Diplo and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) have launched an innovative programme aimed at strengthening the capacities of small permanent Francophone missions through the effective use of AI. The project is supported by the Foundation for Adaptation of International Geneva (FAGI).
A vision for the future
His Excellency Henri Monceau, Ambassador of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, declared at the opening of the meeting:
At a time when artificial intelligence is redefining multilateralism, it is essential that Francophone countries actively participate in these changes. With this project, we are moving from words to action: together and in partnership with Diplo, we are putting concrete and cutting-edge tools in the hands of our states to strengthen the voice of our diplomatic missions in Geneva, and in particular those of the smallest and most vulnerable countries in our common space.
Ambassador Thomas Gürber of Switzerland to the United Nations expressed his support for the initiative:
We welcome the concrete approach adopted by this project to promote universality, inclusion and innovation – fundamental principles of International Geneva. The use of artificial intelligence to give more weight to the voices of small and developing countries can inspire future initiatives aimed at strengthening multilateral diplomacy.
Jovan Kurbalija, Director of Diplo, higlighted capacity building aspect of the programme:
By developing AI tools anchored in the needs of permanent missions, diplomats will gain both practical mastery of these technologies and expertise to negotiate the challenges of digital technology and artificial intelligence within the organizations of International Geneva.
Reduce the diplomatic rift
This program is part of a broader vision: to make International Geneva a space where each member state, regardless of the size of its mission, can fully engage in the debates that shape global governance.
In a complex multilateral environment, developing countries often struggle to keep pace with the international agenda due to insufficient human and institutional resources. This new program aims precisely to reduce this structural gap by equipping permanent missions with artificial intelligence (AI) tools tailored to diplomatic realities.
In its pilot phase, the project brings together six founding countries and focuses on digital policy issues, before gradually expanding to other member states and new themes over the next two years.
Tailored technological and human support
The program is structured around four strategic axes to guarantee effective participation of States:
- Customized diplomatic profiles
- Real-time analytics
- Customized information sessions and capacity building
- Immersion and engagement with the national institutions
Related actors: Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
Related people: Jovan Kurbalija