Technology Innovations for Creative Diplomacy

⏰16:00-17:30 EAT / 14:00–15:30 CET

Background and Rationale

Diplomacy is being rapidly reshaped by technological innovation. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive technologies are transforming how governments, international organisations, and non-state actors communicate, negotiate, and influence global audiences. These tools are expanding the reach and speed of diplomatic engagement while creating opportunities for more inclusive and creative approaches to international cooperation.

At the same time, global challenges such as climate change, conflict, misinformation, and digital inequality demand more agile and innovative diplomatic responses. Technology-enabled creative diplomacy offers new ways to build trust, shape narratives, engage foreign publics, and strengthen multilateral action. This webinar will explore how emerging technologies can be strategically applied in diplomacy while addressing ethical, security, and governance concerns.

Objectives

The webinar seeks to examine the impact of technological innovation on diplomatic practice, showcase creative applications of digital tools in public diplomacy and international engagement, and share practical experiences from technology-driven initiatives. It also aims to foster dialogue among key stakeholders on opportunities, risks, and capacity needs in digital and creative diplomacy.

Format and Expected Outcomes

The virtual webinar will feature a moderated expert panel followed by an interactive Q&A session. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how technology can enhance creative diplomacy, access practical insights applicable to their work, build networks across diplomacy and technology communities, and contribute to policy-relevant discussions on responsible digital innovation.

Format and Expected Outcomes

Conclusion

African priorities for the Global Digital Compact

⏰ 16:00–17:30 EAT / 15:00–16:30 CEST / 13:00-14:30 UTC

In 2022 the idea of a Global Digital Compact was floated by the UN with the intention of developing shared principles for a secure digital future – a future in which the power of digital technology was fully harnessed to accelerate the achievement of SDGs and where the risks and harms of the technology were effectively mitigated. The objectives of the GDC broadly addressed the right of every human to have access to sustainable information (through a digital public good) through an affordable Internet, and to enjoy effective protection from the risks of existing and emerging technologies and their applications. Subsequently the African Union developed an African Digital Compact. It had 10 pillars broadly covering 4 themes:

Aim: Affordable connectivity for all Africans,
Implementation: Development of the necessary Governance and Partnership framework, Infrastructure, and Digital skills.
Development and application: SDG applications, innovation, digital economy, public goods and services, Artificial intelligence.
Safeguards: Cybersecurity, data protection, digital rights and privacy.

As the AU recognised, Africa has special needs related to digital transformation. Some countries are forging ahead with rapid digital adoption led by a tech-savvy, youthful population. However, ground-breaking innovations have been slow to penetrate other parts of the continent due to policy, implementation and communication issues. At the same time emerging technologies such as generative AI, IoT and robotics are already making a mark on the continent with all the attendant opportunities and risks. The webinar brought together African experts from technology, development, diplomacy and policy domains to discuss which digital compact issues must be urgently prioritised in order to keep Africa on course in a rapidly changing world.