2/7 The future of the UN and multilateralism [The future of (multilateral) diplomacy]

Online conference: The future of (multilateral) diplomacy, 22 October 2020

Track 1: The future of the UN and multilateralism

Research report (PDF): "The future of (multilateral) diplomacy? Changes in response to COVID-19 and beyond"

Following a high-level plenary session, ‘The future of (multilateral) diplomacy’ online conference brought together 25 expert speakers for discussions on the following 5 tracks: The future of the UN and multilateralism; Practice, protocol, and procedures; Focus on small and developing countries; Digital diplomacy and diplomacy by video conference; and Diplomatic training for new skills and tools.

Track 1 was moderated by Dr Jovan Kurbalija (Executive Director, DiploFoundation; Head, Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)). The discussion benefitted from the insights of Ambassador Emil Brix (Director, Vienna School of International Studies), Mr Marc Engelhardt (Journalist reporting on the UN, based in Geneva, Switzerland), Ms Monica Ferro (Director, UN Population Fund), Ambassador Vanessa Frazier (Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations in New York), and Mr Richard Hill (President, Association for Proper Internet Governance). They engaged in a lively, dynamic and, at times, controversial debate, touching upon historical, policy, organisational, journalistic, and legal perspectives.

The conference was organised by DiploFoundation, the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), and Diplo’s ConfTech. It was made possible through the support of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swiss government.

DiploFoundation

Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)