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
How it all started
  • 01
    Tuesday June, 2010

     - Training the trainers

    The "Train the Trainers" workshop supports the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific region in developing and implementing Internet and communication technology policies. Participants from various countries engaged in a course on tutoring for online education, emphasizing practical teaching techniques and evaluating methods. The workshop acknowledges the complexity of online tutoring and the importance of dynamic communication to prevent isolation among learners.

  • 01
    Tuesday June, 2010
    Crowd, Person, Adult, Male, Man, People, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Accessories, Tie, Face, Head, Audience, Coat, Kim Tai-chung

     - E-diplomacy international conference

    The E-diplomacy international conference in Malta in June 2010 marked the conclusion of the Diplo initiative that integrated online discussions with awareness events for diplomatic communities in various global hubs.

  • 01
    Thursday July, 2010

     - Lively discussion continued beyond the workshop

    Participants from Jamaica and other Caribbean countries engaged in a lively discussion at the Internet Governance Diplomacy workshop in Kingston, covering various topics like infrastructure and standardization. During an interactive simulation exercise, they role-played different stakeholders to address issues like content management and e-commerce taxation. The discussions extended beyond the workshop, with Diplo and 4D Jamaica continuing them on the project’s online community site.

  • 01
    Sunday August, 2010
    Nature, Outdoors, Water, Ripple, Land, Smoke Pipe, Accessories, Jewelry, Locket, Pendant, Spiral

     - Introduction to Internet governance (4th edition)

    The fourth edition of "An Introduction to Internet Governance" by Dr. Jovan Kurbalija was published by Diplo in August 2010. The book offers a comprehensive overview of Internet governance issues, providing a practical framework for analysis and discussion. It covers technical, security, legal, economic, developmental, socio-cultural, and human rights aspects. The text is clear and accessible, with figures and illustrations enhancing understanding. DiploFoundation and various universities have utilized the book's content for training courses and capacity development programs on Internet governance.

  • 25
    Wednesday August, 2010
    People, Person, Flower, Flower Arrangement, Plant, Clothing, Pants, Adult, Male, Man, Crowd, Blazer, Coat, Jacket, Formal Wear, Accessories, Tie, Bride, Female, Wedding, Woman, Face, Head, Photography, Portrait, Furniture, Table, Suit, Jewelry, Necklace

     - Workshops on Internet Governance

    Workshops on Internet Governance were conducted in Rarotonga, Cook Islands and Suva, Fiji, in collaboration with regional institutions. These workshops provided training on Internet governance and policy to officials and professionals. Discussions on Internet governance were integrated into a workshop on numbering and licensing in Rarotonga, exploring diplomatic processes. More details can be found at https://www.diplomacy.edu/actor/acp/.

  • 14
    Tuesday September, 2010
    People, Person, Blazer, Clothing, Coat, Jacket, Electronics, Speaker, Groupshot, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Bride, Wedding, Crowd, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Jewelry, Necklace, Glasses, Bag, Handbag, Indoors, Suit, Erol Mütercimler, Peng Lei

     - Diplo at the 5th IGF

    Diplo made a significant impact at the 5th IGF in Lithuania in September 2010 with active participation from fellows, tutors, and staff. Remote involvement reached a record high, with over 600 individuals connecting, and 33 remote hubs participating from various continents. Ginger Paque represented Diplo at the opening session for the Civil Society Internet Governance Caucus.

  • 27
    Monday September, 2010
    People, Person, Groupshot, Clothing, Coat, Formal Wear, Suit, Adult, Male, Man, Jacket, Face, Head, Helmet, Gwanda Chakuamba, Chen Jining, Luo Yonghao, Indila, Hafiz Pashayev, Duško Čurlić

     - Forum on diplomatic training

    Annual meeting of deans and directors of diplomatic academies worldwide, known as the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (), discusses modern diplomacy and education trends. The 38th gathering took place in Malta in 2010, hosted by Diplo and .

  • 19
    Tuesday October, 2010
    People, Person, Flower, Flower Arrangement, Plant, Clothing, Pants, Adult, Male, Man, Crowd, Blazer, Coat, Jacket, Formal Wear, Accessories, Tie, Bride, Female, Wedding, Woman, Face, Head, Photography, Portrait, Furniture, Table, Suit, Jewelry, Necklace

     - Internet governance workshop in Botswana

    Botswana hosted the 7th Internet Governance Diplomacy workshop in collaboration with DiploFoundation. The event took place in Gaborone on October 19-20, with 27 participants engaging in discussions on global and regional Southern African priorities.

  • 01
    Monday November, 2010
    People, Person, Graduation, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Face, Head, Photography, Portrait, Clothing, Footwear, Shoe

     - Masters graduation 2010

    In 2010, 19 students received their Master in Contemporary Diplomacy from Diplo, with some attending a graduation ceremony in Malta for the first time. A celebratory evening reception was held at the Cavalieri Hotel for the graduates and their loved ones.

  • 01
    Monday November, 2010

     - Internet governance workshop in Trinidad and Tobago

    Internet governance workshop held in Trinidad and Tobago included discussions on policy, regional challenges, v4-v6 transition, strategy, and policies in the Caribbean region. Various speakers contributed to the workshop, which was attended by participants from different sectors.

  • 01
    Wednesday December, 2010

     - Analysing Internet governance

    A workshop on Internet governance was held by Diplo in December 2010, focusing on various aspects like network and search engine neutrality, the WikiLeaks case, internet infrastructure, domains, trademarks, jurisdiction, and social issues.

  • 13
    Monday December, 2010

     - E-diplomacy and e-governance seminars

    Seminars on e-diplomacy and e-governance took place in Belgrade and Podgorica, facilitated for diplomats and officials from Serbia and Montenegro, and sponsored by the Vienna Diplomatic Academy.

