ICT in changing the face of traditional diplomacy
In this Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) driven 21st century, a major challenge facing the diplomatic community globally is how to adapt to these technologies in their day-to-day activities.This involves the use of modern technologies in diplomatic activities, be it exchange of information or negotiations, mostly between sovereign states. Thus the application of technologies from telecommunications down to multimedia transcends mere communication on telephone to Internet chat and exchange of information in matter of seconds. Director of Diplo Foundation, Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, noted that online negotiation is very important. He called on developing countries to press for global acceptance of online negotiations' mechanism as a successful means of engaging the rest of the world. He specifically said that online negotiation is basically good for trade among other technical diplomatic issues, thus preferable to be handled online. He also cautioned that by clicking on 'send' on the Internet via electronic mail (email), means commitment for a diplomat of any State. Kurbalija explained that online negotiation saves cost; hence it does not involve acquiring equipment for videoconference among other multimedia tools, and could simply be achieved by mere exchange of emails. He also advised contemporary diplomats to always ensure they have an IT person on their side and develop good rapport with him. Moreover, what this workshop brought to the fore was that ICT is inevitable tool in contemporary diplomacy, even as it is relevant in every citizen's life as in diplomats. And like Dr. Kurbalija stated, LDCs should optimize ICT not only because it is cost effective, it gives room for exploration of the available human resources at a State's disposal.
posted by Unknown @ 6:37 AM
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