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
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07Tuesday September, 2021
- Digital (and) Diplomacy: What Are We Actually Talking About?
The discussion on digital (and) diplomacy encompasses topics like cybersecurity agreements, digital geopolitics, AI, and social media in diplomatic practice. With a history dating back over two decades, a conference aims to clarify various perspectives, identify commonalities, and explore future practices in the field. Scheduled for September 7, 2021, the event seeks to unravel the essence of digital (and) diplomacy.
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06Monday December, 2021
- Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform at IGF 2021
Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform will participate in various sessions at IGF 2021, discussing topics like cyber stability, digital capacity development, access to the open internet, security of digital products, and global cyber expertise. Participants include experts from Diplo such as Vladimir Radunovic, Stephanie Borg Psaila, Tereza Horejsova, Jovan Kurbalija, and Katarina Anđelković. These sessions aim to foster dialogue and collaboration in addressing key challenges and opportunities in cyberspace.
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07Friday January, 2022
- Digital Diplomacy in 2022: Capacity Development for Namibian Diplomacy
In 2022, Namibian diplomats will undergo capacity development in digital diplomacy, focusing on geopolitics, negotiation, and technology's role in foreign policy. Sessions include high-level events, courses on digital topics, and tools, emphasizing the importance of digital infrastructure in modern diplomacy. The program, organized by DiploFoundation in partnership with Malta, aims to help diplomats enhance their skills in navigating the digital landscape to advance national interests effectively.
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01Tuesday February, 2022
- 7th Geneva Engage Awards – What is Geneva’s digital footprint?
The 7th Geneva Engage Awards recognize organizations in International Geneva for their social media engagement and online presence. The awards highlight the global impact of Geneva through social media, web relevance, and online meetings, focusing on key areas like development, human rights, and digital issues. The awards are divided into three categories: International Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations, and Permanent Representations to Geneva. The 2022 award for Non-Governmental Organizations and Associations honors the memory of internet pioneer Ian Peter, emphasizing his dedication to using the internet for communication among marginalized groups. To learn more about Ian Peter and the awards, visit the provided page.
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17Thursday February, 2022
- Digital Technologies and the Environment: a Synergy for the Future Event
The text discusses the integration of digital technologies in environmental policies at global levels. It emphasizes the upcoming event where a report will be presented, examining the interaction between digital advancements and environmental issues, focusing on topics such as greenhouse gas emissions, rare earths, and e-waste. The event is scheduled for February 17th, offering insights on cooperation possibilities between key players in the field.
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15Tuesday March, 2022
- Towards a more diverse international standardisation landscape – Motivations and actions for stakeholders in the ARIN region
The event aims to involve stakeholders in the ARIN region in international standardization processes. It will explore motivations for participation, suggest actions to increase engagement, and discuss cooperation on digital standards. Key outcomes of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly will also be reviewed. Speakers include Bevil Wooding and Sorina Teleanu, with Marilia Maciel moderating and Ginger Paque as the chat moderator. The event is part of a project funded by ARIN to raise awareness on digital standards in the region, emphasizing the importance for developing countries.
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26Tuesday April, 2022
- ‘Promoting inclusive data policy through capacity building’ – UNCTAD eCommerce Week 2022
The text discusses the importance of involving developing and least-developed countries in shaping norms related to cross-border data flows. Capacity building is emphasized as a tool to empower these nations in policy discussions on data. Sessions at the UNCTAD eCommerce Week 2022 will explore topics such as the impacts of 'data localisation' and 'national champion' approaches on creating an inclusive digital economy. The Geneva Internet Platform will provide coverage on selected thematic sessions from the event.
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27Wednesday April, 2022
- Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
In June 2014, Diplo collaborated with the Swiss Bitcoin Association to host an event exploring the political, technical, business, and developmental aspects of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
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17Tuesday May, 2022
- AI as a Tool for Diplomacy and Mediation
A hybrid event in Geneva during Science Diplomacy Week will focus on AI as a tool for diplomacy and mediation. Discussions will involve the current and future applications of AI, specifically in language processing and image recognition. Topics will cover the impact of AI tools on diplomatic work, fostering dialogue between diplomats and developers, and addressing current and potential challenges. The event will showcase tools like Diplo’s Speech Generator for cybersecurity speeches. Distinguished panelists will participate, including experts from various organizations like the International Computing Centre and Diplo.
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08Monday August, 2022
- First joint diplomatic training with Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
Diplo conducted inaugural joint diplomatic training with the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
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16Tuesday August, 2022
- Data Governance in the Context of Emerging Technologies: Promoting Human-Centred and Development-Oriented Societies
The message emphasizes the significance of data for innovation and development in today's digital economy, focusing on governance issues related to emerging technologies. Key points include harmonizing national measures impacting data flows, addressing geopolitical implications of data asset concentration, and exploring topics like data geopolitics, trade agreements' role in technology development, non-personal data access, privacy frameworks, and global institutional coordination. The message also invites participation in an online course on data governance, featuring distinguished speakers in the field.
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04Tuesday October, 2022
- Summit on Digital Diplomacy and Governance
The Summit on Digital Diplomacy and Governance, organized by DiploFoundation, will address the evolving role of technology in diplomacy. The event, in collaboration with Malta and Switzerland's foreign affairs departments, will explore digital tools, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and the Global Digital Compact. Set for November 2022 in Malta, discussions will reflect on past decades of tech's impact on diplomacy. This gathering will also celebrate 20 years of DiploFoundation and 30 years of internet and diplomacy research. Participants can engage in shaping our digital future and learn more on the Summit website and the Diploversary page.
