Welcome coffee and registration

High-level address by the Hon. Carmelo Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion

Keynote speeches: 15 years of DiploFoundation, 25 years of training and research on Internet and diplomacy

• Amb. Victor Camilleri, President of the Board of Administrators,  DiploFoundation
• Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Director, DiploFoundation

This session will be webstreamed.

Conference photo and coffee break

How is digitalisation affecting core diplomatic functions?

Emerging technologies are transforming everyone’s lives. Diplomatic practice is no exception. There are many technologies which diplomats will need in the next few years, as the Internet affects the core diplomatic functions. Experienced practitioners and academics make a sober but forward-thinking introduction.

Moderator: Dr Katharina Höne

Thinking-out-loud hour:

Pick a core diplomatic function (or two) and join the group to discuss. Pick a second diplomatic function and rotate.

1. Negotiations: The search for compromise and consensus has been a core diplomatic function. It remains as vital as ever in the digital era. Does more digital information and interaction make negotiations more effective?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Alex Sceberras Trigona
2. Representation: New actors have triggered new ways of representation. Internet companies in the Bay Area have increased in importance for countries. Users’ data is stored and processed by Google, Facebook and other companies from the area, while many of these companies are vital for national security (anti-terrorism) and economic growth (investment and innovation). How are countries interacting with these actors?
   Lead discussant: Dr Tereza Horejsova
3. Promotion and public diplomacy: The use of social media is considered a main example of the most recent Internet’s impact on diplomacy. In under a decade, its use has been crystallised, and has evolved into a great tool of e-diplomacy. How has social media shaped public diplomacy and the work of diplomats, and what have been promises, successes, and failures in the use of social media?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Stefano Baldi
4. Humanitarian diplomacy: Digital tools have become essential in the humanitarian field and crisis management, enabling countries to engage with their nationals in crisis areas, and humanitarians to organise their assistance missions. Which technology and tools can be used by diplomats to assist in crisis? What are the most effective uses of social media?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Christopher Lamb
5. Diplomatic reporting: Thousands of reports are written every day. They record meetings, analyse situations, and suggest actions. What value do diplomatic reports add to the already available information and analysis provided by Wikipedia and blogs, among others? What is the usability of the new generation of artificial intelligence tools for summarising texts?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Victor Camilleri
6. Security and crisis management: The Internet is crucial for managing security crisis. Most anti-terrorism measures related to the Internet refer to its use by terrorists for the recruitment and organisation of attacks. Digital tools are used in monitoring security crisis and for confidence building. What are the ways and means in which diplomatic services can deal with security crisis?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Fred Tanner
7. Protocol and etiquette: Protocol rules are the result of a long evolution of traditions and ceremonial procedures. The Internet has changed the context in which protocol is practiced. How have the new communication tools impacted protocol, and has the informality of online communications affected the rules?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Olaph Terribile
8. Diplomacy in a  VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world: Technology has not only impacted diplomatic functions, but also the skills that diplomats require to perform their functions efficiently and effectively. How can the profession of continuity survive in the era of disruption, and what skills does tomorrow’s diplomat need?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Kishan Rana

Stand-up networking lunch

The Internet in the premier league of global politics: Ensuring countries’ effective participation in global digital policy

Digital issues are omnipresent on the agendas of the UN, G7, G20, and other diplomatic meetings. They show no sign of retreating. Countries must keep pace or stay behind. How can national capacities for participation in global digital diplomacy be developed? What’s the most effective way for countries to follow, engage, and contribute? How can a country-as-a-whole approach to foreign digital policy be developed? What is the role of security, economic, cultural, and other ministries in foreign digital policy?

Moderator: Mr Dejan Dinčić

Thinking-out-loud hour

Pick a theme and join the group to discuss. Pick a second theme and rotate.

