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency across various sectors, including diplomacy. However, effectively integrating these tools into […]
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30Thursday January, 2025
- Tech attache briefing: Data governance – Key issues and processes
The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for diplomats at permanent missions and delegations in Geneva following digital policy issues. It is an invitation-only event. *** Our first briefing for Geneva-based diplomats in 2025 – on 29 January – was dedicated to the topic of data governance. […]
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24Monday March, 2025
- Digital Sovereignty and the open internet: Can they coexist?
The Internet Governance Project (IGP) in collaboration with the Quello Center will gather scholars of differing views to debate what digital sovereignty means, how it is being used as a label, and whether the various interpretations of the term are compatible with the foundational values of the open internet. The event will take place on 4 April […]
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24Monday March, 2025
- Tackling disinformation, protecting democratic governance: Challenges and opportunities
The mechanisms behind disinformation vary by context, therefore, addressing the problem requires not only reactive one-size-fits-all measures, but also proactive efforts that reinforce democratic principles and institutions. In this by-invitation event, organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Marilia Maciel presents key findings of the report ‘Curbing Information Disorder to Protecting Global […]
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24Monday March, 2025
- Visit by the Digital Policy Leadership Program, University of St. Gallen
Under the framework of the Digital Policy Leadership Program (DPLP), a joint initiative between Insper Brazil and the University of St. Gallen, a group of students will visit Diplo and meet with some of their experts. The group will discuss opportunities and challenges related to artificial intelligence policy, digital trade, and internet governance. They will also […]
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Diplo: Effective and inclusive diplomacy
Diplo is a non-profit foundation established by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. Diplo works to increase the role of small and developing states, and to improve global governance and international policy development.