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Session Transcript
concluded that while Geneva faces challenges, it retains significant advantages as a center for digital governance. However, maintaining this position will require strategic investment, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and adaptation to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
Session at a Glance
Brief Summary Test Test
concluded that while Geneva faces challenges, it retains significant advantages as a center for digital governance. However, maintaining this position will require strategic investment, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and adaptation to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
Major Keypoints
Major discussion points:
1. The changing landscape of digital governance and increased competition from other cities/regions to be hubs in this space.
2. The need for more collaboration and an panelists offering ideas for improvement and collaboration. There was an undercurrent of urgency throughout, emphasizing the need for swift action to address challenges.
Speakers
There were 6 main speakers in the discussion:
1. Moderator: Kasmira Jefford – Editor-in-chief of Geneva Solutions
2. Gr̩goire Barbey РJournalist for Le Temps
3. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija – Executive Journalism and media
– NGOs and civil society organizations in the digital space
Full session report
Brief Summary Test
concluded that while Geneva faces challenges, it retains significant advantages as a center for digital governance. However, maintaining this position will require strategic investment, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and adaptation to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
Major Keypoints 23
Major discussion points:
1. The changing landscape of digital governance and increased competition from other cities/regions to be hubs in this space.
2. The need for more collaboration and an panelists offering ideas for improvement and collaboration. There was an undercurrent of urgency throughout, emphasizing the need for swift action to address challenges.
Speakerfdsfds
There were 6 main speakers in the discussion:
1. Moderator: Kasmira Jefford – Editor-in-chief of Geneva Solutions
2. Gr̩goire Barbey РJournalist for Le Temps
3. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija – Executive Journalism and media
– NGOs and civil society organizations in the digital space
Grégoire Barbey
Speech speed
Grégoire Barbey speed
Speech length
Grégoire Barbey speech length
Speech time
Grégoire Barbey speech duration
Ecosystem challenges – Lack of coordinated approach among various initiatives and actors
Explanation
Barbey noted that there are concerns among actors in Geneva about the capacity to remain an important place for digital governance discussions. There is a lack of generalized means within NGOs and fears about Switzerland’s ability to maintain its high-level state policy due to budgetary difficulties.
Evidence
Internet Society recently closed its Geneva office due to financial constraints, preferring to allocate funds to their mission rather than maintaining a physical presence.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva
Agreed with
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
– Jovan Kurbalija
Agreed on
Need for better collaboration and coordination
Disagreed with
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
Disagreed on
Role of Geneva in digital governance
Resource constraints – Limited public funding and support for NGOs and initiatives
Explanation
Barbey highlighted that NGOs in Geneva are facing financial difficulties due to the geopolitical context. Donors are becoming rarer and more demanding, which impacts the ability of organizations to carry out their missions effectively.
Evidence
Potential election of Donald Trump could accelerate the process of reduced funding for NGOs.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva
Agreed with
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
Agreed on
Resource constraints and funding challenges
Jovan Kurbalija
Speech speed
Jovan Kurbalija speed
Speech length
Jovan Kurbalija speech length
Speech time
Jovan Kurbalija speech duration
AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes
Explanation
Kurbalija argued that AI is already having a significant impact on core activities in Geneva, such as reporting and diplomacy. He suggests that many traditional activities may become obsolete due to AI advancements.
Evidence
Diplo Foundation’s use of AI for just-in-time reporting from meetings.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 2: The impact of emerging technologies on digital governance
Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated
Explanation
Kurbalija emphasized that the entire system of international organizations and diplomacy needs to undergo significant rebooting to address the changes brought by AI. He argues that current approaches are becoming rapidly outdated.
Evidence
Comparison to New York City’s focus on horse-drawn carriage issues just before the advent of automobiles.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 2: The impact of emerging technologies on digital governance
Disagreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
Disagreed on
Role of Geneva in digital governance
Inclusion issues – Need for more involvement from Global South actors
Explanation
Kurbalija stressed the importance of involving NGOs, universities, and other actors from the Global South in Geneva’s digital governance ecosystem. He argued that this is crucial for Geneva to remain relevant as a global hub for digital and internet governance.
Evidence
Lack of day-to-day involvement from Indonesian, Indian, South African, and Brazilian NGOs in Geneva’s decision-shaping processes.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva
Agreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
Agreed on
Need for better collaboration and coordination
Thomas Schneider
Speech speed
Thomas Schneider speed
Speech length
Thomas Schneider speech length
Speech time
Thomas Schneider speech duration
Global competition – Other cities/regions vying to become digital governance hubs
Explanation
Schneider pointed out that the digital governance landscape has become much more complex and diversified over the last 20 years. He noted that other cities and regions are now competing to become global leaders in digital policy, often with more resources than Switzerland.
