communication --- I do agree on the communication that can lead to prevent harm. However, as the nature of kids, they might not follow the rule or other guideline. We should put technology to support the implementation. We should have software to protect or block any unwanted contents for them as a second layer of protection.

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Are our kids safe? --- That the best question. Well, by having a cybersecurity awareness session at the early age (For example, pre-school, ...) will help to better aware of the situation and reduce the risk of being the victim. Government should mandatory include it into the school curriculum.

Source author: Phannarith Ou phannarith-ou@mptc.gov.kh

Education online/offline --- Education is the key. It has always been. The tools that kids have today and risks they are exposed to are probably more powerful that in the past, but irresponsible parenting has always existed.

On the other hand, State has also a responsibility. More law enforcement efforts have to be put into the web, closing down sites that offer inappropriate content and convicting abusers and criminals.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

Important question --- While some parents try to restrict access to internet, this is becoming more and more an impossible tasks because most activities are today carried online: school, socialising, entertainment.

There must be a necessary balance between introducing the kids to the internet and ensuring they're not consumed by it.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

Immunity --- For instance, parents cannot sue the platforms in the US as they have immunity. Section 230 grants immunity to internet providers agains claims related to the content they host.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

Pedophilia --- Vlad, in the article you posted Dr. Patrice Renaud says “Pedophilia is difficult to treat as you can’t change this sexual preference". It seems to me that seeing pedophilia as a sexual preference tantamount to admiring it as a valid choice. Let's just not forget that it is a crime.

Source author: Jorge Ernesto Salcido Zugasti jsalcido@sre.gob.mx

Anonymity --- @Muna: Don't you think that anonymity and a sense of impunity may encourage some persons to commit abusive and criminal acts, that they wouldn't have dared to do in another situation where a certain a social control exist ?

In case of insults or threats online, this is clearly the case. Some people stop behaving when they go on the net.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Digital organ --- @Vladimir: I find the comparison of the cell phone with a digital organ very accurate! We are entering a digital era with huge potential and advantages, and many disadvantages.<br /> We are learning to adapt and live with this new reality. Every major invention had disruptive effects on the society and faced opposition. I recall an anecdote about a French nobleman in the 19th century who opposed the introduction of electric lighting in homes because it hampered reading....

If we tend to be addicted to our phones, it is because those electric devices fulfil essential needs (communication, socialising, memory etc.). We should discuss the limits we want to set to our "digital organ" and give ourselves some time off. The analog world still exists and we should enjoy it too!

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

root causes --- And that is why the solution must be looking into the root causes of these acts, which is greatly linked to the offline world. Unless these crimes are solved in the offline world first, they will keep reappearing in the internet.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

Online Vs offline world --- I am afraid I disagree, I don't think internet amplified anything, rather than simply reflected the issues we already have in the offline world.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

Over protection --- I believe over protection is way harmful than anything, it affects the children's ability to explore and learn by themselves. So the ultimate approach can be monitoring the activities from a distance and only interfering when something really suspicious. Also, educating the children and adolescents on basic digital security can be useful.

Source author: Muna Hemoudi mhemoudi@gmail.com

Re alternatives --- Spot on! You described the dilemma very well. There may still be a choice left, and that's to use technology alongside traditional channels (ex, e-books, and the good old school library). What is emerging right now, after almost 2 years since the emergence of COVID-19, is a hunger for face-to-face interaction. Just as the pandemic led to lockdowns, a post-pandemic reality could re-ignite some of the older ways of doing things, including the traditional offline ways. Or at least, that's what I'm hoping for! Is it the same for you?

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Re feedback --- I would argue that websites geared towards child safety are already in plenty, and therefore, not so sure that additional resources are required. What I would argue for is more awareness among kids about the many resources out there, and how they can be used. But more on this during our chat session on Thursday...

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Re borderless --- Agree with you, though what the text is saying is that for us – the internet's users – there isn't a clearcut difference between online and offline any more. For whoever has internet access, I don't think the 'offline world' exists any more, in the same way as it did before internet access.

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Re: way more difficult --- Well said Carlos. Not providing access is not necessarily the best solution, especially for the not-so-young kids, who are exposed to peer pressure. And very much related to this: children's age matters a lot. We're discussing kids between the ages of 1 or 2, and 17, and that's a very big range, with a host of different needs.

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Once again: education is at the center --- @Valerii: I agree! Information or IT-education at school is an efficient way to teach the children how to behave on the internet, what are the dangers, how to react in case of suspicious messages or bullying. It is very important that children discuss these issues in class, and that they know the dangers of internet and what on-line behaviour is not acceptable.

Schools may also inform the parents, which is also important, and make them aware of the many dangers of internet and how to react and address these topics at home.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch

Games --- Thank you for the link Ivan. One of the problems is that even if the game developers or producers do inform of the level of violence or the appropriate age for playing different games, many parents do not check that information. There are games designed for very young kids, even toddlers, that are extremely violent.

Source author: Jorge Ernesto Salcido Zugasti jsalcido@sre.gob.mx

Risk = probability x loss --- To begin the risk management is necessary to identify all the possible risks based on the proper context. Then, analyze and evaluate risks on different levels. And finally, develop an appropriate response to mitigate the possible risks even before they happen. We have to understand that is not possible to mitigate all risks, some risks will be attended, avoided and some of them accepted.

I do not have children but my experience with my sister helped me to understand the importance of giving them their responsibility when talking about surfing on the Internet. In the same way, how a child should be getting responsibilities gradually on their stuff like picking up their toys after playtime, they should be granted with the Internet or smartphone gradually, and just after the parents ensure the child has a safe environment and talk about the duty that comes with the internet.

Source author: Alan Kaheri Chavez Castro itsupportirl@sre.gob.mx

two-persons work --- As you mention Thomas, there should be in practic special environments for children surfing on the Internet. However, at what age do you consider a child should be granted access to the Internet by themself? I believe this is not a one-person work. What happens with all the parental controls without the supervision or the adjustments? become unuseful from my point of view. Do you think a set environment with antivirus, content filter, etc. Can work without suppervision?

Source author: Alan Kaheri Chavez Castro itsupportirl@sre.gob.mx

implementation, implementation, implementation --- @Vladimir - couldn't agree with you more: implementation, implementation, implementation. I've been co-operating with States for 18+ years to implement the WMD treaties (to keep NBC materials out of bad actors hands primarily) but it's a heavy lift: governmental priorities (and shinier priorities), expense, lack of capacity and technical training, donor (and recipient) fatigue, reporting fatigue. The list goes on. But it works, and though it may take a few years in some cases, the legislation in many countries eventually gets through. The CoE's programme, which I took a look at, will necessarily need to be for the long haul. And if an international convention goes through the same can be said of that.

Source author: Scott Spence scott.a.spence@gmail.com

With great power comes great responsibility --- Quoting someone's uncle "With great power comes great responsibility”. Is not clear to me why a 3 years old child has to have a mobile phone when they should be learning and developing different skills at this age. The parents should be responsible for this situation and maybe the news will stop more parents from doing the same. Do you think the parents should be responsible for this action?

Source author: Alan Kaheri Chavez Castro itsupportirl@sre.gob.mx

Harm --- It is very difficult to asses the harm that may be caused to children when misusing the Internet. The harm might no be immediate, but depending on their levels of maturity and development, certain content and online activities might cause further damage. Parent controls, although vulnerable, are still a good way in trying to prevent children from accessing the wrong materials or falling pray of predators online.

Source author: Jorge Ernesto Salcido Zugasti jsalcido@sre.gob.mx

Setting the rules of the game --- In the same way, how we teach a child to walk on the street being aware of the potential dangers, we should do the same online. Unfortunately is not possible to protect them during all their online session, but we can show them the rules of how to use the Internet.

