Diplomacy is one of the oldest political activities in human history. This significant historical legacy has led diplomatic practices to be strongly linked to traditions, symbols, and customs that have developed over time. However, the role of the diplomat has continually evolved to make the most of innovations that technology has introduced. The latest of these innovations, information technology, has prompted profound reflection on its potential and risks, even suggesting a new paradigm: digital diplomacy.
On this theme, the conference Digital Diplomacy: Building the Common Future with Technology was held on October 25, 2024, at the Milan campus of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Organized as part of the Erasmus+ DD-Tech project, a group of researchers from the Faculty of Linguistic Sciences collaborated with five partner universities from four countries (Italy, Turkey, Estonia, Slovenia, and Romania) to explore how digitalization is transforming diplomacy and international cooperation.
The meeting began with institutional greetings from Amanda Murphy, Director of the Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI), and Özgün Erler Bayir, professor at Istanbul University and project coordinator. Highlights included the opening speech by David Ringrose, Head of Connectivity and Digital Transition at the European External Action Service, and a roundtable moderated by Andrea Locatelli, coordinator of the research unit at Università Cattolica, featuring Diego Brasioli, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Maja Kluger Dionigi, Senior EU Advisor/TECH at the Danish Technological Embassy.
In his keynote address, David Ringrose outlined how the European Union is building a series of web-based initiatives, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy that can leverage digital tools to tackle global challenges more effectively and inclusively. During the roundtable, participants discussed the potential and challenges posed by current and emerging technologies, both in terms of enhancing diplomatic action and promoting transparency and openness.
The conference then highlighted the outputs of the DD-Tech project, which aims to develop a teaching tool for students and professionals in the diplomatic field. Researchers from the partner universities, including the Catholic University, the University of Tartu, Istanbul Ticaret University, and the University of Bucharest, presented the e-learning platform’s content, covering topics from cybersecurity to “Twitter Diplomacy,” as well as human rights advocacy and political propaganda.
The event concluded with remarks by Maurizio Molinari, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Milan. Overall, the conference showcased how digital diplomacy represents not just a new way for states to communicate, but a transformative paradigm in global cooperation.