The future of diplomacy: Between continuity and change

In November 2017, we celebrate 15 years of DiploFoundation and 25 years of research and training on Internet and diplomacy with a conference on The Future of Diplomacy: Between Continuity and Change. To mark this milestone, we will reflect on the role of diplomacy in the modern era, and the impact of technology and other areas on the core functions of diplomacy, while keeping a firm eye on the future.

Registrations are now closed.

Diplo’s roots can be traced back to 1992 when we realised there was a need to merge ICT tools with diplomatic practice. Ten years later, Diplo was officially established by Malta and Switzerland as a not-for-profit organisation, and since then, it has trained close to 6,000 participants from 208 countries and territories, in contemporary diplomacy, Internet governance and digital policy, humanitarian diplomacy, and many other areas. In November 2017, we will celebrate 15 years of DiploFoundation and 25 years of research and training on Internet and diplomacy, with a conference on The Future of Diplomacy: Between continuity and change.

The conference on The Future of Diplomacy

On the first day of our November conference, we will discuss the impact of technology and other areas on the core functions of diplomacy, including negotiations, representations, public diplomacy, and other functions. We will explore ways in which countries can ensure their effective participation in global digital policy, by looking at broad areas such as cybersecurity, digital commerce, and emerging technology. We will then turn to online learning, and explore MOOCs, short courses, online coaching, webinars, and blended learning as some of the latest trends.

On the second day, we will discuss artificial intelligence in the context of preparing diplomats for the next chapter in the technological revolution. Which core functions can, and can’t, be automated? Can empathy be digitalised? Can negotiations be programmed? A high-level panel will talk robots, risks, and reality-checks. We will then narrow our focus to everyday technology, by looking at how we deal – in a very practical way – with emails, mobile communications, remote working, e-protocol, and other usages of tech in our daily work and life.

Join us for the anniversary conference, The Future of Diplomacy, on 17-18 November in Malta. More details on the conference website: https://15years.diplomacy.edu

Read also the message from Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation, announcing the conference and celebrations.