Source author: Alan Kaheri Chavez Castro itsupportirl@sre.gob.mx

Finding the victims --- I have no idea about what the protocols for looking for and finding the victims are, but I presume it must be a very complex task, one that require inter-institutional and transnational cooperation. The victims could be anywhere in the world and the footage can be taken in a different place from the one in which its uploaded to the web.

Source author: Jorge Ernesto Salcido Zugasti jsalcido@sre.gob.mx

Right Age --- As parent, i' asking "What is the right age for my children to be in contact of electronic device, specially connected devices? Some advice?

Source author: Ioniarimalala RAKOTONIRINA ioniarimalala@gmail.com

borderless --- If attempting to define a border to the usage of internet, it's really difficult to clearly find it. Some unconnected devices may sometime need internet, or some file from iinternet to be updated. The link cannot be totally down or ignored.

Source author: Ioniarimalala RAKOTONIRINA ioniarimalala@gmail.com

Harm from violent video games --- In one research, I don't have a link for it now, it was proved scientifically, that video games are less likely to make children become violent or even dangerous. Even though I don't have a specific link for this research, but I also want to bring another example of entertaining content. I think that watching the evening news at home can be even more harmful to children rather than playing violent online games. Usually, a family gathers at home in front of the TV, by watching the evening news. If we really pay attention to what is being shown on the news, it is more than half of the content which is based on crimes committed during the day/night or global problems in the world. Should we pay more attention and blame not online violent games for the bad attitude or violent behavior of a kid, but also other content which surrounds us?

Source author: Valerii Paziuk paziukvalerii@gmail.com

scientia potentia est --- A Latin aphorism meaning "knowledge is power". If a person it doesn't matter young or adult is educated and guided, if he or she knows what is hidden in a world such as the cyber world, then such person will be able to accept risks and not get harmed or spoiled in any way. In my opinion, there should be special guidance or even subject in school, home, and other places where a young person is being taught and getting knowledge not only how to stay protected but also how to do not act inappropriately.

Source author: Valerii Paziuk paziukvalerii@gmail.com

online learning --- Some people say that online studying has helped pupils to stay In Via, studying outside school institutions. However, others say that online studying is controversial and that there are both successful students who continue studying and are getting knowledge, while others cannot study online by using technologies from home or somewhere else but not present in school. Having comments and responses from both sides, I can say that online studying is not a proper way to study for everybody. For some children/teens, it is difficult to stay focused and interested while studying online. In my opinion, in the nearest future, we should encourage authorities and others to have mixed methods of education, where students can be present in person on some days and be online on others.

Source author: Valerii Paziuk paziukvalerii@gmail.com

Hunting down on abusers --- Bennette, in fact, combating child sexual abuse is among the most successful examples of global cooperation in cyberspace.

Since child protection is a 'jus cogens' - a universally accepted norm across all the jurisdictions of the world - those cases seem to be seriously addressed by most law enforcement authorities. In addition, there is a close cooperation between LEA and various child protection NGOs which track abusers and their fora, and provide evidences, and the tech industry in general. FBI does play a leading role, but Europol and Interpol are becoming more prominent as well.

Could it be (much) better? Of course. But this cooperation is a model to follow and explore further.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Implementation of the Budapest Convention --- On the other hand, these 60+ countries that have signed the Budapest Convention have also benefited from the Council of Europe training for law enforcement on how to put the convention to practice, how to harmonise their laws, etc.

In many cases, international agreements get signed by majority of states, but never get implemented in practice (as many countries don't have resources or skills, or just don't prioritise those agreements).

In case we end up with the new global convention, it would be of utmost importance that it gets implemented, and that countries devote resources and obtain skills for that. In this regards, the more elements of the Budapest Convention we see in the possible global treaty, the easier it may get for the implementation since many countries are on that track already.

In the meantime, of course, it would be good to see more countries sign the Budapest Convention and starts working, while the global negotiations are on.

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Facebook case and the society --- What strikes me is the (absence of) reaction of users. Facebook has good through many troubles (or, more correctly - we have gone through many troubles with Facebook!) since Cambridge Analytica; yet their user base has not really shrunk because of this, or its value declined!

The recent case of a whistleblower probably won't be any different: users will soon forget about all this, and return to scrolling the FB timeline for more dopamine. Their change of the name to Meta wasn't probably even needed (at least when it comes to user perspective).

Shouldn't we equally blame ourselves - users, citizens, the society: what have we done as response to each of those cases? Why haven't we abandoned Facebook more massively? It was mainly the handful of activist organisations which keep fighting 'our' battle for control of big-tech, and pressing the governments to act (with more or less success).

How do we sensitize users more? What avenues can users take as their personal 'protest'? How do we make sure the demand for better services increases, and users demand accountability of companies?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Self-regulation and competition --- Yet, if self-regulation (especially on really sensitive content like violence against children) becomes 'a trend' and a competitive advantage? Ie if users start demanding safer environment - and thus the demand drives big tech towards more self-regulation? Is this realistic at all?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

Re not buying a device --- I just read this additional comment Scott. We're on the same page.

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Re shouldn't buy one? --- What about those kids who use their parents' phone? In my personal environment, I have never met a parent who has never given their phone to an under-5 to play with. (Though I must also add: in every case, kids were only allowed to play age-appropriate apps, or to watch YouTube Kids). Point is, the issue is not whether to buy a mobile or not, but whether to let kids use a mobile.

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Re effects of home schooling --- Vladimir, there are already initial studies that show how e-learning has helped children continue their education, but has increased the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don't.

What if we look at this from a different angle: If we assume that kids are exposed to the best conditions to take advantage of e-learning, is it e-learning that has certain effects on kids, or the lack of physical interaction?

Source author: Stephanie Borg Psaila StephanieP@diplomacy.edu

Trade today has nothing to do with... --- ...the Commonwealth, as far as I know. What the UK Plowden report really said, in my view, is that economic and commercial work amount to the same thing....But I am subject to (reasoned) correction!

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

Could you pl tell us... --- ...a little more about the 'Board of Review'? Thanks.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

When any regional group or members consider this Q... --- ...some issues need close study. 1. What has been the experience with regional FSIs? The Swiss pursued this as part of their development aid in East and West Africa -- in both cases they were taken over by a university and the MFA in that country lost interest (one was based in Kenya and the other perhaps in Ghana). 2. Caricom has tried this with a regional center in Trinidad, again with loss of interest by neighbors -- a key barrier being cost of bringing in trainees from neighboring countries. 3. After the pandemic, focus may shift more to online learning, and this offers better scope for a regional center. That deserves serious study. 4. At SADC you may face a special challenge in terms of the role of South Africa -- it is by far the largest player (with its own fine FSI). But perhaps SADC members do not want SA to dominate a regional FSI.....Further comment welcome.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

business capital... --- ..I am currently based in Brasilia but since we do not have an economic consulate, we (the Embassy) undertake visits to Sao Paulo a few times a year to promote trade and investment opportunties. I recently spent a week in Sao Paulo on one of such Missions which has turned out very fruitful. I find the supporting role of the Honorary Consul in this endeavour quite helpful too.

