Course Catalogue

Internet governance (IG) has become one of the most important policy areas of our time. The Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance (ADIG) online capacity development programme gives current and future internet policymakers a solid foundation in practical and diplomatic skills, as well as techniques necessary to engage effectively in global policy processes. Topics like privacy […]

Diplomatic privileges and immunities usually receive attention only when exceptions or abuses are reported in the news. Starting with the evolution of diplomatic privileges and immunities and ending with the question of whether the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations should be revisited in the internet era, this course introduces participants to diplomatic law in general […]

What will you learn?

Describe, prioritise, and provide examples of the key tasks and methods of diplomacy today, including the security dimension; economic tasks; and public diplomacy, including culture, media, and education promotion.

The critical internet infrastructure is no longer a dry tech-geek topic. It has drawn attention from the wider internet community through discussions on internet names and numbers (domain names such as .amazon, .wine), the internet of things (self-driving cars, drones affecting air traffic safety) and other current issues. DiploFoundation offers an interactive online course focusing […]

Humanitarian diplomacy is persuading decision makers and opinion leaders to act, at all times, in the interests of vulnerable people, and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles. The rapid expansion of the number of humanitarian actors in recent years, working for or with governments at all levels and often in complex situations, makes humanitarian […]

Today’s headlines often feature the word ‘cyber’, reporting on threats related to the virtual world: online frauds, stolen credit cards, online child abuse and ‘the dark web’, ransomware, computer hacks and viruses, botnets and denial-of-service attacks on corporate and government servers, cyberespionage, and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure including hospitals and power supply networks. What are […]

Economic diplomacy deals with the nexus between power and wealth in international affairs. Economic diplomacy not only promotes the state’s prosperity but also, as occasion demands and opportunity permits, manipulates its foreign commercial and financial relations in support of its foreign policy – as in the case of sanctions against Iran. Accordingly, economic diplomacy is […]

Sustainable development is one of the great challenges of our time. The unprecedented crisis that we cross today is a blunt reminder of the need for co-operation across borders, sectors and generations. More than ever international assistance is needed to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and its economic and social impacts. According to the UN […]

Science diplomacy has gained increasing importance and prominence over the last years. Though not a new practice, there is a growing realisation that science diplomacy, actively pursued, is integral to reaching foreign policy goals and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and global health (watch the short video by […]

The Master in Contemporary Diplomacy guides working diplomats and international relations professionals through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focusz on contemporary issues and challenges. Participants can focus on contemporary diplomacy, or select internet governance as an area of specialisation within the programme. Those who select internet governance will attend several […]

Public diplomacy is a hot topic today, yet only a decade ago, it was a very specialised term. There is a new transparency in the interactions between governments and countries in the international system, influenced by factors such as:  democratisation of diplomacy globalisation resurgence of methods of bilateral, regional, and multilateral diplomacy spotlight on external […]

Artificial intelligence has moved from the realm of science fiction into our everyday lives. But what is it, exactly, and how does it change the socio-economic landscape? What is at stake for governments, businesses, and citizens? Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed significantly in recent years, and is increasingly part of everyday life. Interactive voice assistants […]

Why do we need diplomats? Diplomats are members of a profession developed over many centuries. But why do we still need them in a world transformed by electronic communications? This course examines the nature of diplomacy; when it is appropriate; the advantages and disadvantages of different diplomatic methods; and the lexicon of diplomacy. The materials […]

Internet governance (IG) may be more important to you than you realise. Have you been reading and worrying about cybersecurity threats? Does online surveillance concern you and your colleagues? These are important IG issues. Learning more about IG will help you understand these personal and professional issues, and what can and should be done about […]

Explore the origins of multilateral diplomacy and its evolution within a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. This course introduces participants to the diplomatic interaction among more than two actors, with particular emphasis on the multilateral diplomacy represented by the United Nations system. Participants examine an overview of all protagonists and their roles, as well as […]

Diplomacy in the 21st century is more proactive, multidirectional, and innovative than ever before. Our world is increasingly interconnected, as demonstrated by the domestic impact of external issues. New subjects crowd the international agenda. At home and abroad, many actors participate in international affairs. Managing external affairs is more complex, involving focusing on performance and […]

E-diplomacy walks the line between continuity and change in our digital era. Diplomatic activities are increasingly supported by internet and digital tools, and other information and communications technologies (ICTs). Diplomats rely on the internet to find information, communicate with colleagues via email, and negotiate draft texts in electronic format; diplomats are also increasingly using new […]