Evidence
Mentions of cities in Europe, New York, and Gulf states as emerging competitors in the digital governance space.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 1: The current state of digital governance in Geneva
Agreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Francesca Bosco
Agreed on
Resource constraints and funding challenges
Disagreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Jovan Kurbalija
Disagreed on
Role of Geneva in digital governance
Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities
Explanation
Schneider agreed with the need for better cooperation and cross-referencing among Geneva-based institutions. He emphasized the importance of working together and using synergies, especially given limited resources.
Evidence
Example of the ITU-led AI for Good Summit, which partners closely with over 40 UN institutions.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance
Agreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Francesca Bosco
– Jovan Kurbalija
Agreed on
Need for better collaboration and coordination
Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes
Explanation
Schneider acknowledged that digital issues are increasingly being discussed in New York due to their growing importance in geopolitical and security matters. However, he argued that this doesn’t necessarily mean New York will replace Geneva in terms of actually implementing digital governance initiatives.
Evidence
Mention of the UN Secretary General’s ambitions and the upcoming Pact for the Future with its digital focus.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 4: The evolving landscape of global digital governance
Francesca Bosco
Speech speed
Francesca Bosco speed
Speech length
Francesca Bosco speech length
Speech time
Francesca Bosco speech duration
Public-private partnerships – Leveraging private sector resources and expertise
Explanation
Bosco highlighted the importance of finding creative ways to engage with the private sector to support digital governance initiatives. She emphasized the need for responsible investment and collaboration between public and private entities.
Evidence
Example of the Cyber Peace Builders program, which leverages private sector cybersecurity expertise to support non-profit organizations.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance
Agreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
Agreed on
Resource constraints and funding challenges
Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value
Explanation
Bosco suggested that Geneva needs to focus on areas where it can provide unique value in the digital governance space. She emphasized the importance of co-designing solutions with civil society organizations rather than just consulting them.
Evidence
Mention of Geneva’s tradition in human rights and international peace as a potential foundation for its role in digital governance.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance
Agreed with
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Jovan Kurbalija
Agreed on
Need for better collaboration and coordination
Unknown speaker
Speech speed
Unknown speaker speed
Speech length
Unknown speaker speech length
Speech time
Unknown speaker speech duration
Communication efforts – Better explaining the value of International Geneva to Swiss public and policymakers
Explanation
The importance of better communicating the value of International Geneva to Swiss politicians, media, and the public was emphasized. This was seen as crucial for securing necessary resources and support for Geneva’s role in digital governance.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 3: Strengthening Geneva’s role in digital governance
Geopolitical factors – Digital governance becoming more intertwined with security and power dynamics
Explanation
The discussion highlighted that digital governance is increasingly tied to geopolitical and security issues. This shift is influencing where and how digital governance discussions take place on the global stage.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 4: The evolving landscape of global digital governance
Multi-stakeholder approach – Balancing roles of governments, private sector, civil society in governance
Explanation
The importance of maintaining a multi-stakeholder approach in digital governance was discussed. This involves balancing the roles and inputs of governments, the private sector, and civil society in shaping digital governance frameworks.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 4: The evolving landscape of global digital governance
Ethical concerns – Questions about impartiality and control of AI systems used by international organizations
Explanation
Concerns were raised about the ethical implications of international organizations relying on AI systems developed by private companies or specific countries. This could potentially compromise the impartiality and independence of these organizations.
Major Discussion Point
Major Discussion Point 2: The impact of emerging technologies on digital governance
Agreements
Agreement Points
Resource constraints and funding challenges
speakers
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
arguments
Resource constraints – Limited public funding and support for NGOs and initiatives
Global competition – Other cities/regions vying to become digital governance hubs
Public-private partnerships – Leveraging private sector resources and expertise
summary
The speakers agreed that there are significant resource constraints and funding challenges for digital governance initiatives in Geneva, with a need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships.
Need for better collaboration and coordination
speakers
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
– Jovan Kurbalija
arguments
Ecosystem challenges – Lack of coordinated approach among various initiatives and actors
Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities
Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value
Inclusion issues – Need for more involvement from Global South actors
summary
The speakers concurred on the importance of improving collaboration and coordination among various actors in Geneva’s digital governance ecosystem, including better involvement of Global South participants.
Similar Viewpoints
Both speakers emphasized the significant changes brought about by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and the need for existing systems and approaches to adapt to these changes. They also acknowledged the increasing importance of digital issues in global governance discussions, including in New York.
speakers
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
arguments
AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes
Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated
Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes
Unexpected Consensus
Importance of local dimension in digital era
speakers
– Francesca Bosco
– Thomas Schneider
arguments
Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value
Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities
explanation
Despite the global nature of digital governance, both speakers unexpectedly emphasized the continued importance of the local dimension, particularly Geneva’s unique ecosystem and potential for fostering collaboration. This consensus highlights the ongoing relevance of physical hubs in digital governance discussions.
