The Geneva launch of the E-diplomacy Initiative was attended by over 60 diplomats. Amb. Dante Martinelli from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN, opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. The event focused on tools for remote participation in meetings and conferences, and the changes in practices brought about by the use of such tools. Ms Ginger Paque, IGF Remote Participation Working Group, noted that remote participation may complement, but not replace, face-to-face meetings. Remote participation can increase inclusion by lowering costs, saving time and reducing the carbon footprint.Â
