DiploFoundation
 | |
| Motto | towards more effective and inclusive diplomacy |
|---|---|
| Type | NGO |
| Headquarters | Malta |
Director | Jovan Kurbalija |
Staff | 20 |
| Website | http://www.diplomacy.edu |
DiploFoundation (or Diplo, in short) is a non-profit organisation based in Malta, with offices in Geneva and Belgrade.
History and mission
Diplo emerged from a project to introduce information and communications technology (ICT) tools to the practice of diplomacy, initiated in 1992 at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta.
In November 2002, Diplo was established as an independent non-profit foundation by the Government of Malta and the Government of Switzerland. In June 2006, Diplo was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) [1] In September 2007, Diplo’s online courses received academic accreditation from the University of Malta.
Diplo's mission is to strengthen the meaningful participation of all stakeholders in diplomacy, international relations, and policy areas such as Internet governance and climate change. It aims to increase the power of small and developing states to influence their own futures and development; increase international accountability and inclusivity; increase the legitimacy of international policy making; and improve global governance and international policy development.
Programming
A major focus of the organization is the delivery of non-credit distance learning courses on subjects pertaining to diplomacy and international relations. Recent classes have covered topics including public diplomacy, internet governance, diplomatic protocol, and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. The foundation also offers a Master's degree program in diplomacy involving both distance learning and short residential sessions. The degree program is accredited through the University of Malta.
Another focus of the DiploFoundation is capacity development in the area of "e-diplomacy." The organization provides technical support to NGOs with online meeting technologies to facilitate internationals summits and conferences.
Finally, the DiploFoundation offers commentary on contemporary issues in diplomatic tradecraft via both a blog on the foundation's website, and a speaker's bureau.
Executive
Diplo is run by administrators, staff and associates, consisting of highly experienced diplomats, academics, learning specialists, and computer programmers. The Board of Administration is composed of the following:
- Prof. Dietrich Kappeler, Honorary President, Diplo Senior Fellow and former Director, Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, Malta;
- Amb. Victor Camilleri, President, Ambassador of Malta to Libya;
- Prof. André Liebich, Vice President, Professor, International History and Politics, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva;
- Amb. Saviour F. Borg, Board member, Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations;
- Ms. Nermine El Saadany, Board member, Director of International Relations, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt;
- Amb. Alexandre Fasel, Board member, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and to the International Organisations in Geneva;
- Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Board secretary and Director of DiploFoundation.
References
- ↑ United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). "List of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council as of 1 September 2010" (PDF). Retrieved 15 April 2013.