DiploNews – Issue 372 – 3 June 2019

[WebDebate] AI for peacemaking: New tools and opportunities for mediators

The next WebDebate in our series will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, 4th June, at 11:00 UTC (13:00 CEST).

Mediation, the resolution of international conflicts with the help of skilled intermediaries, has traditionally been considered a low-tech field in which interpersonal skills, savoir faire, and emotional intelligence represent the most important attributes of a good mediator. At the same time, the field is evolving and needs to adjust to changing social contexts, which are increasingly impacted by digital technology. In this WebDebate, we will explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for peacemaking and zoom in on new tools and opportunities for mediators. Register to attend this event.

Upcoming study opportunities

Applications open for the 2020 Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy

Diplo is now accepting applications for the 2020 Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy, and the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy with a specialisation in Internet Governance. These unique postgraduate programmes, offered in co-operation with the University of Malta, include a 10-day residential workshop in Malta followed by 16–20 months of online learning. Visit the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy webpage to read more. Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states. The programme starts on 3 February 2020. The application deadline is 15 October 2019.

Summer diplomacy courses

Is summer a quiet time at your office? Then it is the perfect opportunity to take an online course. Have a look at our courses on diplomacy and Internet technology starting on 22 July:

• 21st Century Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
• Multilateral Diplomacy
• Internet Technology and Policy

Apply by 17 June for Diplo certificate courses. For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses listed, or visit our courses webpage. Register now to reserve your place.

Diploma in Humanitarian Diplomacy

We are now accepting applications for the next session of the online diploma course Humanitarian Diplomacy offered in co-operation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This highly interactive 13-week course, led by Ambassador Christopher Lamb and a team of experienced practitioners, extends the knowledge base and develops the practical skills of current and future practitioners in humanitarian diplomacy and policy. The course familiarises participants with basic definitions, concepts, actors, and institutions in the field of humanitarian diplomacy; introduces international humanitarian law; hones advocacy and negotiation skills; develops participants’ research skills, and increases their understanding of national and regional humanitarian diplomacy activities.
 The course is offered in English; however, participants have the option to write and submit major course assignments and the final research paper in French or Spanish.
 The next session starts on 16 September 2019 and the application deadline is 5 August 2019. Please visit the course webpage to read more and apply.

Malta scholarships

Thanks to support from the government of Malta, partial scholarships are available for applicants from developing countries to attend upcoming Diplo online courses. These scholarships cover 30%–60% of course fees and can be applied to most online courses in 2019. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information. You can also sign up for our courses mailing list to be informed about upcoming courses.


Science and diplomacy: How countries interact with the Boston innovation ecosystem

Boston is historically the centre of academia in the USA, and since the Second World War has developed into one of the country’s main scientific and innovation hubs. A leader in several areas of science and technology, the Boston science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem is a cornerstone in the newest developments for businesses and governments. In recent years, many governments have chosen to expand their existing outposts while others have made the decision to establish a Boston presence in an effort to help ensure their future prosperity and stability, and to anticipate policy implications of the latest STI developments. Last year, DiploFoundation looked into interactions between governments and the San Francisco Bay Area. This year – in partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science – we focus on how diplomacy is now practised within the Boston STI ecosystem. We explore how governments interact with technology-oriented businesses; scientific, academic, and research institutions; and other STI actors. We illustrate the actual diplomatic actions of the governments, science diplomacy in particular, and outline how success is measured. We set out to describe the main characteristics of each of the identified models; for example, consular representation, networks of science and innovation outposts, and various ways of embedding science attachés within the Boston STI ecosystem. In addition, our report maps the interactions between governments and local actors, as well as between the diplomatic representations themselves. It also addresses and identifies possible areas for capacity development and training. Finally, it touches on strategic considerations for those countries that are contemplating implementing similar models. The report will be available at the end of June and will be launched at events in Boston (25 June) and Washington, DC (27 June). More details at https://www.diplomacy.edu/boston

Diplo at AI for Good Global Summit

DiploFoundation organised a workshop on Friday 31st May on ‘National AI strategies and sustainable development: Taking the next steps towards AI for Good by DiploFoundation’ at the AI for Good Global Summit 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The session, run by Katharina Höne (Senior Lecturer, Researcher, and Project Manager, DiploFoundation) and Marília Maciel (Digital Policy Senior Researcher, DiploFoundation), engaged in a productive discussion on existing national strategies for artificial intelligence (AI). Find out more about the workshop and the summit.

Diplo at Cyber-Diplomacy: International affairs in the digital age

The Centre For International Studies and Diplomacy and the SOAS University of London organised a seminar on ‘Cyber-Diplomacy: International affairs in the digital age’ on 23 May in London. Diplo’s Katharina Höne spoke on ‘Big data and diplomacy: The way ahead between continuity and disruption’. Find out more about the event.

Data localisation: Impact on small business?

The International Trade Centre (ITC) Staff Talks initiative explores a timely and relevant subject and its benefit to the ITC’s work and projects during a short 30-minute interactive conversation with staff, for staff. The talks usually involve three speakers, be they staff members or external guests.

Diplo’s Marília Maciel took part in the conversation on 24 May at the ITC in Geneva when the talks explored the role of data localisation for small businesses in developing countries related to trade. What are the challenges? What does the future hold in store? The discussion revolved around the unintended consequences of e-commerce, and looked at both regulatory and technical aspects, including the question of ownership and security.

What’s been happening in Diplo’s blogosphere

In AI supremacy: One, two, three, go! Nataša Perućica discusses how AI is increasingly finding its way onto the agenda of governments and international and regional organisations and says that the AI hype is not over yet.

[Briefing] Internet governance in June 2019

What were the main Internet governance updates in June? How will recent updates influence the developments in the upcoming months? Join us for our next monthly briefing, on Tuesday, 25th June, for a round-up of the major global IG and digital policy developments. Register for the briefing.