Source author: Omphile Sethunya Sedimo sedimosethunya44@gmail.com

I concur!!! --- I agree with you Lapologang, it is high time that SADC countries establish a regional institute for foreign service training. In one of my HTs on this lecture text, I have confessed that, Lesotho does not as a matter of policy breed career diplomats with entry prerequisite being adequate background, knowledge and skills in diplomacy and/or international relations. MFA staff in Lesotho are employed into the Ministry through the same procedure afforded to all other civil servants through the Public Service Commission. It is merely out of luck and/or of course knowing someone who knows somebody of authority, that one gets placed in that Ministry.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

Crucial point --- For example in Malta, the the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has made manifest to the Board of Review its emphasis on the need to have all of Malta’s Representations Overseas (with the exception of New York, Geneva and Strasbourg in view of their multilateral role) concentrate as far as possible on commercial and economic diplomacy

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Agreed --- For example, in the US the Locally Employed staff or Foreign Service Nationals provide advice based on their experiences working with American staff or working for the United States. The purpose was to gain a sense of how local employees see their work and what can be learnt from their perspectives may not always be solicited at post.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Lesotho's economic section (Diplomacy) --- With emphasis to the importance location, Lesotho has an Embassy in Pretoria, at the seat of government but found it imperative to also have a Consulate located in Johannesburg as a strategic business capital where most economic and commercial work, cultural promotion and consular duties are handled. The former deals with the more political and public diplomacy related issues.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

Question --- Doesn't that then partly depends on how the handling of Commonwealth countries go and how the manufacturers handle Commonwealth trade?

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Good or Bad? --- According to the lecture text, there seems to be a number of advantages to engagement of LEs but I am wondering on the opposite side of the coin, if they are not prone to becoming illegal economic intelligence gatherers and/or easily used through bribes by the local authorities to spy on the Embassy's confidential information and thereby jeopardising or compromising day to day functions of the Mission.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

In response to promotion, --- Targeted interventions are crucial to rebuild investor confidence and to maintain the eco-system conditions needed for FDI retention. This is particularly relevant to less developed regions where resources are scarcer and local government quality is often lower

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

In addition, --- The 1973 Oil Embargo acutely strained a U.S. economy that had grown increasingly dependent on foreign oil. The efforts of President Richard M. Nixon’s administration to end the embargo signaled a complex shift in the global financial balance of power to oil-producing states and triggered a slew of U.S.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Agreed Mavis --- In addition, establishing the financial conditions facilitate an increase in private sector investment which also helps policymakers to increase economic growth while reducing poverty.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

Macroeconomics addresses a large scale of economic factor which affects the overall population --- In my opinion, policymakers, have to make macroeconomic decisions such as setting interest rates and balancing a country's inflation with both its trade and the foreign exchange rate.

Source author: Tarniem Shokry Iskandar tar.eskander@hotmail.com

LE staff are pivotal to Mission's objectives and operations --- Engaging with our LE support staff is gratifying endeavour. They are the experts of their traditions, cultures, environment, national politics, issues/challenges, etc.

However, mutual trust and strategic engagement should be established as everyone has got their own political views and party-support, ideologies, etc. The last thing we want when seeking their invaluable advice/support to the Mission's objectives/operations is to get disputes/quarrels among the LE staff.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

I think this is more workable --- In our embassy's context, absence of economic/commercial officials in the Mission means consulting/liaising (by email or phone) with Ministry of Commerce in Capital. From experience, this poses huge challenges. We cannot get advice/guidance urgently when needed due to a myriad factors: unavailability of concerned officials; failure/bad connections; etc, etc.

A presence of a specialist attaché at the Mission will instantly address any challenges/problems the Mission will face re economic/commercial issues.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

Interesting arrangement!!! --- I find this exchange of economic experts and career diplomats within ministries a very interesting and significant for empowering, capacitating and enhancing career diplomats with relevant tools to utilise abroad on behalf of their countries. I find it to be an important intergovernmental skill transfer arrangement even though I know from experience that in some countries, it may not do well with career diplomats, sadly even when it is meant to capacitate them. This is the case even in countries that do not breed career diplomats per se but have civil servants employed in the Ministry of foreign affairs. The fact that diplomatic postings include foreign service, makes it hard for career diplomats to open up to positive change and diversity.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

Case of Namibia in Geneva. --- A Namibian friend and a colleague from the Permanent Mission of Namibia here in Geneva dealing with WTO issues is currently in the foreign service through secondment but he is under permanent employment of the Ministry of Trade back at home. He is actively and directly in contact with the Ministry of Trade at home where he reports almost on daily basis, despite briefing and reporting to the Ambassador here in Geneva.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

Indeed!!! --- I agree with you Gnagna on this one. In fact I wonder how they tend to draw a demarcation line between those two responsibilities to avoid overstepping onto another's main tasks or duties. I mean, it is true that the approach has its own advantages like that of not overburdened human resources but I think small Missions who are challenged by human resource capacities, are still at an advantage of averting unnecessary tensions among Embassy officials (economic and commercial) brought about conflict of interests.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

location vs costs --- In Botswana, the Investment Promotion Agency, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre BITC works with Diplomatic Missions to carryout their mandate. They have offices in three countries, India, UK and South Africa. Their offices are usually housed within our Embassies and are assigned a number of other countries to cover. In India, the IPA was established in Mumbai, the business capital of India in an effort to bring it closer to business people. the move was found to be not cost effective and as result it has since been relocated to New Delhi to share office with our High Commission

Source author: Lapologang Judah lapoduna@gmail.com

What are Sovereignty implications? --- Isn’t this duty tantamount to invasion of a state's sovereignty, independence and domestic affairs? I hope this is applicable or allowed only and only when the sending state feels or has reasonable doubt or proof that non-observance of international economic agreements by the receiving state will be detrimental to the former's interest only and not other parties, or on matters that only concern the latter's interests.

Source author: Malefetsane Dominic Mosala mosalalaw@gmail.com

No --- Normally the commercial offices of Peru abroad work in different places than the Consulates and the Embassies. The reason why they work separately is that they don't depend on MFA but the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Commercial and economic officers rely on one another --- That's a good observation Juan. You are right that the outcomes of the work carried out by commercial sections could be indeed more easily measurable. The point that is being made, however, is that the more actors in the commercial section are informed about the economic context, the better (and more efficient) they will be in carrying out their tasks. And vice versa.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

re. analogy --- The analogy gives food for thought Ndeye. Just like the boundaries between communication and marketing are blurred, so are the boundaries between economic and commercial; reporting and promoting. At the same time, a good deal of the 'reporting' is reporting back to capital, so the targets of 'communication' and 'marketing' may be different ones.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

US agencies and trade: a complex system --- The US provides an interesting and peculiar case indeed. A large number of governmental agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department os State, Department of homeland security (ex.customs and border control) play a role in different aspects of trade policy. Until the early 1960s, the Department of State was responsible for conducting trade and investment diplomacy, but this changed with the creation of the USTR, which is responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade, direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. USTR has the leading responsibility for all negotiations under the auspices of the WTO, but it is assisted by other agencies, such as the Department of State division for trade policy and negotiations. At the same time, the Department of Commerce has trade professionals located in embassies and consulates working on the promotion of American Businesses.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

re. macroeconomics --- Indeed, Mavis. To your list, I would perhaps add issues related to keeping the balance of payments healthy - which also relates to commercial issues, trade and investment - some of the topics discussed in this course.

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Physical proximity - still as important? --- Thank you for the practical example, Juan Carlos. And that's a good question, Ricardo. Indeed, being located in the same premisses could foster more coordination, and facilitate informal communication and cross-fertilization between teams. However, in times of well-developed 'digital diplomacy' and COVID-19, I wonder if the issue of location has lost its importance to some extent. What do colleagues think?

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Re. differences between the economic and commercial sections --- This is a good distinction based on practical (or hands-on) criteria. Does your analsys come from the observation of how Mexico organises its sections, Ricardo? If so, could you perhaps reflect on how coordination between the sections is promoted?

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu

Good example by Petru as it changes completely optics --- The emotional connotation, and then moral & practical assesment, that the audience could give to the issue under public policy discussion comes differently dpeneding on the way it is framed: those who will be leaving at the expend of the rest of the active workers VS those of our loved ones who deserve to arrive to a more tranquil life because they have earned it after contributing for decades to our family... Quite a different perspective.

