DiploNews – Issue 194 – 5 December 2011

Upcoming study opportunities

Last call for applications: Humanitarian Diplomacy Certificate Programme

Diplo is pleased to cooperate with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to offer a new certificate programme in Humanitarian Diplomacy. This 12-week programme aims to enrich and empower current and future actors in the field of humanitarian diplomacy and policy. In a supportive international online class environment, the programme will familiarise participants with basic definitions, concepts, actors and institutions in the field of humanitarian diplomacy, introduce international humanitarian law, hone advocacy and negotiation skills, develop participants’ research skills, and increase their understanding of national and regional humanitarian diplomacy activities. The programme starts on 6 February 2012; the application deadline is 7 December 2011. For more details and to apply, see the programme website.

Call for applications: Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme 2012

Who owns the cloud? Is my data secure there? Who manages Internet domains and addresses, and how? What is network neutrality? How can states provide for Internet security without breaching our basic human rights – or can they? Can we have an Internet that is both safe and open?

Diplo's Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme 2012 will give you a solid base from which to discuss these and other questions, and to work towards policy solutions for users, organisations, and governments. This online programme is designed to improve Internet policy and governance-related knowledge and skills for participants from both developed and developing countries, and to enhance their participation in the global decision-shaping debates on Internet governance. The call for applications for the 2012 Introduction to Internet Governance course is now open. Please visit the call for applications for more information and to apply (deadline: 1 February 2012).

Modern Diplomacy for Small States workshop

The application deadline for the Modern Diplomacy for Small States workshop is fast approaching! The workshop, to be held in Malta from 21-30 March 2012, focusses on the current diplomatic challenges and organisational needs of small states, engaging as speakers experienced diplomats with first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing small states and how these challenges have been dealt with in Malta. Scholarships are available for professionals holding senior/middle management positions within a Commonwealth Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments dealing with the foreign affairs of small states. The workshop is sponsored by the Government of Malta and the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC). Visit the workshop website for more details and to apply.

Online study in the new year

Start 2012 with one of our popular interactive online courses:

• Diplomatic Theory and Practice
• Public Diplomacy
• Multilateral Diplomacy II: Current Issues in the United Nations

Courses start the week of 20 February 2012. Apply by 19 December 2011 for University of Malta accredited courses or by 16 January 2012 for Diplo Certificate Courses. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses above, or visit our courses website. 
Register now to reserve your place.

Humanitarian aid, intervention in Libya, responsibility to protect, United Nations Security Council reform, drafting and analysis of UN documents … these are but a sample in the rich field of topical issues and practical applications through which Dr Petru Dumitriu and his knowledgeable team expertly guided Multilateral Diplomacy II.  I now evaluate world events with keener insight and have a wider appreciation of the gargantuan challenges in tackling global concerns.

Anna Durante, Crown Counsel, Government of the Virgin Islands
Participant in Multilateral Diplomacy II: Current Issues in the UN, February 2011

Webinar on the financial crisis in Europe

On 9 December, European leaders will meet again in Brussels for the last summit of 2011. Will they come up with credible solutions and a long-lasting exit strategy for the eurozone? Diplo fellow and Le Temps correspondent Richard Werly will put the European crisis into an international context to analyse who could come to the rescue of the European Union before the upcoming European summit in Brussels. Join us on Tuesday, 6 December, at 15:00 CET for a just-in-time briefing, rich in analysis and insightful comments. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Participants will be able to ask topic-related questions. Register on the webinars website.

Translate Climate – Diplo illustrates and translates climate change

Two weeks ago, Diplo launched Translate Climate, a project that uses social media to combine translation and illustration of climate change. Based on our Climate Building Illustration we invited people to comment and add further translations in their languages. The feedback we received was overwhelming. We have had more than 1500 unique visitors from 124 countries. Starting with ten languages, through a collaborative effort our participants managed to add twelve more translations. These new translations span all continents from America, to Europe, Africa and Asia. This is a phenomenal result that we attribute to your support and engagement. However, we still need your support and that of your communities. Our translations into Kiswahili, Zulu, and Filipino are not complete yet. Other translations, such as Hebrew, Portuguese, and Kwanyama need a final review before we can create our Climate Building Illustrations in these languages. At the time of the climate change negotiations in Durban, your efforts will surely resonate with a global audience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Diplo at climate@diplomacy.edu