1. Cyber-norms: Earlier this year, the Internet industry proposed new norms for the protection of cyberspace, challenging the notion that the development of norms falls solely within the ambit of governments. How are the roles and responsibilities of governments, the industry, and other stakeholders shaping?
   Lead discussants: Dr Jovan Kurbalija and Mr Vladimir Radunović
2. Cybersecurity: Cyber-driven geopolitical tensions  have dominated cybersecurity discussions since the beginning of the year. Ransomware attacks, and increasingly sophisticated attacks by cybercriminals, are a major concern. How can countries, from individual users via corporate sector to governments, react? Who should be in charge of cybersecurity?
   Lead discussants: Dr Stefanie Frey and Mr David Rüfenacht
3. Digital commerce: Economic growth is increasingly linked to digital growth. Yet, many countries still lag behind. What can governments and businesses from developing countries do to prepare for the digitalisation of the global economy, and how can developed countries take advantage of new technologies such as virtual currencies?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Alex Sceberras Trigona
4. Data diplomacy: More and more global policy is centred on data. In fact, it is often described as the oil of modern economy. How can countries deal with security, economic, legal, and human rights aspects of data diplomacy?
   Lead discussants: Ms Barbara Rosen Jacobson and Dr Katharina Höne 
5. The rise of blockchain: Blockchain opens new policy possibilities. UN is considering use of blockchain for aid pledges by countries. Blockchain provides new possibilities for monitoring implementation of SDGs and other international agreements. How can blockchain increase transparency and responsibility in international affairs? Can blockchain help restore trust in global affairs?
   Lead discussants: Mr Ljupčo Gjorgjinski and Mr Arvin Kamberi
6. Sustainable development: Digital tools and development have been moving in step for decades. The Internet has been a great enabler but it has also accelerated new divides between urban and rural, young and old, etc. Will the future bring more or fewer divides? How will digitalisation affect development assistance and the role of development agencies?
   Lead discussants: Ms Marilia Maciel and Mr Nicolas Seidler
7. Digitalisation and jobs: The shared economy has led to a rise in contractual work. Technological advancements and automation are making certain jobs redundant. In the face of the changing nature of employment, how can governments ensure that workers are protected?
   Lead discussants: Dr Roxana Radu and Ms Sorina Teleanu
8. Digital rights and the Internet: Privacy and data protection rules – such as the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – are being tightened, affecting business practices worldwide. Are we GDPR-ready?
   Lead discussants: Mr Lee Hibbard and Ms Adriana Minović

Coffee break

The hype and reality of online learning: Maximising the benefits

Here, there, and everywhere. The nature of a diplomat’s work involves foreign postings and regular assignments abroad. Where does this leave traditional diplomatic training? In the hands of online learning. Leaders in diplomatic training will describe the hype and reality that surround online learning.

MOOCs, short courses, webinars, and blended learning are some of the latest trends in online learning. Infographics, comics, and illustrations are perennial tools. Looking beyond the hype, which trends and tools are most suited for diplomatic training? Join one of the parallel sessions to discuss.

1. Teaching diplomacy: Can we teach diplomacy, and can we teach it online?
   Lead discussants: Amb. Kishan Rana and Amb. John Paul Grech
2. Just in time: Learning while working? Flexible online courses can offer a timely solution.
   Lead discussants: Mr Andrej Škrinjarić and Ms Angelic Alihusain-del Castilho
3. Blended learning: A combined approach of face-to-face and online learning offers the best of both worlds.
   Lead discussants: Ms Hannah Slavik, Mr Patrick Borg and Dr Zemaida Mozali
4. MOOCs: Massive open online courses are free and unlimited. Is there a catch?
   Lead discussants: Dr Katharina Höne and Ms Barbara Rosen Jacobson
5. Webinars: Ready, steady, learn. They are interactive, and accessible.
   Lead discussants: Mr Arvin Kamberi and Mr Dejan Dinčić
6. Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words, or?
   Lead discussants: Dr Vladimir Veljašević and Ms Darija Medić

Wrapping up the first day

Lead discussants will summarise the discussion on online learning; comments from participants will wrap up the first day.