Diplomatic means can transform the smallness of a state into an asset when promoting national and international interests. This course examines the manner in which small states conduct their diplomacy to pursue their foreign policy objectives and to manage their participation in the global community of nations. The subject takes two aspects as starting premises: […]

Small and developing states with limited geographical, human, and financial resources face the challenge of doing more with less: they need to employ all available methods to increase their representation, including networks, alliances, and information technology tools. The effective presence of such states in International Geneva is vital for their social and economic development, as […]

Small and developing states with limited geographical, human, and financial resources face the challenge of doing more with less: they need to employ all available methods to increase their representation, including networks, alliances, and information technology tools. The effective presence of such states in International Geneva is vital for their social and economic development, as […]

Capacity development has been emerging as a central approach within development for more than two decades. This approach has gradually shifted the focus of development practice from simple financial aid and technical cooperation towards a complex new paradigm that encourages and demands active involvement and ownership from the people and communities involved in aid programmes. […]

Children and young people are among the most avid users of mobile technologies, which can have a tremendous positive impact on their lives. Like any tool, however, mobile technologies can be used to cause harm, and parents, governments and industry have a role in protecting and supporting children who are connected. This course looks at […]

In recent years, consular and diaspora diplomacy have both emerged as important areas in diplomatic studies; governments are becoming more citizen-centric. Consular diplomacy has gained prominence in many foreign ministries, a dramatic turnaround from its earlier status as a routine activity. This is directly connected with the enhanced role of publics in foreign affairs. Consular […]

The Cybersecurity Diplomacy course equips professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to act effectively in cybersecurity diplomacy. This online course analyses how the abuse of technology impacts geopolitical security, social and economic development, and cyber processes and negotiations. The course is taught by academics, technology experts, and seasoned diplomats. Notice how cybersecurity news […]

Cyberspace has become an essential component of modern society. However, the merits of the open internet are accompanied by risks which need to be approached comprehensively and systematically though the cooperation of all stakeholders. Many countries have adopted national cybersecurity strategies and related legislation, taking into account both security and freedoms, and have set up […]

This course provides an interdisciplinary coverage of digital commerce, from both digital and trade perspectives. It builds the knowledge and capacity of participants to engage in digital commerce-related negotiations and discussions on the multilateral and bilateral levels.

The Geneva Internet Platform is offering a course aimed to assist permanent missions in Geneva to actively follow the increasingly important field of digital policy, cooperation, and diplomacy. This blended learning course, combining online learning with weekly face-to-face meetings, will be delivered by the DiploFoundation. Apply only if you are based in Geneva. Applications from […]

Protocol is an important part of diplomatic practice linked with history, royalty, religion, culture and language. Diplomatic protocol involves etiquette on a local and international scale, and the practice of good manners on a daily basis. It evolved as a result of old traditions, when in the early days of civilization hospitality was extended to […]

Learn to effectively advance education as a bridge that promotes peace, prosperity, and sustainability. Governments are primarily responsible for fulfilling the right to education for children worldwide. However, global education goals such as Sustainable Development Goal 4 cannot be achieved without cooperation, coordination, and collaboration across sectors and among diverse, non-state actors in the areas […]

Negotiating health in an interdependent world As health moves beyond its purely technical realm to become an ever more critical element in foreign policy, security policy, and trade agreements, new skills are needed to negotiate global regimes, international agreements and treaties, and to maintain relations with a wide range of stakeholders. This course focuses on […]

The Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) and DiploFoundation, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN, are offering a course for diplomats posted at permanent missions to the UN. The course aims to help participants understand and follow the digital policy aspects of many UN discussions and negotiations. This dynamic, blended learning course […]

What makes one set of words more convincing than another, and how can language best be put to work in the service of diplomacy and international relations? This course promotes language awareness as a means of improving communication skills of opinion shapers. Close attention is paid to case studies of treaties, presidential speeches, public announcements, […]

We negotiate all the time in both personal and professional capacities. To improve the outcomes and achieve our goals, it is vital to reflect on the process of negotiation and develop appropriate negotiation skills. This practical, interactive course equips participants with the skills to successfully prepare, undertake, and conclude negotiations in formal and informal settings […]

In this highly interactive, practice-based course participants learn how to plan, manage, and run successful online events: choosing and using an appropriate technical platform, planning the entire process from the initial idea to follow up, and effectively moderating interaction in an online environment. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certified Online Moderator certificate awarded by DiploFoundation.