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25th European Diplomatic Programme: The use of AI in diplomacy

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21 November 2024 - 22 November 2024

Budapest, Hungary

Event summary

Diplo’s participation in the 25th European Diplomatic Training event in Budapest showcased its innovative approach to integrating AI into diplomatic training and practice, providing diplomats with practical, skill-oriented training. Over two days, the team delivered three workshops to 75 junior diplomats and a session for training directors from the EU member states’ ministries of foreign affairs. Central to these discussions were the pedagogical shifts in diplomatic education, the practical applications of AI in diplomatic work, and insights into organisational transformation through technology.

Junior diplomats were introduced to the practical uses of AI through demonstrations of Diplo-developed tools, including the Loaded Questions chatbot. This interactive tool allows users to practice identifying and responding to challenging questions with hidden implications, a skill crucial in diplomatic communication. Participants tested the chatbot during the session, gaining firsthand experience with AI-powered learning.

People, Person, Crowd, Adult, Female, Woman, Accessories, Jewelry, Ring, Face, Head, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone, Audience, Hristina Popović  Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Texting, Head, Cushion, Home Decor, Computer, Laptop, Pc, Text  People, Person, Audience, Crowd, Indoors, Lecture, Room, Seminar, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Architecture, Building, Classroom, School, Electronics, Speaker, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Accessories, Glasses, Chair, Furniture, Footwear, Shoe, Face, Head, Bag, Handbag, Hall, Jewelry, Necklace, Meeting Room, Office, Steve Coll, Lou Holtz, Bogdan Lobonț, Félix de Bedout, Martine Billard, Ivo Canelas People, Person, Crowd, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Face, Head, Accessories, Jewelry, Ring, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone, Charlie Hamilton James  People, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Pen, Crowd, Female, Woman, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Glasses, Clothing, Suit, Audience, Indoors, Lecture, Room, Seminar, Face, Head, Wristwatch, Blazer, Coat, Jacket, Samuel Brittan, Carrie Quinlan  People, Person, Audience, Crowd, Indoors, Lecture, Room, Seminar, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Chair, Furniture, Face, Head, Accessories, Glasses, Formal Wear, Tie

For the training directors session, Diplo highlighted the broader trends in diplomatic training, focusing on its experience of integrating AI into teaching methodologies. The pedagogical shift to incorporate guided AI usage, including training students in AI’s ethical and critical use for tasks such as essay writing and collaborative simulations, focuses on developing and building new core diplomatic competence, e.g. AI literacy, alongside strengthening leadership and organisational skills.

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The discussion on the necessity of organisational transformation in the AI era emphasised Diplo’s bottom-up approach to adopting the technology, which focuses on practical AI applications tailored to specific needs. By developing AI-powered tools in-house within a closed system, Diplo ensures data security and preserves institutional memory, e.g. accumulated data, information, and knowledge created throughout its existence. This approach enhances efficiency and provides a replicable model for other organisations. However, it requires changes in professional culture, thus enabling professionals to leverage AI effectively in daily work.

In addition to educational tools, Diplo presented its AI-powered solutions for diplomatic practice. The AI Reporting application was highlighted as the tool for diplomatic reporting, automating transcription, analysis, and summary generation that accelerates the reporting process, enabling diplomats to focus on strategic insights and tasks. Similarly, the Protocol Application streamlines event management by automating seating arrangements based on diplomatic protocols. This tool minimises logistical challenges, ensuring adherence to protocol while allowing organisers to focus on high-level priorities.

Throughout the sessions, Diplo demonstrated how its tools can reshape diplomatic training and practice. By integrating AI into education and operational processes, Diplo exemplifies how technology can enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and build capacity in diplomacy.

Event's official photos available at:

Dragana Markovski

Stefan Lazić

Event description

Diplo will participate in the 25th European Diplomatic Programme in Budapest, Hungary, on 21–22 November 2024. Diplo’s team will lead presentations for junior diplomats from the EU member states on the transformative role of AI in foreign affairs, sharing insights from their experience in creating and using AI-driven tools and applications. The team will present methods for effectively teaching AI to future diplomats, equipping them with the skills needed to harness AI’s potential in diplomacy.

Additionally, Diplo will engage training directors from the EU member states’ diplomatic academies in discussion on emerging trends in diplomatic training by showcasing its innovative approach to education in the AI era, highlighting effective methods for teaching diplomats how to navigate and leverage AI in their roles. The team will also demonstrate AI-driven tools designed to streamline essential tasks in diplomatic practice, allowing diplomats to focus more on strategic objectives.

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AI and diplomacy: Navigating technology and policyCrowd, Person, Audience, Speech, Chair, Furniture, Podium, Adult, Female, Woman, People, Boy, Child, Male, Architecture, Building, Classroom, Indoors, Room, School, Computer Hardware, Electronics, Hardware, Monitor, Screen, Emilio KaudererThe role of diplomacy in AI geopolitics | AGDA