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

An invitation to get deeper into semantic categories --- Andre's observation activates my interest to hear even more about the circumstances under which the use of semantic categories provides best results for someone trying to reframe an issue (or the ones under which it could backfire)...

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

It is no doubt useful to consider how are brains are wired, Christian --- I find your reference to psicologists' SOPs a good suporting argument on behalf of linguistic reframing. Could you expand -just a little bit- on "how our brains are wired" to reject rebuttals and not so much refraimed arguments?

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

paired terms --- Freedom fighters vs terrorists

Source author: Alejandra Mayela Martinez Silva ammartinez@sre.gob.mx

Good comparative simile for our times Marie --- I like your well identified, framing on the pandemic

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

@Bi: just war alludes to the laws of war --- In my humble opinion, there is a slight risk with the world 'allude' because it may give, at first sight, the wrong impression that wars are 'just' as long as they follow the prescriptions of the laws of war.

Indeed, 'Jus ad bellum' describes the formal conditions to declare a war. Formally, killing the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a casus belli and it was followed by a declaration of war in due form. But this does not make WWI a just war. Similarly, 'Jus in bello' (humanitarian law) describes some conditions to be applied in relation to non combatants (civilians, prisoners of war). During WWII, the Nazi troops treated sometimes the English or American prisoners in accordance to the Geneva Conventions, but this did not make their war a "just war". Reversely, if we admit, politically speaking, that the war against terror is just, the illegal treatment of prisoners in Guantanamo does not make it 'unjust'.

In fact, there is another branch of law, jus contra bellum, which seeks to limit as much as possible the resort to war, implying that in some situations war can be justified (not 'just').

So, I would rather say: The term 'just war' (is not related to) (should not be confused with) the terms 'jus ad bellum' and 'jus in bello'.

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Make America Great Again instead of Crude Protectionism --- Framing the mere shielding provided by a government to local investors (that face diminishing returns in the from of due dividens and share stock valuation, because of the competition from abroad that the firm faces as a consequence of international free trade agreements the country has entered into), as: MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN (or jobs for our citizens).

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

Collateral damage instead of Civilians killed --- Alluding to non-combatant civilians killed by a bomb sent by a drone as: Collateral damage (as if ther is a moral justification grounded in superior values that relieves personal ann institutional responsability on the tragedy provoked by the military atack carrie out in spite of the probable loss of innocent by-standers).

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx

Ouch... --- ...I'm 100% with you on this one Marie. An error that was not expected from Obama!

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Very interesting observation Petru... --- ...and one that may help understand why so many people liked Trump and considered him to be 'honest' and, thus by extension, 'trustworthy'. His words, actions. body language, tweets, were all 'in sync' while that's not the case with many others who simply read out the material prepared by others thus appearing as mere 'puppets'.

To be completely honest, I don't follow the situation in the USA as closely these days, but it's hard for me to link the passion of this speech to an images of Biden dozing off at various events (leading to inference how he simply does not care). In other words, he strike me as more 'fake' than Trump was. John, Marie, could you please help us by sharing your insights on this - what is the American public view on Biden so far?

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

What I find very scarry... --- ...is the fact that Sophie's warning is still more than valid, especially nowadays when many countries are taking turn to the authoritarian systems again.:(

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Agreed Desiree... --- ...while also taking the warning Andre made into account. Another thing to keep in mind is to be aware of possible patronising tone in expressing the mentioned 'understanding and empathy'.

Curious to hear if any of you have some advice on how to do that, i.e., avoid sounding patronising (especially in situations when that is the last thing we want to sound like)?

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu

Obama lost his compass on this journey! --- To add a bit of levity: Former President Obama, in his speech at the recent Cop 26 in Glasgow stated: "Since we're in the Emerald Isles here, let me quote the Bard, William Shakespeare. "'What wound,' he writes, 'did ever heal but by degrees?'

To the best of my knowledge, the Emerald Isle refers to Ireland and William Shakespeare was English. Had he given his remarks some thought, one would imagine he would have chosen a quote from the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Alas, his ethos may have taken a hit on this one.

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

Thank you Biljani --- Just purchased it!

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

Who writes history? --- History is written by the victor, they say, and I find this to be so true: what are taught as facts by some, are considered total falsehoods by others. I am reminded of the post WWI book "All´s Quiet on the Western Front". So many people believed in the absolute sanctity and "rightness" of the victors and in the absolute evil of the defeated. That book brought to light, for many readers, the humanity of the other side and made many question what had been sold as undeniable "facts". I´m not defending one side over another at all, simply stating that, as illustrated in the reading, facts are indeed quite relative and can easily be reframed.

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Time can "alter" facts --- As in the example of the first lines of Jane Austen´s book, which seem so outdated to so many of us today (although I would contest that in certain societies this might still be - albeit secretly - a hidden wish of some), in politics this "changing the meaning of things" or "changing the facts" seems alive and well. It is not uncommon for words, phrases and descriptions of things which were considered positive by one administration, are suddenly demonized when an opposing government takes office. The word "liberal" comes to mind: for some it is a badge of honor, something they are proud of. For others, it´s considered a course and a profanity!

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

Paired terms --- Accountability vs Cancel Culture

Progressives vs liberal socialists

Source author: Christian Peter Clay Mendoza cclay@sre.gob.mx

I can be --- his assistant. I want to learn his style, It is amazing.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Before a jury or a judge --- depending on judicial system; it is imperative for a defense lawyer to put across purported facts which are subject to the bench to accept or not. As such, purported facts in a speech or conversation depends on how they appeal to a sense of reasoning of your interlocutor or listener. it is always important to strive to research to get established facts which can strengthen the case or any persuasion task.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (VII): Do not fear, I am here! --- When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. There should be no fear. (DT)

And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. (JB)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (VI): read my lips! --- So, to all Americans in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again. (DT)

Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. (JB)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (V): things went wrong so far, but here I am to fix them --- We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams. (DT)

We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome this deadly virus. (JB)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (IV): my election is the epitome of democracy --- What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. (DT)

The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. (JB)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (III): Not X but Y --- Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. (DT)

I will give my all in your service thinking not of power, but of possibilities. Not of personal interest, but of the public good. And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. (JB)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (II): My day is not mine (kairos 2) --- ... all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day.(DT)

This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. (JB)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

Donald Trump & Joe Biden (I): no day like this day (kairos 1) --- Both presidents attribute an exceptional significance to the inaugural day:

January 20th, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people. (DT)

Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. (JB)

(to follow) Source author: Petru Dumitriu <PetruD@diplomacy.edu>

Understanding by comparing: Biden and Trump’s inaugural speeches --- I had the curiosity to compare, from the language perspective, the inaugural speech of the last two presidents. One issue strikes me: retrospectively, the statement of Donald Trump reflects to a considerable extent the personality of Donald Trump. It is not like the speech-writer abused his privilege.

I propose that we all remember the speech of Joe Biden, which we have so diligently dissected, and see in 4 years’ time to what extent his speech reflected his real personality.

After all, they are politicians and their speeches cannot miss the leit-motives of God, Constitution, American dream, American destiny in the world, wars and heroes.

Anyway, the object of my curiosity was the framing tools used by the two Presidents. You may continue the exercise. The material is rich.

(to follow)

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

The "ni nis" --- In Mexico, our previous Presidents used the term "los ninis" to contemptuously point out young people who were neither studying nor working (ni estudia ni trabaja) without considering that they were put on this position because of lack of opportunities. Addressing this issue first by explaining to society what was wrong when using this term is one of our current President’s goals. As people used to believe this was fun.

Source author: Blanca Jimenez bjimenez@sre.gob.mx

@ paired terms in talking about pensions' reform --- It is quite topical in our national political environment. The government speaks about "the retired" (having in mind extending the retirement age); the opposition speaks about "our parents and grand-parents" (implying that the government harms the elderly).