Moderator: Dr Tereza Horejsova

Walking tour of Mdina, followed by dinner (departure from hotel at 18.30)

Venue (restaurant): Rabat

Emerging technologies: Preparing diplomats for 2030 and beyond

Venue: Aula Magna, Valletta

It’s no longer science fiction. Artificial intelligence is behind the wheel, flying drones, and winning chess games. It’s powering robots to automate tasks, and to replicate human behaviour.  AI is appearing also on international agendas. For example, Elon Musk and other AI pioneers are calling for a ban on the development of lethal autonomous weapons – an area which the UN is now tackling.

Will emerging technologies redefine the core social and ethical pillars of humanity? How can mankind ensure growth and the positive effect of new technologies, while addressing potential risks? And which core diplomatic functions can, and can’t, be automated? Can negotiations be programmed, and can empathy be digitalised? A high-level panel will talk robots, risks, and reality-checks.

High-Level panel with the participation of:
H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta,
Prof. Andre Liebich,
Amb. Petru Dumitriu,
Dr Richard Hill,
Mr Michael Nelson,
Dr Stephanie Borg Psaila

Moderator: Dr Jovan Kurbalija

Walking tour of Valletta

Seated lunch
(Venue: Westin Dragonara Conference Centre, St Julian’s)

Riding the waves of technology: The trends and practical uses of technology

Venue: Westin Dragonara Conference Centre, St Julian’s

Throughout the decades, Diplo has been both researching, and using, digital technology and e-tools. This experience will provide a backdrop for discussions on underlying trends and for sharing practical insights on how to adopt technology for our daily practices.

Moderator: Mr Vladimir Radunović

Thinking-out-loud hour

From e-mails and tools for promotion, to remote work and new styles of communicating, eight parallel discussions will tackle very practical aspects. Pick a theme and join the group to discuss. Pick a second theme and rotate.

1. Hype and trends: The last few decades were dotted with technological hypes that fizzled away. Some were more sustainable, and turned into trends. By looking at the past, how can we distinguish the hype from the trends in the future?
   Lead discussant: Mr Dejan Dinčić
2. The right tool for the right purpose: Selecting the most appropriate digital tools for promotion can make all the difference. What can we learn from the business community?
   Lead discussant: Mr Pierre Vacherand
3. Working remotely: The joys of working remotely can be quickly overshadowed by working in isolation. Where’s the balance?
   Lead discussant: Ms Hannah Slavik
4. Between the lines: Diplomatic language is changing. Simplicity is in, subtlety is out. Does implicit communication still have a role?
   Lead discussant: Dr Biljana Scott
5. Constructive contrarianism: How do we move beyond the binary logic in policy debates? Two different views for the digital future (decentralised/enabling vs control/monopoly), will lead to an in vivo cognitive experiment to show the limitations of the either/or framing of policy issues and the need for more analogue insights.
   Lead discussants: Mr Aldo Matteucci and Dr Jovan Kurbalija
6. Knowledge of the few, wisdom of many: Knowledge management has new means to store data and information in the digital era. Do digital tools make us wiser?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Petru Dumitriu
7. Offline is the new luxury: In today’s ‘always online, everywhere’ craze, being constantly online comes at a cost. Can we afford to be offline and for how long?
   Lead discussant: Dr Stephanie Borg Psaila
8. Disruptive communications: Social media and online communications challenge traditional hierarchies within an institution. How do we adapt?
   Lead discussant: Amb. Stefano Baldi

Coffee break

Drum-roll: Concluding the conference

Closing remarks: Amb. Valentin Zellweger, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organisations in Geneva

This session will be webstreamed.

Anniversary reception: Happy birthday, DiploFoundation!

Reception hosted by the Hon. Carmelo Abela, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, and Mrs Abela

Venue: Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, Palazzo Parisio, Valletta