  • 11
    Tuesday January, 2011
    Crowd, Person, People, Adult, Male, Man, Accessories, Glasses, Formal Wear, Tie, Clothing, Suit, Electrical Device, Microphone, Face, Head, Audience, Computer, Electronics, Laptop, Pc

     - WikiLeaks and the Future of Diplomacy

    At a policy briefing in 2011 on 'WikiLeaks and the Future of Diplomacy,' Dr. Khalid Koser, Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, and Mr. Philip Mottaz discussed the impact of WikiLeaks on diplomacy from different perspectives. Professor Francois Heisbourg shared initial remarks, followed by audience questions and a summary. The event took place in Geneva and online.

  • 01
    Tuesday February, 2011
    Multilateral Diplomacy online course

     - Current issues in the UN

    A Diplo course on Current Issues in the United Nations started in February 2011, focusing on critical areas of UN work and contemporary agenda topics. The course offered a blend of academic insights and practical experience in multilateral diplomacy.

  • 09
    Wednesday February, 2011

     - E-diplomacy after WikiLeaks

    Professionals gathered for an e-diplomacy panel to address Diplomatic Reporting post-WikiLeaks in a discussion organized by Diplo and held in Geneva. The event was held in February and also broadcast online.

  • 01
    Tuesday March, 2011
    People, Person, Flower, Flower Arrangement, Plant, Clothing, Pants, Adult, Male, Man, Crowd, Blazer, Coat, Jacket, Formal Wear, Accessories, Tie, Bride, Female, Wedding, Woman, Face, Head, Photography, Portrait, Furniture, Table, Suit, Jewelry, Necklace

     - Diplomacy for small states

    The workshop on Modern Diplomacy for Small States aimed to address the challenges faced by small states by sharing practical solutions and experiences, emphasizing skill improvement through simulations and workshops covering various aspects of diplomacy.

  • 08
    Tuesday March, 2011
    People, Person, Crowd, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Adult, Male, Man, Desk, Furniture, Table, Glasses, Clothing, Suit, Chimo Bayo

     - On the ground knowledge

    Students from Diplo and another institution attended a seminar on Parliamentary Diplomacy in Malta in March 2011. The event, co-organized with the House of Representatives, provided valuable insights from experienced parliamentarians through interactive sessions, focusing on practical, on-the-ground knowledge.

  • 01
    Friday April, 2011

     - Brussels e-briefings with Richard Werly

    Brussels e-briefings with Richard Werly offered real insights into Brussels policy-making and events through live webinars, hosted by an experienced journalist and guests, providing a critical and factual perspective on important issues.

  • 01
    Sunday May, 2011
    People, Person, Crowd, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Face, Head, Audience

     - 4th EuroDIG meeting in Belgrade

    The 4th EuroDIG meeting in Belgrade in May 2011 involved 400 stakeholders for two days of discussions led by organizers including Diplo, the Swiss Federal Office of Communication, the Council of Europe, and the European Broadcasting Union. Diplo played a significant role in organizing the event, collaborating with various entities to set up panels, workshops, and remote participation opportunities.

  • 22
    Monday August, 2011

     - Nuclear non-proliferation analysed

    An online course on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Disarmament, launched in 2011, aimed to familiarize participants with the provisions, history, and complexities of the treaty over a two-month period for practitioners and analysts to understand current and future nuclear issues.

  • 01
    Thursday September, 2011
    People, Person, Advertisement, Adult, Male, Man, Poster

     - Migration and development

    In September 2011, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs teamed up with Diplo to provide an online course on Migration and Development, offering a conceptual framework and analytical tools to understand the link between international migration and economic and social development.

  • 01
    Thursday September, 2011
    Chess, Game

     - 21st Century Diplomacy: A Practitioner’s Guide

    The text discusses the evolution of diplomacy in the 21st century due to globalization and interdependence among states. Ambassador Kishan S. Rana's book, "21st Century Diplomacy," delves into the complexity of modern diplomacy, addressing various factors shaping diplomatic practice in today's world.

  • 01
    Thursday September, 2011
    QR Code, Nature, Outdoors, Snow

     - Emerging Leaders for the Digital World

    Diplo launched Emerging Leaders for the Digital World during an event in Nairobi in September 2011.

  • 01
    Saturday October, 2011
    People, Person, Crowd, Adult, Male, Man, Press Conference, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Glasses, Clothing, Suit, Audience

     - The role of parliamentary diplomacy

    Dr Jovan Kurbalija discussed parliamentary diplomacy's role in building confidence and inclusiveness in international affairs at a conference of Small European States' Presidents. The event concluded with a joint declaration on enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, including plans for training and capacity building in this area.

  • 01
    Tuesday November, 2011
    Person, Construction, Animal, Bird, Play Area

     - Translate climate

    In November 2011, during a climate change conference in Durban, discussions raised concerns about understanding climate change universally. Diplo initiated the Translate Climate project to engage people in translating climate illustrations into different languages for broader comprehension.

  • 22
    Tuesday November, 2011
    Advertisement, Water, Poster, Nature, Outdoors, Droplet

     - IG book launched in Serbian

    Diplo launched the Serbian edition of "An Introduction to Internet Governance" by Dr. Jovan Kurbalija in November 2011. The book is available to read online.

  • 24
    Thursday November, 2011

     - Ten years of Cybercrime Convention

    A discussion at the Palais des Nations in Geneva marked the 10-year anniversary of the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime, exploring cybersecurity challenges, balancing security with human rights, lessons learned, and the Convention's effectiveness in addressing global cyber issues.

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