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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26Wednesday April, 2006
- Virtual diplomacy for a virtual nation
The Roma Diplomacy seminar, titled "Virtual Diplomacy for a Virtual Nation," held in Geneva, brought together Roma rights activists, academics, and members of the international community to discuss Roma Diplomacy. They explored the role of non-state representation in forming policy partnerships and addressing communication gaps between Roma communities and decision makers.
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22Monday May, 2006
- An experiment in health diplomacy
Diplo conducted a pilot course on Health Diplomacy for health workers from Serbia in September 2006, blending in-person and online learning with a visit to Geneva. An experiment in health diplomacy, the course incorporated basic concepts, online research, and practical policy training. This initiative responded to the increasing significance of health in diplomatic studies, demonstrating the fusion of national health issues with international organizations like the World Health Organization.
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31Wednesday May, 2006
- Challenges for foreign ministries
Foreign ministries faced challenges discussed at a Diplo conference in Geneva in 2006. Topics included reforming diplomatic processes, transformational diplomacy, managing diplomatic knowledge, and performance management. Various countries and experts participated in the event.
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01Thursday June, 2006
- Diplo awarded UN consultative status
Diplo was awarded Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in June 2006. This status grants access to meetings, conferences, and the ability to give presentations and statements within relevant processes.
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01Thursday June, 2006
- Crossing the executive digital divide
The DiploHandbook "Crossing the Executive Digital Divide" by Eduardo Gelbstein, released in June 2006, addresses key topics for decision-makers in the Information Age, guiding executives on successful participation and achieving sustainable outcomes.
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02Sunday July, 2006
- Internet governance for Africa
Diplo supported a training course for African policy-makers on Internet governance in 2006, helping them engage in global discussions and leverage the Internet for development goals.
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01Friday September, 2006
- Website relaunch
Diplo redesigned and relaunched its website in September 2006 focusing on Internet Policy and Governance. The website features training programs, resources, and information on related issues.
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01Sunday October, 2006
- Internet Governance Forum launched
A meeting was held in Athens in November 2006 for the launch of the Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme.
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01Wednesday November, 2006
- Diplo students meet a father of the Internet
In a meeting in November 2006, participants of the Diplo's Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme had a valuable discussion with Internet pioneer Vinton Cerf.
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27Monday November, 2006
- Course on privileges and immunities
Diplo introduced a course on Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities in November 2006. It spanned 10 weeks, focusing on diplomatic law, privileges, and immunities. The course included theoretical teachings, practical exercises, and case studies to support learning.
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01Thursday February, 2007
- Diplomatic theory and practice
In February 2007, Diplo launched a new course called Diplomatic Theory and Practice, focusing on the nature, methods, advantages, and disadvantages of diplomacy.
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01Thursday February, 2007
- The Internet and diplomacy
A seminar on the Internet and Diplomacy was organized by Diplo in collaboration with the Graduate Institute of International Studies and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Geneva in February 2007.
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08Thursday February, 2007
- Diplomacy of small states
The International Conference on the Diplomacy of Small States in Malta, organized by Diplo in 2007, focused on challenges small states encounter in global engagement. Key topics included diplomatic service organization, crisis management, negotiation strategies, innovative representation methods, and leveraging technology in diplomacy.
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01Thursday March, 2007
- Diplomacy Island launched in Second Life
Diplomacy Island was established in Second Life in March 2007, during a period when the virtual community was rapidly expanding with over 4 million users.
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01Sunday April, 2007
- A new course in 21st century diplomacy
Diplo introduced a course on 21st Century Diplomacy in April 2007, led by Ambassador Kishan S Rana. It aimed to provide insights into modern diplomatic practices and enhance understanding of key issues in diplomacy management.
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25Friday May, 2007
- eLearning Africa
In May 2007, the eLearning Africa conference in Nairobi attracted over 1400 participants, including African education ministries. The event united academia, business, civil society, and governments to highlight impactful technology-driven educational projects, featuring a presentation by Diplo on successful online learning design by Dejan Dincic.
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01Friday June, 2007
- Book on Asian Diplomacy
A book on Asian Diplomacy by Amb. Kishan S Rana, based on extensive research, provides in-depth analysis of the foreign ministries of China, India, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. It offers unique perspectives and explores the cultural aspects of the diplomatic process.
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01Friday June, 2007
- Book on Roma Diplomacy published
The book "Roma Diplomacy" was published by Diplo in June 2007 and is a compilation of papers from the 2005-2006 Roma Diplomacy project. It includes contributions from European civil servants, academics, and Roma rights activists focusing on promoting awareness of Roma issues.
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01Friday June, 2007
- Managing diplomatic networks and optimising value
The book released by Diplo in June 2007, titled "Foreign Ministries: Managing Diplomatic Networks and Optimizing Value," explores how ministries have adapted and reformed to incorporate information technology. Themes include using IT for outreach, consular services, and outsourcing. Topics addressed include civil servant-politician relations, sub-state entities in diplomacy, and strategies to manage budget cuts.
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01Sunday July, 2007
- Diplomacy of small states | Online course
Diplo launched an online course in 2007 on Diplomacy of Small States, taught by Malta’s Ambassador Victor Camilleri. The course focused on how small states engage in diplomacy to achieve foreign policy goals and navigate the global community. It highlighted that diplomacy by small states is integral to global diplomacy, emphasizing their significance and role in international relations.
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01Wednesday August, 2007
- Through the diplomatic looking glass
In August 2007, Diplo collaborated with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to publish "Through the Diplomatic Looking Glass" by Stefano Baldi and Pasquale Baldocci. This study is part of Diplo's collection "Diplomats as writers," analyzing books by Italian diplomats. Over 750 titles are examined, showcasing diplomats' diverse interests and talents for depicting situations and characters.
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01Saturday September, 2007
- Online credit courses at Diplo
Beginning in September 2007, Diplo's online courses were accredited for academic credit by the University of Malta.
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10Monday September, 2007
- New course in public diplomacy
Diplo introduced a new course on Public Diplomacy in September 2007, led by Amb. Kishan S Rana and Dr Biljana Scott. The course explores the objectives and strategies of public diplomacy, highlighting its capabilities and limitations through case studies.
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12Monday November, 2007
- Diplo at 2nd IGF in Rio
Diplo was well-represented at the 2nd IGF in Rio in November 2007, with 12 staff members and associates attending, including successful participants from the 2007 Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme.
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28Wednesday November, 2007
- Diplo graduates
Eleven students from various countries graduated from Diplo’s Master in Contemporary Diplomacy at the University of Malta, celebrating their achievements through diverse dissertation topics at a ceremony in Valletta.
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10Monday December, 2007
- 3rd Global Knowledge Conference
The 3rd Global Knowledge Conference held in Kuala Lumpur in December 2007 brought together over 2,000 participants from various sectors to share knowledge and establish partnerships through expert panels and workshops. Diplo staff actively engaged in discussion panels during the event.
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07Thursday February, 2008
- The diplomacy of climate change
In February 2008, an international conference on Climate Change Diplomacy was held in Malta, organized by Diplo and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attracting over 60 global participants.
