Just in time reporting initiatives

The global digital policy calendar is rich with conferences, public meetings, high-level meetings, and other discussions that shape the policy process.

The Digital Watch observatory has been reporting from digital policy discussions since 2015, with the aim of helping stakeholders follow the parallel debates, understand current and emerging issues, and explore the topics in more depth. The reporting initiatives also help bridge existing gaps in stakeholder participation, and overcome barriers created by policy silos. The observatory provides just-in-time reports from select major events (such as the Internet Governance Forum), and other regional or national events. A team of 50 expert curators and rapporteurs, data analysts, editors, and multimedia specialists is behind the Digital Watch reporting initiatives.

Would you like to engage the Digital Watch reporting team to cover your event? Get in touch with us.

Protected: In-situ training for cyber diplomats in Addis Ababa

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UN OEWG 2021-2025 7th substantive session

The UN OEWG 2021-2025 will have its 7th substantive session from March 4-8, 2024, focusing on information and communications technologies security. Delegates will discuss potential threats, implementation of norms, scenario-based discussions, and additional global cyber security cooperation measures. The group aims to develop responsible state behavior norms, implement them, and potentially establish a regular institutional dialogue. All UN member states interested can participate in the group’s activities. More details can be found on the dedicated page.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024

The 3rd Antalya Diplomacy Forum will be held on 1-3 March 2024 under the theme “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil”. Leading diplomats will convene to discuss various global issues. Diplo will join a session on ‘The Role of Science and Tech Diplomacy in a Globalized World’ on 2 March 2024 at 10:00. Livestreams will be available. For more details, visit the organizer’s webpage.

Concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee

The Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee’s final session will be held in New York from January 29 to February 9, 2024. The committee has been working since 2021 to develop an international convention to address cybercrime misuse. Their goal is to present a draft convention to the General Assembly in September 2024. Visit the dedicated page for more details.

AI and Digital @ WEF 2024

The World Economic Forums annual meeting in Davos in 2024 focused on AI and digital technologies, reflecting the theme of Rebuilding Trust. Discussions centered on topics such as establishing trust in AI, the importance of open-source models, the impact of AI on jobs, and AI’s role in cybersecurity. The event highlighted the need for education, regulations, and inclusivity in the AI domain. Key questions were raised regarding the potential of AI to create artificial truth, bridge global divides, and influence governance. Discussions aimed to move beyond clichés towards concrete suggestions for AI governance and global regulation.

UNCTAD eWeek 2023

UNCTAD eWeek 2023 took place in Geneva and online with a focus on shaping the future of the digital economy. The event featured 127 session reports, 624 speakers, and 833 speeches, totaling over 10,000 minutes of content. Key topics included the desired future for the digital economy, necessary steps to achieve it, and the role of digital partnerships for inclusivity and sustainability. Noteworthy sessions included discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, empowering women entrepreneurs, and fast-tracking a digital economy. The event showcased fast speakers, long sessions, and highlighted mentions of prefixes such as ‘digital’, ‘online’, ‘tech’, ‘cyber’, and ‘virtual’.

2023 Global Cybersecurity Forum

The 2023 Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh will focus on aligning global cyber community on strategic priorities, expanding opportunities, and enhancing multi-stakeholder engagement amidst complex challenges. Dr. Jovan Kurbalija will address the event.

Internet Governance Forum 2023

The 18th annual Internet Governance Forum will be hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October with the theme “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People.” The event will focus on various sub-themes related to internet governance, including cybersecurity, data governance, and human rights. Daily reports from the event will be provided by the Digital Watch Observatory, and a mobile app is available for accessing reports on the go. The initiative is supported by the Geneva Internet Platform and DiploFoundation, with a presence at the event’s physical and virtual spaces.

78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78)

Summary: Comprehensive analysis and diplomatic overview of the general discussion at UNGA 78 provided by experts and diplomats.

WTO Public Forum 2023

The 2023 WTO Public Forum will focus on exploring how trade can promote sustainability and support eco-friendly practices. Key topics will include the role of trade in accessing green products and technologies, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goals, and utilizing digitalization for greener supply chains. Subthemes include the services sector’s impact on sustainable trade, inclusive policies for green trade advancement, and digitalization’s role in greening supply chains.