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

same referent --- Uberisation vs Collaborative Economy

Source author: Blanca Jimenez bjimenez@sre.gob.mx

Tongue in cheek --- Social pressure may well have been stronger then on this matter, but I have no doubt that Jane Austen is being ironical here :)

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Used-car saleman's technique?! --- I agree! The mixing and matching of elements, where some are plausible thus luring us into trusting the speaker, and then that trust gets capitalised on in order to slip in falsities is definitely a technique, one used by wheeler dealers!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Minimal-pairs --- Change one word and you have completely altered the frame!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

The power of images --- Yes, those photos of Princess Di holding babies and visiting an AIDS ward sealed her reputation as the Queen of Hearts!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

The powers of political spin --- Interesting example, I would never have imagined that these would have been used to refer to the same activity before getting interested in spin!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

Hadn't thought of this one :) --- Yes indeed, a perfect minimal-pair!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu

be party to a convention but not to a specific protocol --- I was a little bit confused when I read this sentence. Is there an example even outside the climate to illustrate such a situation? For a country that has signed or ratified a convention, when it is not a party to a given protocol, how does this translate in practice?

Source author: Désiré NEBOUA dneboua@yahoo.fr

NASA --- Thank you for your question, Katharina. I agree that since NASA is a US Govt agency, it regularly updates legislators on its work, which is an advantage over other institutions such as Universities.

Source author: Tara Illgner tl9f@virginia.edu

Solutions --- Excellent Point Mouloud. Thank you for sharing.

Source author: Tara Illgner tl9f@virginia.edu

Uganda conditions --- Thank you for sharing the conditions in Uganda, Kinonco Patricia. It is helpful and important for us all to understand the varying effects that are being felt in different parts of the world.

Source author: Tara Illgner tl9f@virginia.edu

Win-win --- Thank you for your comment, YingChu. I couldn't agree more. Considering the significant power of economic incentives in lobbying and in elections, the solutions (such as a circular carbon economy) that serve both economic and environmental purposes are the most likely to gain broader support.

Source author: Tara Illgner tl9f@virginia.edu

Negotiations --- In the introductory module as we looked at skills a (science) diplomat ought to have, someone (my apologies I have forgotten who specifically 🙏) pointed out the need to have "negotiating" as a skill. Interesting that the role of the skill, (in history as well) is coming up more and more.

Source author: Kiconco Patricia kictricia@gmail.com

Frustrations from India --- I completely echo you Veronica being an Indian myself. At the same day when India declared the 2070 goal the country saw steeping oil prices which disrupted the populations to strikes in different parts of the country. The energy demand for a country like India even with the current emissions is not self sufficient- cant imagine how the transitions to Green would mean.

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

Sacrifice... --- Whether it is climate action or getting out of a pandemic, sacrifice has to be both at an individual and the national levels towards collectivism make any difference...as we hear 'talk is cheap'...

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

Anthropocene... --- I made a comment on this on a similar post, about humans are responsible for the sixth mass extinction...and our responsibility to avert or minimise it if at all possible.

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

Humility and more reliance on social & behavioural sciences --- The recent science diplomacy conversations are bullish, with an (excessive) emphasis on science about what it is able to do. Without acknowledging its own limitations, it would seem grandiose and we might be setting up ourselves for failure, certainly for anything to be met by 2030. ELSI (ethical, legal, social issues) is a useful framework to address the values/biases/ideology/cultural/religious aspects.

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

climate change as a field with clear science diplomacy examples ... --- ... "where the scientific and diplomatic worlds have met most visibly". Agreed, and with the IPCC there is an institutional structure and processes that really embody this as well.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

Montreal Protocol in perspective --- For that reason the Montreal Protocol and UNFCCC are only partially comparable. The Montreal Protocol is a great example of successful international agreement on emission reduction. But conditions of that emission reduction are totally different, as you say.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

role of the UN ... --- I agree with your observation, Souhila. It all hinges on states' commitments and the willingness to implement. In this case, the UN's role is: moral compass (UN Secretary General), providing a venue (COP26), and support and guidance (UNFCCC secretariat). In addition, monitoring modalities are under discussion at the moment. If we then cast the net wider, many UN agencies, programmes, and funds directly and indirectly address climate change in their work.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

climate change impact --- Thanks so much for the example from Uganda!

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

pressure ... 'stopping the clock' --- Negotiation by exhaustion has definitely something to do with adding pressure. At previous COPs we have seen the related strategy of 'stopping the clock' on the last day of negotiations and then extending over the following weekend.

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

Is it about saving the planet or saving humanity? --- Really interesting point. What do others think: is it about saving the planet or saving humanity? Or in other words: where is the priority?

Source author: Katharina Höne KatharinaH@diplomacy.edu

great example of publication despite conflict of interest --- I did not know it was so early that science had some evidence. This example shows that "insiders" usually have a better and earlier view. This is why it is very important to do all to encourage such publications, and to protect the scientists. I'll search for such an example in the pharmaceutical industry ;-)

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

importance of institution the scientist represent --- Is it just coincidence, or was it THE detail that made it possible to be heard at the congress (I mean that NASA is not a random university or other institution...)?

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

only sustainable tourism can lead to tourism sustainability --- the same to the Maldives or Australia or Thailand. So the question is also: for how long do we want to be able to have tourism there?

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

how what happens in Antarctica affects Maldives Islands --- The dream-holiday Island paradise state is fighting for its survival because several thousand kilometres away ice (than on the islands you only know from your drink) melts. The only island that grows is the garbage island... And in the meantime "rich" islands take sand from "poorer"= indigenous islands

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

at least not (rapid) enough (yet) --- the counter-forces (lobbyist from certain industries, misinformation...) are still stronger, compared to what would be needed to turn around the situation. Nevertheless, there are considerable efforts and achievements as outlined further down.

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

Diplomacy --- I would argue that diplomacy in general is successful if it brings diverging opinions closer to each other with possible outcomes of bilateral or multilateral cooperation.

Source author: Pavlina Ittelson pavlinai@diplomacy.edu

Angela Merkel --- I think it helped a lot that she is a scientist herself.

Source author: Pavlina Ittelson pavlinai@diplomacy.edu

climate and weather --- continuing with the people who don't take this issue seriously, I'm thinking about the ones making comments when we have cold (winter)days, or like our summer that was cooler than usually. Some even post it on the Meteo-Site! There they are gently reminded that weather and climate is not the same, and shown some graphs. But in many other medias not. Facebook & Co should also take this into their duties.

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

Role of AI --- Most of the developed countries explore the possibilities of big data, AI, Internet of Things on the modeling of impacts of GHG emissions, renewable energy, land and deforestation, ocean health etc. However, the data processing and AI have impacts on the environment as well due to their high energy demands.

Source author: Pavlina Ittelson pavlinai@diplomacy.edu

To humanity, and not to Earth itself --- I think it's important to say that it's not about save our planet, but save us.

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

Inside and Outside Pressure --- Besides the exhaustion factor, pressure is mounting on the delegates, with people demonstrating outside the venue in Glasgow and around the world. Public opinion at home and abroad is converging to add pressure on the negotiators (hopefully!)

Source author: Mouloud Khelif mouloud.khelif@gmail.com

every transition has loosers --- the fossil industry will definitely be one of them, and it seems they are still finding enough "friends" to protect them. Pre-Glasgow gave a good example. I don't know the exact mechanism, and why politicians care about it (I mean the industry). When you see that globally there are still new big projects going on...

Source author: Katharina Beyer katharina.beyer@etu.unige.ch

Free rider problem? --- Does it always lead to a paradigm shift? Don't we see at times a "free-rider" situation in complex climate negotiation?

