A WORKSHOP ON THE USE OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY IN DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES
2nd - 11th June 1997
Organised by: Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies & Commonwealth Network of IT for Development (COMNET-IT)
in collaboration with Multilateral Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Environment, Malta,
Swiss Development Corporation, & The Management and Training Services Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
Course Objectives
Developing countries, especially those with limited financial and human
resources, find it difficult to participate meaningfully in today’s intensive
multilateral and bilateral diplomatic activities which increasingly tackle
issues that have a great impact on national interests and policies. Moreover,
maintaining a diplomatic network is a big financial and organizational burden
for most developing states. The development of Information Technology makes
diplomatic activities less costly but more efficient.
This Workshop was aimed at introducing the use of Information Technology
in Diplomatic Services to small, developing countries and other states with
limited resources. The Workshop was intended to contribution to the overall
strengthening of the capacity of countries concerned both in conducting their
external relations and in participating meaningfully in subregional, regional
and worldwide diplomatic activities. With this aim participants are expected to
acquire both a theoretical and a practical knowledge on the use of Information
Technology in diplomatic activities.
Training Approach
The Workshop was based on the IT-based training method - "DiploEdu" which
focuses on the use of the Internet and other modern tools in teaching and
training. In its application at the Workshop this method focused on the
development of all activities concerning creation and development of web-sites.
Participants were instructed and provided with facilities to develop their views
about the issues discussed at the Workshop. The technical focal point for this
practical exercise was the "Electronic Embassy".
WORKSHOP PROGRAMME included the following topics
International Security Network - by Mr. Stephen Libishevski
Experience from developing Internet-based information system for international relations.
Training Sessions in Electronic Embassy and Consultations about Projects
Given the specific training of methodology participants
were introduced and instructed in using the "DiploEdu" methodology. Special
emphasis was given to practical skills such as such as web-design, database
development, graphic design, etc. Customised and individual training sessions
were organised for the participant who needed basic training in IT.
The Internet Course included - Page Design, Graphic
Design, Typography, Typefaces integration of databases, animation, video, push
technology,Frames, Java, ActiveX, Maintenance of web-sites.
Security of Information Systems for Diplomatic Activities
Major issues: How Hackers Hack, Hacker
targets, Hacker techniques Hacker tools, Firewall technologies Gathering
intelligence on hackers
Managing IT Projects for the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs by Michael Balzan, Project Manager - IT Project for Malta's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Developing Communication Infrastructure for Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic
Network by Chris Sammut, MSU Ltd.
Governmental Framework for the Computerisation of Diplomacy
Use of IT for Trade Promotion - Mr. Anton Said, Malta Export Trade Corporation (METCO)
Use of IT for Administrative support of Diplomatic Activities by Mr. Gaetan Naudi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Malta
Geographic Information Systems
USE OF IT FOR TRAINING OF DIPLOMATS
NEW TOPICS ON DIPLOMATIC AGENDAS
- IT commodities and services
- International
organizations, forums and channels for regulation IT-related issues
- Transfer of IT
- Protection of intellectual property in bilateral
relations (special emphasis on software)
- Protection of intellectual
property in multilateral context (special emphasis on software)
- Role of
national authorities in relation to intellectual property, standards and
specifications for IT
- Other international legal and political topics
raised by the development of IT
Model of Information Systems for Ministries of Foreign Affairs
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