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24Thursday November, 2022
- Diplo at IGF 2023
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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16Monday January, 2023
- Will AI take over diplomatic reporting? (WebDebate #56)
The text discusses the potential for AI to impact diplomatic reporting, questioning if it will take over this function. It highlights the historical significance of reports in diplomacy and the evolving role of technology, such as Chat, in assisting with reporting tasks. The text prompts consideration of AI's influence on diplomatic reporting, its implications for the diplomatic profession, and the need for human involvement in automated reporting. Interested individuals are invited to a discussion on this topic, providing insights on technology's current state and future trends in diplomacy.
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23Thursday March, 2023
- Vulnerabilities in digital products: How can humans decrease risks for humans?
A webinar discusses digital product vulnerabilities and supply chain security, exploring the responsibility of various stakeholders like vendors, manufacturers, regulators, and users in minimizing risks. Initiatives like the Cyber Resilience Act and the National Cybersecurity Strategy are reviewed. The Geneva Dialogue aims to understand the roles of different actors in promoting security in cyberspace.
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30Thursday March, 2023
- Diplo @ InnoVent 2: How can AI help our meetings?
Anja Djajic, Jovan Njegic, and ’whalo discussed the role of AI in meetings at InnoVent 2, emphasizing human ingenuity aided by machines. They highlighted the symbolic painting "The Dream of Peace" by Henrik Sorensen, showcased AI models' impact on operations, and stressed the importance of an augmented intelligence approach. The session also featured discussions on automated reporting systems and the value of human feedback in developing AI applications. The message encourages embracing AI advancements while tapping into humanity and creativity. Attendees can access further AI and society resources by contacting ai@diplomacy.edu.
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20Friday October, 2023
- Securing Supply Chains in the Open Source Era – Security Analyst Summit (SAS)
Vladimir Radunovic from Diplo will join a panel on securing supply chains in the open-source era at the Kaspersky Security Analyst Summit in Phuket, Thailand on October 26, 2023. For details, visit the official website.
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24Tuesday October, 2023
- Policy Meets Tech: Artificial intelligence
A Policy meets tech event focusing on artificial intelligence will equip diplomats in Geneva with technical knowledge about neural networks, machine learning, and foundational technologies. The session aims to simplify complex tech concepts, explore their impact on global governance, and provide practical tools for policy-making. Hosted by Diplo with support from the Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, the series aims to demystify digital technologies and their policy implications for diplomats. Restricted to permanent missions in Geneva, the event offers insight into internet protocols, quantum computing, cryptography, and algorithms. Contact Ms. Sorina Teleanu for details.
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24Tuesday October, 2023
- Geneva Dialogue | The launch of the Geneva Manual
The Geneva Manual, focusing on non-state actors' role in implementing cyber norms, will be launched on December 7th. The manual, initiated by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and DiploFoundation, aims to enhance international security and peace in cyberspace. Discussion panels and simulation exercises will explore the manual's implementation, with an emphasis on supply chain security and responsible reporting of vulnerabilities. The event will feature stakeholders from various sectors and will be held both in Geneva and online.
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24Tuesday October, 2023
- Tech Attaches Briefing: IGF 2023 and related developments
Diplo hosts monthly briefings on digital tech and policy issues for Geneva-based diplomats. The upcoming session will analyze the IGF 2023 discussions, highlighting the top 10 points. The briefing will also feature insights from the Secretariat and Japan, the host country, and draw connections to other digital governance debates. Attendance is by invitation only.
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25Wednesday October, 2023
- Tech Attaches Briefing
Diplo hosts monthly briefings on digital tech and policy for Geneva-based diplomats, focusing on updates from key events like the UN General Assembly and the Global Digital Compact. The briefings cover various countries' digital policy issues, discussions at the ministerial meetings, and global governance updates. These invitation-only events provide insights into crucial developments in the digital realm.
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25Wednesday October, 2023
- Briefing on technical standards for the Netherlands business community
Sorina Teleanu, from Diplos, discussed technical standards at a roundtable for the Dutch business community in Geneva, focusing on standardization processes.
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25Wednesday October, 2023
- Meeting with a representative of APNIC
Professor Jovan Kurbalija met with a representative from APNIC to discuss current technological advancements in Internet governance.
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23Thursday November, 2023
- Geneva AI Community launch
The Geneva AI Community has been launched to unite individuals actively utilizing AI technology, from daily tasks to developing applications, within International Geneva. This initiative aims to guide organizations through AI-induced transitions and explore practical aspects of integrating AI technologies. Practitioners and innovators in International Geneva are invited to join this community to share challenges and best practices for organizational adaptations. Contact Mr Yung-Hsuan Wu for more details on participation.
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18Thursday January, 2024
- Open Source (generative) AI for Public Services Innovation
Dr. Jovan Kurbalija will be part of the Open Source AI event for Public Services Innovation, discussing the benefits of AI in public services to aid in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The event highlights the need for trustworthy, auditable, and fair AI-based public services. Participants will delve into topics like technological advancements and innovative initiatives, with a focus on upgrading industrial capabilities and fostering domestic technology development. Attendees can engage with panelists and build connections in this informative event hosted by the AI for Good initiative.
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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.