Source author: Mouloud Khelif mouloud.khelif@gmail.com

Role of AI ? --- What can be the role of Artificial Intelligence (Deep learning particularly) in developing the next generation weather and climate prediction models?

Source author: Mouloud Khelif mouloud.khelif@gmail.com

Same-Same but different --- Clearly, some countries are more responsible than others. European countries (UK, Germany), the US have a historical responsibility from the mid 1800s followed more recently by Japan, Russia, Australia, China and Saudi Arabia etc. For instance, how could we demand the same effort from an African or Asian LDC that was colonised and exploited for decades?

Source author: Mouloud Khelif mouloud.khelif@gmail.com

Sourcing issue... --- With respect, we would need to be skeptical of the source of climate change skepticism. The article is written by "Kelvin Kemm", originally posted on "Heartland Institute" which states its a "free-market think tanks". [https://www.heartland.org/about-us/index.html], which was then posted on "Intellectual Takeout", a website of "Charlemagne Institute" "...a nonprofit publisher and educational organization leading a cultural movement to defend and advance Western Civilization, the foundation of our American republic." [https://www.charlemagneinstitute.org/]. In both instances, there is no identifying information of the author. A quick Google search leads to https://www.cfact.org/author/kelvin464/. Assuming its the same individual, he's written another article in which he states "The argument is that CO2 causes global warming which leads to climate change. Another thesis is that all results of climate change are bad; nothing good can come of this. However, over the last 1000 years the average temperature of the Earth has varied a great deal...What is also evident from history is that periods of global warming led to health, welfare, and prosperity. Global cooling led to crop failure, disease, and hardship." [https://www.cfact.org/2015/11/19/warming-radicals-blind-to-science-and-history/] Can we please skip this rabbit hole of mis/dis-information!

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

Averse to pain perhaps? --- Similar to how humans tended to ignore what is in front of them, for example poverty. Do we think it exists because there aren't enough resources or because people do not like to acknowledge, as soon as they recognise it, they would be expected to do something about it. Another is scale of the problem, and one's sense of inadequacy to contribute towards its solution. Same is true of attitudes of some governments - 'nothing to see or not my problem'

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

Organized Skepticism --- I don't see where we discussed the possible causes of climate change in this lecture... It is an issue of importance because media and citizen are now convinced that CO2 is the only cause of climate change, and this is scientifically impossible to affirm.

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Negociations by exhaustion are risky --- I am sure this processus will happen. Delegates and organizers feel such a pressure to reach a final agreement at 1.5degrees that not running into it will be perceived like a lack of courage and responsibility. Even by the way if the process ends-up to a COP26 failure.

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Consensus for Climate --- I don't think consensus is the way to go. Under crisis situations, one needs a coalition of the willing to form, and the latecomers will be able to join later on...

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Also Anthropocene, and Common but Differentiated Responsibility --- "The Anthropocene Epoch is an unofficial unit of geologic time, used to describe the most recent period in Earth’s history when human activity started to have a significant impact on the planet’s climate and ecosystems." [https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/anthropocene/]

Yes, some species will survive, adapt and maybe even thrive in absence of humans, but we would be singularly responsible for mass extinction of a number of species on our watch. We can be anthropocentric for our own preservation but is also our responsibility to preserve the world around us.

Here's an eye-opening report on the scale of destruction we're inflicting: " The 2020 global Living Planet Index shows an average 68% fall in populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish between 1970 and 2016." [https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/4783129/LPR/PDFs/ENGLISH-FULL.pdf]

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

In parallel to COVID 19 --- The financial support to industry is not part of the Swiss policy instruments. But the central and state-guaranteed banks keep investing in fossil fuels industries nowadays, to help them transition towards renewable energies, and I wonder whether this is not a subsidy to green washing instead. So I wonder as well whether direct state aids to industry are the best way to go for governments, even more when the challenge faced in global and so urgent...

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

a possible definition --- A PCA agreement that builds on a RPC scenario that gives confidence to the majority of humakind can agree on

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

Why no RPC for 1.5 Degrees Increase? --- I am wondering why there is no RCP targeting 1.5oC increase... In selecting those scenarios, one does influence drastically the policy decisions...

Source author: Patrick Furrer Patrick.furrer@smartfree.ch

make it or break it? --- Each UN CC Conference in recent years has been depicted as a "make it or break it" moment. The reality is different. While the focus is solely on declarations from world leaders, the outcome of this type of Conference is measured by how realistic the discussions in the sherpa groups are. And here an incremental step forward is also important, paving the way for key issues. A deal limiting the global warming to 1.9 C would be already something. And more than the overall result achieved quantitatively, I believe that success must be measured by the collective commitment to move forward, going towards the same direction.

Source author: Vojko Bratina vbratina@katamail.com

EMBL attended COP26 as Observer --- EMBL, sister organization of EMBO, released a white paper "Harnessing molecular biology to accelerate the Green Recovery", leveraging molecular biology for 4 research areas: global warming, loss of biodiversity, biogeochemical flows, manufactured pollutants. [https://www.embl.org/documents/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WhitePaper_All4Climate_EMBL_Oct21.pdf] This loosely falls under pillar 2 "Environmentally Relevant Research", other two being - "Environmentally Responsbile Research" and "Promoting Sustainable Science" of EMBL Sustainability Strategy. [https://www.embl.org/documents/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sustainability-strategy-embl-2021.pdf]

This is an example of not only research for finding solutions, but policy options that can be taken at the institutional level, to contribute towards climate action.

Source author: Vid Nukala Vid.Nukala@gmail.com

Science + diplomacy --- To me, climate change is a field where the scientific and diplomatic worlds have met most visibly to me. I cannot think of any other areas with such a strong intersection of the two.

Source author: Tereza Horejsova terezah@diplomacy.edu

threat to humanity --- And for this sole reason we should have atleast 1 criteria within each of the SDGs to have a way to solve this crisis- not just the SDG 13 standing for itself

Source author: George Thomas georgethomasdesk@gmail.com

Differences --- The report of the Special Rapporteur has to be put in the context of the protection of human rights while countering terrorism. It lays out the social conditions for those who decide to join terrorist or violent extremist groups rather than giving an explanation of the motives.

Motives and conditions are different. While conditions explain the reasons why people join some causes, the motives are the purposes these causes pursue.

In cyberterrorism, I believe we should focus on the motives, because the social conditions might not be relevant to understand why a group of hackers decided to conduct a cyberattack. In this case, we need to think about the motives, which are normally of political, military or financial nature.

Source author: Guillaume Michel Blin gmichel@sre.gob.mx

Power of words online vs offline --- Carlos, on the other hand the power of a spoken/written word seems to be orders of magnitude higher in the online space. While understanding the difference between extremism and freedom of speech in some 'edge' cases might not have been critical in the offline world - the most one could do is incite few people around himself while shouting in the park - with online world this is a game-changer: each twitter post can be seen by thousands, if not millions.

"Influencers" take this title with pride: they really influence people's views merely by sharing opinions/stories. Blocking hate speech and violence incitement is one option - when it is clear and direct (though the question remains who should do this - platforms, governments ,or both?); but what when the comments/posts are not so clear-cut - they don't directly call for violence, but it is clear they can incite masses for action? Trump comes as a natural example - but then again, he was a President so it maters; but there are many other examples.

Is, therefore, violent extremism (speech) online actually more dangerous?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu

M&E-Indicators and measure the impact --- Attempt to assess or monitor whether a HD activity or action is effective or its impact is not easy but as Ivy pointed out, indicators to reach this goal can be developed. The thing is that in order to see its impact you need to elaborate a baseline in order to see the evolution and be able to say if there has been a change or not thanks to this effort of HD.