Overall Assessment
summary
The main areas of agreement included the need for better resource allocation, improved collaboration among actors, adaptation to technological changes, and leveraging Geneva’s unique position in the digital governance landscape.
consensus_level
Moderate consensus with some diverging views on specific approaches. This implies a general agreement on the challenges facing Geneva’s role in digital governance, but varying perspectives on how to address these challenges effectively.
Disagreements
Disagreement Points
Role of Geneva in digital governance
speakers
РGr̩goire Barbey
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
arguments
Ecosystem challenges – Lack of coordinated approach among various initiatives and actors
Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated
Global competition – Other cities/regions vying to become digital governance hubs
summary
While all speakers acknowledged challenges facing Geneva’s role in digital governance, they differed in their emphasis. Barbey focused on ecosystem challenges and lack of coordination, Kurbalija stressed the need for fundamental adaptation due to AI, and Schneider highlighted global competition from other cities and regions.
Unexpected Disagreements
Impact of AI on UN systems
speakers
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
arguments
AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes
Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes
explanation
While both speakers discussed changes in the UN system, Kurbalija unexpectedly emphasized the profound impact of AI on core UN activities, while Schneider focused more on the geographical shift of discussions to New York. This difference in focus on technological vs. geographical changes was an unexpected point of divergence.
Overall Assessment
summary
The main areas of disagreement centered around the nature and extent of challenges facing Geneva’s role in digital governance, the best approaches to strengthen this role, and the impact of emerging technologies on existing governance structures.
disagreement_level
The level of disagreement among speakers was moderate. While there was general consensus on the importance of maintaining Geneva’s relevance in digital governance, speakers differed significantly in their assessment of key challenges and proposed solutions. These disagreements reflect the complexity of the issue and suggest that a unified approach to strengthening Geneva’s position may be difficult to achieve without further dialogue and compromise among stakeholders.
Partial Agreements
Partial Agreements
All speakers agreed on the need to strengthen Geneva’s role in digital governance, but proposed different approaches. Kurbalija emphasized involving Global South actors, Schneider focused on fostering collaboration among existing entities, and Bosco suggested identifying strategic areas where Geneva can add unique value.
speakers
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
– Francesca Bosco
arguments
Inclusion issues – Need for more involvement from Global South actors
Ecosystem approach – Fostering more collaboration and cross-referencing among Geneva-based entities
Strategic focus – Identifying key areas where Geneva can add unique value
Similar Viewpoints
Both speakers emphasized the significant changes brought about by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and the need for existing systems and approaches to adapt to these changes. They also acknowledged the increasing importance of digital issues in global governance discussions, including in New York.
speakers
– Jovan Kurbalija
– Thomas Schneider
arguments
AI disruption – Profound changes to reporting, diplomacy, and organizational processes
Need for adaptation – Existing systems and approaches becoming outdated
Shift to New York – Increasing focus on digital issues in UN headquarters and processes
Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Geneva faces challenges in maintaining its status as a leader in digital governance due to resource constraints, increased global competition, and a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
There is a need for a more coordinated ecosystem approach among Geneva-based organizations working on digital governance issues.
Emerging technologies like AI are profoundly disrupting traditional processes and systems in international organizations and governance.
Inclusion of actors from the Global South is crucial for Geneva to remain relevant as a global hub for digital governance.
Switzerland and Geneva need to better communicate the value of International Geneva to Swiss public and policymakers to secure support and resources.
Resolutions and Action Items
Develop more public-private partnerships to leverage private sector resources and expertise in digital governance initiatives
Increase cross-referencing and collaboration among Geneva-based organizations working on digital issues
Focus on strategic areas where Geneva can add unique value in the digital governance landscape
Organize the Global Cyber Capacity Building Conference in Geneva in 2025, led by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Unresolved Issues
How to secure adequate funding and support for NGOs and civil society organizations working on digital governance in Geneva
How to effectively include more actors from the Global South in Geneva-based digital governance processes
The potential shift of some digital governance discussions from Geneva to New York and its implications
How to develop and implement an open-source, transparent AI system for use by the UN and other international organizations
Suggested Compromises
Balance the focus between maintaining Geneva’s physical ecosystem and expanding its digital presence and reach
Combine efforts to strengthen both Switzerland’s role in digital governance and International Geneva’s position as a hub
Explore innovative funding models that blend public and private resources to support digital governance initiatives
Thought Provoking Comments
Changes, it’s not only in future, future is today. By the way, Diplo will report from this meeting with just-in-time reporting by using AI. And if you think about this city, what this city is doing, diplomats, journalists, NGOs, they’re reporting, reporting back to capitals, to their superiors, reporting to UN bodies, reporting from events. That activity is basically, to the large extent, gone.
