From daily use of Wi-Fi devices to global management of satellite orbits, radio frequencies are an important enabler of economic and social development. Between 2 and 27 November, more than a thousand technical experts, officials, and diplomats will address radio-frequency issues at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) in Geneva. Many permanent missions in Geneva will face the challenge of effectively following this highly specialised technical field. This just-in-time course provides a survival guide for Geneva-based diplomats and others interested in radio-frequency diplomacy.
A survival guide for radio-frequency diplomacy
A just-in-time course in preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference
27 October 2015, 14.15 – 18.15
Venue: Geneva Internet Platform, WMO building, 7 bis Avenue de la Paix (2nd floor)
What? The course will address – among others – the following questions:
- What are radio frequencies (brief technical introduction)?
- Why does policy around radio frequencies matter?
- What is WRC-15?
- What lingo will the conference use (acronyms, basic concepts)?
- What are the agenda topics and the expected outcomes?
- Who are the actors and major stakeholders?
- What are the possible impacts of the conference on the economy, sustainable development, security, and technical innovation?
- How does WRC-15 fit in to wider digital policy in Geneva and beyond?
Who? The course will be delivered by Mr Peter Major, vice-chair of the Radiocommunication Advisory Group of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). His specialist expertise is complemented by his experience in wider digital policy in various capacities, including his current role of Chairman of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development. The course will be moderated by Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP). Dr Kurbalija is author of An Introduction to Internet Governance which has been translated into 11 languages and is used as a textbook at universities worldwide.
Background: This just-in-time course is offered as part of the GIP’s aim to support active participation of Geneva-based diplomatic missions in the fast-emerging digital policy field. The GIP is an initiative supported by the Swiss authorities and operated by DiploFoundation.
Registration: To register, contact Tereza Horejsova at terezah@diplomacy.edu or tel. +41 22 907 36 33. Deadline for application is 23 October 2015. Priority in the selection process will be given to small and developing countries. Participation will be confirmed by noon (CET) 26 October.
Download the course brochure
Further information: WRC-15 | Geneva Internet Platform | GIP Digital Watch