Source author: María Romero Pardo sohi1z1@hotmail.com

Brevity! --- I agree with you Hailu. Will share another version. Tell them what you are going to tell them. Tell them what you have to tell them. Remind them what you told them.

Source author: Emmanuel Henry Pierre manniepierre@hotmail.com

Jokes --- Good point KW ! Most of the time, humor does not travel well among different cultures.

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Body Language --- It is important to learn about the meanings of body language for effective negotiations and interactions.

Source author: Katlego W. Phele phelekatlego@gmail.com

Passing jokes --- In the line of my work making jokes is discouraged, it cause annoyance or cause confusion, creating unnecessary miscommunication.

Source author: Katlego W. Phele phelekatlego@gmail.com

Protocol --- Protocol is about appropriateness and it accords respect to hierarchy, and level of importance. Paying attention to protocol rules shows respect and appreciation of different cultures and traditions

Source author: Katlego W. Phele phelekatlego@gmail.com

Accountability --- Cara, as demonstrated in your link, algorithms are in charge of screening the platform, and many languages other than English are used on FB. Therefore, without a human whistleblower, odds are that for the time being the accountability is very limited !

Source author: Jean-Michel Monod jmmonod@yahoo.com

Use of words --- This is also an important point - the way we use words and describe things is ever-changing. There are words that are no longer used and new ways of describing things that are considered more PC. Certain language can be more empowering (the survivor vs victim argument) and there is a lot more newer language used to describe identities around gender and sexuality too.

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Note taking --- I agree it's great if there is someone there to take notes. Unfortunately, some meetings I attend alone and so I try and write down key words/points and ensure where possible to have time straight after the meeting to expand on them - if i leave it too long nothing really makes sense

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Representatives v official accounts --- I've always found that our official accounts don't get much engagement but individuals representing the organisations can get into conversations and build the brand in a personable and effective manner.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

100% --- This is very much my bugbear, having spent time in university conferences too - these days I almost feel insulted if someone with English as a first language just reads a speech directly with no tonal shift or emphasis. I know we've all got our different capabilities, but sometimes I feel it is better not to speak than to do it poorly.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

new practices in NZ --- It feels like our press releases no longer really work to get attention in New Zealand and that direct relationships and 'pitching' press releases direct to journalists is the only way we can get good coverage (unless, of course, the story is really very newsworthy).

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

timeliness --- I agree but do feel like in most of my work the hierarchies in place are not sufficiently attuned to making sure our response comes out while the news is still news... it feels that the news cycle keeps getting shorter and shorter and our organisations have struggled to respond. In my previous role, I was working in a tiny advocacy based organisation and if a news story came out that morning we'd get any written response to the relevant editor by noon.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

design rudimentaries --- Great seeing the focus on design here - alongside the technological move to Social Media, we've also increased our capacity to follow elementary design principles in our work. While most of the documents noted here are for more or less private correspondence, for documents meant as piece of advocacy the tools at our disposal to improve communication are far, far greater than even ten years ago.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

Cultural and universal values --- I've been really interested, throughout the course, on how our positioning walks the line between deferring to local contexts and attempting universal principles, drawing from a series of values. I suppose the rule of thumb is that the closer our analysis gets to practical matters (as in this week's analysis) the more we need to acknowledge each place as different and grounded by different traditions, religions or other factors.

Source author: Murdoch Stephens murdoch.stephens@redcross.org.nz

Bring a colleague --- It is probably wise to, if possible, bring a colleague to take the notes while you can be 100% focused on the discussion.

Source author: Anna Beijmo advocacy@forumongi-rdc.org

Public Speaking in high stress environments --- It can be difficult for people to absorb and remember a lot of information in high stress environments. Keeping information honest, consistent, accessible, timely and from a trusted source can help reduce people's levels of stress and anxiety.

Source author: Catherine Gearing cathgearing@gmail.com

Being up front in what you don't know --- This might not be appropriate in other cultures, nor appropriate in all setting. In Australian we sometimes use this approach in public speaking in emergencies with communities; - what we know - what we don't know - what we are doing - what we want you to do Sometime admitting to 'not knowing' can show you are being upfront and honest, rather than seeming like you are finding or avoiding telling people something.

Source author: Catherine Gearing cathgearing@gmail.com

Avoid briefing notes --- Agree, notes can be distracting and breaks the flow of the conversation. I think avoiding taking notes helps build a better rapport and shows respect. If it's appropriate someone else can perhaps take notes. Also having a conversation while someone is texting on their mobile phones is distracting and could be seen as a sign of disrespect.

Source author: Catherine Gearing cathgearing@gmail.com

Anxiety about protocol --- I agree about anxiety around protocol. I think showing respect, being polite and willingness to observe, listen and learn is important. Having someone locally to help navigate this can be so valuable.

Source author: Catherine Gearing cathgearing@gmail.com

meaning --- tempting {speaker} adjective something that is tempting is attractive, and makes people want to have it, do it, etc: It was a tempting offer. * That cake looks very tempting. * It's tempting to speculate about what might have happened. * A weekend in Rome? Mm, sounds tempting! » temptingly adverb

Source author: Mohammad Daud Mahmoody dauodmahmoody@gmail.com

Private vs public advocacy --- When I think of public advocacy it is often used to not only raise awareness but also to mobilise some form of action whether that be funds or signatures or attendance at protests/actions or letters to politicians etc.). Private advocacy is behind closed doors and directly targeted at authorities that hold decision making power.

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

RC working independently --- I definitely agree that RC movement tends to work very independently (sometimes even when different parts of the moment are working in the same place/context). Sometimes it seems like there are a lot of lost opportunities but other times it can be very clear (specifically in areas such as detention) why this is necessary

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Mining companies and $$ --- This comes up a lot in the arts sectors in Western Australia too as all the big arts festivals/events/installations/exhibitions are funded by mining companies which many artists do not want to be associated with

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Considerations --- - shared objectives - shared values, principles and code of conduct - 'do no harm' - not putting people or orgs at risk by association - reputation of org/staff

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Local risks --- Speaking with the local population and affected population (which are not always the same group). In RC movement context the NS and their local offices' staff and volunteers are great sources of information too as are other stakeholders. All this information can be inputted into risk assessment tools and mitigation strategies can be put in place (or plans changed if the calculated risk is too high)

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Covid songs --- I know a few east and central African nations had musicians that released songs about preventing COVID which were quite popular

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Use of animation --- I think this works really well and there are definitely animated videos that I have watched that have elicited an emotional response.

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Consent --- Consent should be a minimum requirement but it can get tricky - do the people in the images really feel like they are in a position to decline? Especially if they are recipients of humanitarian assistance? Do they understand how widely their image may be used and how that image will continue to exist (particularly online) long after the campaign has finished? How does one ensure the consent is properly informed?

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

Empowering images --- Organisations can (and should) choose empowering images rather than pictures of people or children suffering. Under the principle of humanity we speak about ensuring respect for human beings but if we use pictures where people are suffering it is not showing people in a dignified or respectful manner.

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com

@ Desirée: other famous and infamous pairs --- "Storm and strife" made me think of "Sturm und Drang" ("Storm and Stress"), the name of a literary movement in the 18th century, which value the emotional unrest and preceded Romanticism.

"Shock and Awe" was an war slogan, which evokes more the medieval cruelty than a contemporary spirit.

Stirring emotion seems to be an easy way to convince the audience at the price of ignoring sometimes rationality.