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
reason
This comment highlights the immediate and transformative impact of AI on traditional diplomatic and journalistic practices, challenging the notion that these changes are still in the future.
impact
It shifted the discussion from theoretical future scenarios to the urgent need for adaptation in the present, prompting others to consider the immediate implications of AI in their fields.
What I think it’s missing is not necessarily the resources, it’s a sort of like meaningful use of the resources and a long-term view for investing those resources.
speaker
Francesca Bosco
reason
This insight reframes the issue from a lack of resources to the need for better coordination and strategic planning in the use of existing resources.
impact
It redirected the conversation from simply calling for more funding to discussing how to optimize the use of current resources and create sustainable, long-term strategies.
We scrolled all websites in International Geneva and found 120 million links. Any link on the website, Diplo website, Cyber Peace Institute, UNOG, WHO, WIPO. 122 million links. Then we did analysis and say how many of these links point to other Geneva institutions. Therefore, how many of our links, we are relatively good, point to Cyber Peace Institute, to WHO, to WIPO, in our reports, in our blog posts, in our event reports. And we got a shocking result. We call it X-ray of the International Geneva. The level of links, and we will share it, you can access through the website, is 0, 0, not 1%, 0.48%.
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
reason
This comment provides concrete data to illustrate the lack of collaboration between Geneva-based institutions, challenging the rhetoric of cooperation with hard evidence.
impact
It prompted a more critical examination of the actual level of collaboration in International Geneva and highlighted the need for tangible actions to improve cross-referencing and cooperation.
Let’s develop open source, transparent AI at the UN, by using analogy to what countries are doing now, contributing sculptures, paintings, buildings, conference rooms. Now, they can start contributing large language models, RAC systems, I won’t go into terminology, knowledge graph for humanitarian issues, all of these issues, all of these issues technically in this proposal are feasible, and we can show how they can work.
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
reason
This proposal offers a novel and concrete solution to maintain the UN’s impartiality in the age of AI, addressing a critical issue that had not been previously discussed.
impact
It introduced a new dimension to the discussion about the future of international organizations and their use of technology, highlighting the potential risks of relying on corporate AI systems and the need for independent, open-source solutions.
Overall Assessment
These key comments significantly shaped the discussion by shifting the focus from general concerns about resources and competition to specific, actionable ideas for improving digital governance in Geneva. They highlighted the immediate impact of AI on traditional practices, the need for better resource utilization, the lack of real collaboration despite rhetoric, and the importance of developing independent AI solutions for international organizations. These insights deepened the conversation, moving it from theoretical discussions to practical considerations and potential solutions, while also challenging participants to think more critically about the current state of affairs in International Geneva.
Follow-up Questions
How can Geneva better involve NGOs and voices from the Global South in digital governance discussions?
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
explanation
This is crucial for Geneva to remain relevant as a global hub for digital and internet governance, addressing a significant gap in representation.
How can Switzerland and Geneva create a more sustainable ecosystem approach to digital governance?
speaker
Francesca Bosco
explanation
A coordinated, long-term approach is needed to make better use of resources and scale initiatives effectively.
How can digital governance topics be made more interesting and relevant to the general public?
speaker
Francesca Bosco
explanation
Increasing public engagement is necessary to generate support and understanding for digital governance issues.
How can Geneva and Switzerland better leverage cross-referencing and cooperation between institutions?
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
explanation
Improving collaboration and referencing between Geneva-based institutions could significantly enhance the ecosystem’s effectiveness.
What impact will AI have on traditional roles and processes in diplomacy, journalism, and international organizations?
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
explanation
Understanding these impacts is crucial for adapting and remaining relevant in the rapidly changing digital landscape.
How can Switzerland and Geneva attract more innovative funding models, including from the private sector?
speaker
Thomas Schneider
explanation
Exploring new funding sources is necessary to address resource limitations in the public sector.
How will the increasing importance of digital issues in New York-based UN discussions affect Geneva’s role?
speaker
Audience member (Fabrizio)
explanation
Understanding this shift is important for maintaining Geneva’s relevance in digital governance discussions.
Could the UN develop its own digital platform for negotiations and consultations?
speaker
Audience member (Jérôme Bellion-Jordan)
explanation
This could enhance the UN’s digital capabilities and reduce reliance on private providers.
How can the UN develop its own open-source, transparent AI system?
speaker
Jovan Kurbalija
explanation
This is crucial for maintaining the UN’s impartiality and inclusivity in the age of AI.
Disclaimer: This is not an official session record. DiploAI generates these resources from audiovisual recordings, and they are presented as-is, including potential errors. Due to logistical challenges, such as discrepancies in audio/video or transcripts, names may be misspelled. We strive for accuracy to the best of our ability.
