Thrilled to share insights from the recent Diplomacy360 conference I had the honor of attending, focusing on “The Geopolitics and Diplomacy of Emerging Disruptive Technologies.” A heartfelt thank you to the Bursa Romana de Afaceri – RBE Connect / Romanian Business Exchange and Valentin PREDA for this exceptional opportunity.
The conference convened Ambassadors and experts from across the globe, including the Republic of Korea, Israel, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, delving deep into the realm of ‘techplomacy’—a testament to how diplomacy is evolving in the face of technological innovation. Denmark’s pioneering of the ‘techambassador’ role stands as a beacon for integrating technology with global diplomacy, underscoring the imperative for diplomacy to transcend traditional borders in today’s tech-driven world.
A key takeaway was the recognition of multinational tech companies as pivotal geopolitical entities, whose influence now rivals that of nation-states. This shift demands a new diplomatic approach that embraces these non-state actors.
Moreover, discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) highlighted its dual capability as a tool for both defense and societal betterment. The potential of AI to drive us closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals was particularly inspiring, showcasing technology’s role in crafting a sustainable future.
Reflecting on the evolution from bulky machines to the prospect of brain-computer interfaces, the conference prompted profound contemplation on humanity’s future alongside advancing technology.
As William Gibson aptly noted, “The future is already here – it’s just not very evenly distributed.” The dialogues at Diplomacy 360 have convinced me more than ever of the need for equitable technology access and innovative tech diplomacy to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.
Photo credit: Diplomacy 360