Source author: Petru Dumitriu PetruD@diplomacy.edu

emotions --- metaphoric sacred appeals to emotions.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

This also --- expands the level of inclusion.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

connototations --- This vividly brings to mind that, if democracy is not well protected it can be eroded. This is more valid coming in wake of pro-Trump rioters who violently stormed the capitol.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Pre -emptive --- This is a preemptive argument (not X but Y) because it denies president Trump assertions that elections had been stolen and assets that democracy has won through decisive ballot.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

speech writer --- I should think both Gandhi and Martin Luther had speech writers. There must be choreography between the speech writer and person who reads the speech, this is to say, the speech must reflect to larger extent the thinking of the speech presenter. That is to mean that if he or she has to make speech extempore, must not be different from his or her usual (prepared script speeches). The speech by speech writer must also reflect all attributes of how the speaker speaks i.e. tone and intonation, pauses, speed, breath et al.

Source author: MacOswald Jumali macjumali@yahoo.com

Shared aspirations --- Working together to write the next chapter of a book that belongs to all.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Assertion --- "So be it"... harsh, but I can't think of a more assertive construction. And it is a strong stance: he is not there to please everyone and yet that is the very essence of democracy, which he defends.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Appeal to emotion --- The references to previous historical dates that happened at the Mall or the Capitol are little "stories in a capsule", seeking to stir emotion and equate this day to those, signalling it will be just as important in history.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Agree --- Totally agree. I thought exactly the same while reading it. Is there a best way to "attack" someone than to use their words/ideas in a different sense and/or against them?

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

We vs I --- As we saw with Obama's speech, there's a play between "we" and "I" to distinguish when he wants to appeal to others as being a group (unity), and when he wants to outstand as the facilitator (maybe?) of that unity.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Musical devices --- X and Y, X and Y, X and Y... paring of contrating (metaphorical) elements to create rythm.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Creating a group --- He is creating a "we" by putting himself in the same group as previous presidents. However, it is also selective disclosure, as I am sure he was not thinking of Trump, who also took the same oath.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Metaphor --- The Capitol as a symbol of America (and American politics) and democracy as the building bricks that sustain it. The assault on the Capitol by (allegedly) Trump's supporters was an assault on America's democracy itself.

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

Two VPs? --- Interesting how he mentions Pence but not Trump, isn't it? Or am I missing something?

Source author: Desirée Colomé Menéndez dcolome@sre.gob.mx

For the sake of democracy --- This first part of the speech, where Biden m akes these assertions that it is "America's Day" etc. emphasizing at the end that it is all for the sake of democracy.The sentence "Today, we clebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy"...the connotation being that "we the democratic party are the sole promoters of democracy (as opposed to the opposition).

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com

Apologies, Bipul, for intruding in this discussion... --- ...but I wanted to offer some thoughts. 1. I applaud the Mexican President's action. If an embassy does not handle eco promotion work, this destroys one of the key reasons to have an embassy. 2. Much more important, eco dip is one of the levers in the 'toolbox'. It gives leverage and becomes a 'connector' -- both these in the Kissinger method of using 'linkages' in negotiations and in the wider conduct of diplomacy. 3. Eco promotion is NOT about knowledge of arcane regulations on investments, or tax advice. It is about building connections in foreign countries, and using high-level access to corporate heads to tell one's story. The Ambassador is the country's First Salesman.....I have a new section on my personal website on 'Diplomatic Practice', and it will be gradually filled up with my writings on this theme. I am have also started work on an essay, titled: 'Handling Economic Promotion Work: A Mexico Story' -- I hope it will emerge as a Diplo blog. Thanks.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com

New tasks to replace ProMexico --- Dear Juan Carlos, thank you for asking. Since the beginning of his election campaign President Obrador's top priorities were focused on reducing public expenditure. Although ProMexico carried out outstanding work to attract investment, diversify exports, promote Mexico’s image abroad and capture business opportunities, the Mexican Foreign Service (SEM) was thought of, due to its experience, capabilities, and loyalty to fulfill this task. ProMexico’s staff earned as any career diplomat, abroad, something the President couldn’t stand. To fulfill ProMexico’s tasks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, works hand in hand with the Ministry of Economy to train diplomats in Embassies and Consular offices. Locally, the Undersecretariat for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights (SSAMH) conducts economic diplomacy through the Directorate-General for Global Economic Impulse (DGIEG) which organizes frequent training sessions using digital platforms. In addition, the Directorate oversees several issues: infrastructure, manufacturing, exportable supply, internationalization of SMEs, with the support of the Ministry of Economy itself and the MFA’s Directorate-General for Cooperation and Bilateral Economic Relations (DGCREB) under DGIEG’s tutelage, working on issues concerning Dialogue Mechanisms, such as Binational Commissions, Intergovernmental Commissions, Strategic Association Councils, Mixed Commissions, Permanent Consultation Mechanisms, Joint Economic Commissions, and FTA’s. This does not mean, we don’t have specialists (non-career diplomats) working in our diplomatic network with a good expertise to handle economic diplomacy, highly recommended profiles working for at least 6 years in an Embassy or Consular office, but their number is much less now. Their work is very much appreciated and valued for diplomats for their experience and specialization. I believe the Mexican Foreign Service performance in these functions with training, specialized agents and LE’s staff assistance is being positive so far. However, we must wait at least a year to see if this executive order yields good results.

Source author: Cecilia Treemonisha Barros Ruiz cbarros@sre.gob.mx

Opinion concerning ProMexico disappearance --- The Mexican decision to close ProMexico could be considered as opposed to the current global trend to open promotion agencies for expanding markets, attracting foreign investment, and increasing tourism. In that regard, would you say that the decision of Mexico's Government has been positive for the country’s foreign trade? If so, how does the MFA has covered the activities formerly in charge of ProMexico?

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Tourism --- Dear Cecilia,

Thank you for your remarks. Concerning the inclusion of tourism in the Ministry of Foreign Trade was to include this sector as part of the strategy of the Peruvian State to promote the activities of promotion of Peru. Actually, MINCETUR is called Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, and it is composed of two viceministries, one for each sector.

Source author: Juan Carlos Pomareda jpomareda@onuperu.org

Totally agree with you Ricardo --- As I can recall, apart from the revenue generation of the sale of the passports, the Kiribati Green Passport initiative was more like an FDI where Asian businesspeople were encouraged to do invest and do businesses in Kiribati, mainly in the capital island of Tarawa but did not allow permanent residence status. As I could remember, there were never any Chinese allowed to become PR. However, ironically, during the next Administration which ceased the initiative we saw an increased number of Chinese established their businesses who were given PR statuses.

Source author: David Ateti Teaabo david.teaabo@gmail.com

Stupid but Careful --- Well Encieh, sometimes politicians' decisions may sounds absurd and irrational to the public, but behind the scenes it's a whole world of diplomacy and rules. Yes indeed, in terms of global and public health, citizens interests and safety should come first and over anything else.

However, regarding COVID some rich nations, including the United States, chose to sign their own supply deals thus rejecting COVAX. Maybe because they have sufficient resources and they don't need any external support; or because they are aware of accepting such initiative will affect somehow their reputation as research pioneers, or other reasons.

Source author: Zainab Adel zainabadel95@gmail.com

Good intent yet not impartial --- Indeed Souhila, I totally concur with you. The vaccines were produced in a very delicate time, however its distribution was not fair at all even through COVAX or such initiatives.

I would also add the unfairness of the vaccine variation sent to the low -middle income countries as donations. For instance, the Pfizer vaccin received in some Arab countries (as in Morocco) is different from the one used in America. Yet the same pharmaceutical company, same vaccine label but different chemical components.

Source author: Zainab Adel zainabadel95@gmail.com

Respond to Education --- Education is key, I agree with this point, however, basic education, or lets say to equip the people to understand the communication. Because you can’t teach people everything about scientific topics, but maybe prepare them with basics as we learn in school a little bit if everything so that when big topics are discussed at least we know how to search and look up more details. However, if we are skilled to research and to learn more about a certain topic , we will not be able to trust the information if we did not understand it and the communication was all about complex terminology.

Source author: Muna Zaqsaw zaqsaw.muna89@gmail.com