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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19Monday November, 2012
- 10 years of Diplo
The International Conference on Innovation in Diplomacy examined e-diplomacy and traditional diplomatic functions, reflecting on the challenges and successes of innovation in the field over the past 20 years. It highlighted the necessity for innovation despite the traditional, hierarchical, and cautious nature of diplomacy. The event marked both the 10th anniversary of Diplo and 20 years of e-diplomacy in Malta.
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30Wednesday January, 2013
- New Master’s degree with IG specialisation
A new Master’s degree with a specialization in Internet governance was introduced by Diplo in January 2013. The program includes a residential workshop in Malta and online learning spread over 16 to 20 months.
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01Friday February, 2013
- Twitter for diplomats
Twitter for diplomats" is a collaborative publication by DiploFoundation and Instituto Diplomatico, detailing diplomats' use of Twitter, including anecdotes and experiences. It showcases the interactions of foreign ministers and ambassadors on the platform, highlighting its potential for diplomatic communication.
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01Friday March, 2013
- New online economic diplomacy course
Diplo introduced a new online course on Economic Diplomacy in March 2013. The course focuses on the practical aspects of economic diplomacy and aims to enhance capacity development in this area.
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17Wednesday April, 2013
- Online Learning Day
The Online Learning Day held on April 17, 2013, aimed to foster discussion on online learning, focusing on its benefits, trends, and potential for global impact. The event included online sessions and in-person meet-ups, featuring discussions on topics like the effectiveness of massive open online courses, practical online teaching, and the importance of trust in online learning. Providers showcased their programs, emphasizing the relevance of online learning for those in diplomacy, international relations, and global policy. The initiative aimed to highlight advancements, challenges, and opportunities in online education.
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01Wednesday May, 2013
- Metaphors for diplomats – DiploDialogue
DiploDialogue focuses on summarizing dialogues in the world of diplomacy and international relations, emphasizing the value of metaphors and analogies in understanding these complex topics.
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01Wednesday May, 2013
- ‘Emerging Language of Internet Diplomacy’ features in LAC project
The text discusses the evolution of women's involvement in internet governance over the years, highlighting the progress from mere mentions of gender issues to active participation. It references Dafne Sabanes Plou's update on women in the information society and a study on the Emerging Language of Internet Diplomacy, emphasizing the increasing engagement and contributions of women in these processes.
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01Tuesday October, 2013
- Glossary of Internet governance acronyms
Diplo published an Internet governance Acronym Glossary in October 2013, updated over time, explaining various acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations commonly used.
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01Tuesday October, 2013
- Capacity development in the Pacific
The Capacity Development Programme for Pacific Island States aimed to enhance Pacific island states' engagement in International Geneva-related diplomacy. It utilized a mix of online learning and face-to-face coaching in Geneva, launching officially in Vanuatu in October 2013.
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11Monday November, 2013
- Diplo in the news
Switzerland announced project support for the Asia-Europe Public Diplomacy Initiative in 2013 to train 100 early career diplomats in public diplomacy.
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01Sunday December, 2013
- Graduating in Malta
In December 2013, students from various countries graduated with a Master’s in Contemporary Diplomacy in Malta, representing a diverse group of nations.
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04Tuesday February, 2014
- First Geneva briefing on IG
A monthly Geneva briefing on Internet Governance began in February 2014 as part of the Geneva Internet Platform project.
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08Tuesday April, 2014
- Launch of the Geneva Internet Platform
The Geneva Internet Platform was launched to enhance global digital policy discussions by bridging silos, supporting small countries, monitoring policies, and facilitating evidence-based research.
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01Thursday May, 2014
- Peacetime activities in cyberspace
A new publication titled "Peacetime Regime for State Activities in Cyberspace" was presented in May 2014 by the and the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. It covers various aspects of state activities in cyberspace during peacetime, including technical, legal, policy, and diplomacy angles.
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01Thursday May, 2014
- Small and developing country scholarship fund
Diplo initiated a crowdfunding campaign in May 2014 to create a scholarship fund for small and developing countries.
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15Thursday May, 2014
- Diplomatic reporting in the Internet era Event
A workshop in Geneva aims to enhance reporting skills for diplomats and international officials attending meetings in the city. Training includes traditional and internet-based reporting techniques, with a focus on clear and concise communication. The program is designed by experts and will offer follow-up sessions and webinars. Participants will gain skills in listening, identifying core issues, and utilizing new media. The workshop will be interactive and led by experienced trainers, with a virtual classroom component. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate in Diplomatic and Internet Reporting. Scholarships are available for participants from small and developing countries and prospective Geneva Internet Rapporteurs.
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01Tuesday July, 2014
- Improving understanding between Asia and Europe
A three-day training workshop in Geneva in July 2014 aimed to enhance public diplomacy efforts and foster better understanding between Asia and Europe, supported by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Asia-Europe Foundation, and the University of Canterbury.
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29Friday August, 2014
- MIKTA Diplomacy
MIKTA countries, including Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia, gathered in Geneva with DiploFoundation in August 2014 to discuss their influence on International Geneva's agenda regarding various topics like health, humanitarian affairs, trade, and reform.
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02Tuesday September, 2014
- 9th IGF in Istanbul
The 9th IGF took place in Istanbul in September 2014. Discussions covered various Internet topics, with participation from Diplo and the hosting numerous events and workshops.
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07Tuesday October, 2014
- Education diplomacy – An emerging concept
The Association for Childhood Education International and Diplo collaborated on a Education Diplomacy Day in Geneva to explore the rising idea of education diplomacy, assembling educators, diplomats, and international development professionals for discussions.
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17Monday November, 2014
- Internet Governance at a crossroads
The Geneva Internet Conference in November 2014 gathered 250 participants to discuss Internet governance and digital politics, setting the stage for key events in 2015.
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01Monday December, 2014
- Cybersecurity winter school
A Cybersecurity Winter School was held in Serbia by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces and Diplo, gathering participants from the Western Balkans and Moldova, including public officials, corporate sector representatives, graduate students, civil society members, and media.
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01Monday December, 2014
- Promotion methods in foreign ministries
Ambassador Kishan S Rana suggests improving promotion methods in foreign ministries by shifting to performance-based promotions, rather than seniority-based ones, to enhance professionalism and morale. He emphasizes learning from best practices while respecting each country's traditions.
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15Thursday January, 2015
- Cybersecurity: a Strategic View
The Geneva Internet Platform is hosting the Geneva Cybersecurity Days series throughout 2015 in collaboration with various partners to address cybersecurity challenges globally, with the first event focusing on Cybersecurity: a Strategic View. The events aim to raise awareness and promote a coordinated global response to cybersecurity issues, in alignment with the Geneva Message on Strengthening Internet Governance. Discussions include cybersecurity challenges, the Finnish approach to cybersecurity, and the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing these risks. The events seek to enhance cooperation among stakeholders to tackle the escalating threats posed by increasing digitalization in society.
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01Sunday March, 2015
- Asian lecture tour by Dr Jovan Kurbalija
Dr Jovan Kurbalija embarked on an Asian lecture tour in March 2015 to address modern diplomacy challenges in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. The tour was linked to a training workshop for country diplomats under the Asia-Europe Public Diplomacy Training Initiative organized by Diplo and partners.
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01Sunday March, 2015
- Open innovation in the proprietary world
A consortium, including Diplo, discussed the effects of proprietary protection on innovation and the future of Open Innovation in the proprietary world.
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01Sunday March, 2015
- Diplo joins NoC
Diplo joined the Global Network of Internet and Society Research Centers (NoC) in March 2015, an initiative focused on interdisciplinary research and policy regarding the Internet.
