DiploNews – Issue 405 – 15 October 2020

Upcoming study opportunities

◆ Applications open! Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy

We are accepting applications for the 2021 online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy with a specialisation in Internet Governance, run in cooperation with the University of Malta Department of International Relations.

During 16 to 20 months of online study, the programmes guide working diplomats, international relations professionals, and Internet policymakers through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

In response to the current global pandemic, the introductory workshop – traditionally offered in Malta – will be run online in 2021, eliminating the need for travel and reducing expenses for participants.

Scholarships covering 20%–50% of the Postgraduate Diploma fee are available for applicants from small and developing states. The programme starts on 25 January 2021.

For further information and to apply, please visit the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy webpage.

◆ February 2021 online diplomacy courses

Start the new year with one of our most popular online courses:

• Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks
• Diplomatic Theory and Practice
• Introduction to Internet Governance
• Public Diplomacy

Courses start on 22 February 2021. Apply by 21 December 2020 for University of Malta accredited courses, and by 18 January 2021 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.

◆ Need financial assistance? Scholarships are available.

Thanks to the 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 2020. Browse our course catalogue and contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for further information.

Sign up for our courses mailing list to stay informed about upcoming courses.

Upcoming events

◆ Conference: The future of (multilateral) diplomacy? (22 October)

At the conference, we will discuss the major findings of the research study ‘The future of (multilateral) diplomacy’ conducted by DiploFoundation with the support of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Following a high-level plenary session, the event will bring together more than 20 experts (online and in situ) for discussions on five tracks. Not to be missed! Register for the conference.

◆ IG Briefing: Internet governance in October 2020 (27 October)

Held on the last Tuesday of the month, the Internet governance briefings provide a ‘zoomed-out’ update of the major global Internet governance and digital policy developments. Please note that the IG briefing will be held at 13:00 UTC (14:00 CET). Register here for the October IG Briefing.

Our recent events

◆ WebDebate #42: How COVID-19 is changing diplomatic practice

In our latest Webdebate, speakers provided useful insights on how diplomatic practice has shifted, how diplomats have adapted, what aspects are likely to stay with us, and what are the limits of virtual and socially distant diplomacy. Watch the recording.

◆ Analysis: An X-ray of the 2020 UN General Assembly debates

The world today looks much different than it used to. New challenges require global cooperation, and the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was a great opportunity to see where we stand. DiploFoundation’s research team took a deeper look at what was discussed during this segment, and the way in which topics were discussed. Watch the recording and read the summary.

Further resources on the 75th UNGA:

• Blog post: The UN General Assembly: Digital diplomacy in action?
• Digital Watch trends page: Digital on the agenda of the the UN General Assembly’s 75th session

◆ Panel: The Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace at Singapore International Cyber Week

Participants of the panel discussed global industry good practices, the security of digital products and services, and their impact on reducing vulnerabilities in cyberspace and implementing global cyber norms. Watch the recording.

Blogs and publications

◆ Blog post: Humanity needs a digital home

75 years ago, humanity created the United Nations in order to safeguard peace, promote human rights, and enable development. Today, we are faced with new issues as the digital age has ushered a seismic shift among traditional challenges, and created entirely new ones. Prof. Jovan Kurablija argues for the need of a digital home for humanity. Read the blog post.

◆ Analysis: TikTok developments (Digital Watch observatory trends page)

TikTok has found itself in the middle of geopolitical tensions. Our dedicated page on the Digital Watch observatory website brings together the latest developments: concerns about TikTok and user data, its ban in the USA, and a timeline of developments. Read more.

Diplo team at external events

◆ E-seminar: Data Privacy and Protection in International Law (5 October)

Watch the Centre for International Law’s e-seminar in which Prof. Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, DiploFoundation; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)) participated. Watch the recording:

◆ WTO webinar: ‘Trade implications of cyber-security risks and confidence-building’ (9 October)

Ms Marilia Maciel’s (Digital Policy Senior Researcher) participated in the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) discussion on multilateral and regional approaches to cybersecurity, and cross-border cooperation for law enforcement and regulatory oversight purposes. Watch the recording: