Powerful Power Sharing --- All about power sharing! On the burning issue of Rohingya crisis she remained as silence as stone and both the military government and she even refuged to identify/call the ethnic people (who have been living there before British regime over South Asia) as "Rohingya" following Nazi anti-Semitic rhetoric technique to certain populations.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Advocating for All, Advocacting for Nothing --- "To have focus" is an important note when doing Advocacy. Based on experience, organisations that don't have the official mandate and expertise in doing Advocacy, but use the concept in their daily work, often don't have priorities but a long list of scattered points that they want to advocate for with single stakeholders. This lack of prioritisation and focus does not let the organisations progress with their Advocacy and sometimes creates a setback - mainly when there is no ToR for doing Advocacy, and non-experts do it.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Who can back-up ur arguement? --- South Sudan context, Director Generals at the Ministries can play a vital role in influencing Ministers and other authorities officials in implementing a policy or developing it. They can even block you, If you bypass them at any stages of your engagement with them.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

unaligned --- very true, that is how some elections have been won! any stats on the respective share of persuading the unaligned vs converting the opponents?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Aung San Suu Kyi from icon to pariah? --- as we have an expert on this, did Mrs Suu Kyi tarnish her reputation with the Rohingya crisis?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

and beyond? --- what about regional efforts? for example for trade, for migration etc...

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

the right evidence --- generating evidence can be anything really, but its about generating the "right" evidence to leverage the conversation, which would require understanding the barriers/blockers and the party we're advocating with as HDs to generate relevant evidence that will get through to the other party

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

best leader --- "if you don't do it, nobody else will do it"...."it is better than nothing"....who can share experience of such attitude leading either to success or to disaster?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

awareness raising vs advocacy --- so is awareness raising one form of advocacy? awareness raising does not necessarily involve the promotion of a solution, just shine a light on an issue....is it advocacy ?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

testing --- Who do we test with?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

How to change the mindset of decision makers indirectly?? --- South Sudan Red Cross Society, have taken the advantage of its regular engagement with public authorities during the development of Disaster Law to overcome allegations raised against its President/ Institution. In fact the authorities are able disregards what was raised against National Society.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

But why? --- National Society was able to disseminate draft Bill of Disaster Risk Management to the Minister of Justice and Undersecretary in advance. But why? To have a clear understanding about the important of the policy role to be played by the ministry when the bill reach Council of Ministers & National Parliament.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Engaging Lobbyists --- Look forward to discussing lobbying / ists in the future and how best to engage them - I've seen how lobbyists in the US have both successfully impeded NGOs and aid delivery (Palestine) and advocated for increased funding (Syria response) and it seems they are an actor that the NGOs etc will increasingly engage (for good or for worse).

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Informal solutions in informal setting --- That's why during UN resolutions an informal discussion/setting during tea-break influence the decision significantly

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Reputation speak for itself --- Maybe the reputation of the organization wouold speak for itself as being trustworthy to dispel the negative typecasting.

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Formal and Informal --- Thanks Crys. I've been in quite a lot of meetings where the other side of the table simply recites its formal position. Then, during a tea break (these are often very useful and worth having) they come up and say "we had to say that, but how about doing X?". We then work out a solution AND, IMPORTANTLY, how it should be brought to the meeting and by whom.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

RCRC NS and credibility --- Thanks Etienne. The way I see this is that credibility is emphasised in different ways for different audiences. Credibility was used with great strength by the Myanmar RC when it argued for its independent role after Cyclone Nargis and this ultimately led to the military regime conceding sufficient independence. The result of that was the development of an understanding among the public that the RC was an organisation which could be trusted, albeit to a limited extent.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Lobbying --- Thanks Etienne. My experience is that it's wise to stay away from the word "lobbying" because of the negative connotations the word has in English. There might be differences in the way this is seen in other languages or in countries where English isn't the main language (or has developed differently - there are at least seven different ways of using English across English language countries).

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Power of stories --- Yes, Teresa. Stories serve the very useful purpose of putting the issue in the front and centre of the minds of your target audience, and it is common for organisations to use those stories to frame the discussion in readiness for your offering of solutions.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

The messenger --- Yes, Kabir. That's why we emphasise the importance of selecting the right messenger.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Social media effect --- Yes, Phoebe, true. Just as borders aren't very relevant to social media work, it is possible to work outside government controls through such devices as VPNs and the location of your work outside the country for a lot of purposes. This is common in Myanmar, for example.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Breaking that typecast --- Thanks Sepideh. Once again, stakeholder analysis should tell you enough about your opponent for you to be able to work out how to challenge what it is saying. You may be able to counter it at the grassroots level through your work with the people relevant to them. It would also be useful to bring in opinion leaders to distribute opinions countering the opposition's arguments. And to build understanding of who you really are among decision-makers.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

CNN effect --- Good point Crys, above all when it is whipped up by the media.

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

A bit of everything --- Nathalie, I would say a bit of everything, in addition to a mistrust vis à vis the United States, exarcebated by the 2003 war in Iraq.

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

double-edged sword --- wait too long and we've gambled on people's lives potentially, move too soon and you might be shut out completely.. very delicate dance!

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

formal vs informal --- i completely agree with this - in formal meetings the conversation might be going in one direction, but after the meeting quite the opposite due to formalities , however organizations can have reputations that actually tell a better story beyond the well rehearsed meetings and diplomacy

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

Is that really the situation? --- I don't think people in MENA don't understand why Europe accepts Ukrainians and not others... racism, terrorism, and colonial histories besides the perception of burden. this is well understood. It's something (i dare say we) we are very familiar with and not very surprised either. african nationals are being detained in poland for the same reason others are crossing the borders for - yes we don't have a complete picture but it's a war!

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

new trend? --- it's really interesting that this is raised because in some contexts we're seeing an increasing amount of mappings and identification of grassroot level organising and CSO mapping to mobilize and support through INGOs with capacity building on advocacy campaigning.... and is often translated (and def not in all contexts i guess) as foreign policy funnelled through local gatekeepers as opposed to empowerment and a positive step

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

what about humanitarian "propoganda"? --- if humanitarians fight for a humane cause do we not call it propoganda because its positive ? when crises hit and the fundraising and comms team are all out with pictures and footage and reports etc... it causes hysterics as well...

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

Invisible refugee men --- Really interesting example -as a result we struggle to get attention and support for asylum seeking and refugee men, even though they often constitute sometimes the majority of a given population movement. Hugo Slim makes that point in his last book, Solferino 21.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Are they compatible? --- Very often there is a natural tension between credibility to communities and credibility to authorities -they are not always compatible.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Deluded RCRCM? --- Is there a sense that, in the balance of these three fundaments of persuasion, RCRCM is the only one to over-prioritise its definition of 'ethos'? We are slightly self agrandizing about our credibility sometimes - credibility to whom? Governments and authorities certainly, but sometimes not to communities -the NS auxiliary role gets tricky when in an authoritarian context, the Myanmar NS is an example of this, they've fallen under heavy criticism for their perceived collaboration with the Junta which has to be maintained to attain that credibility.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

A Naive approach? --- Is there not a sense that this is a slightly naive definition of what we do? I have in mind the documentary shared by a fellow student under Module 2, the interview of the ICRC delegate in Germany during WWII, who described how -almost like a trade off -they negotiated the safety of PoW in Germany by showing a list of German PoW in France and the UK.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Lobbying --- I know that 'we' as humanitarians, NGOs etc. dislike the word lobbying because of its connotations. But aside from the negative associations of lobbying, is there any substantial difference between this wider definition and how lobbyists define what they do? Taking a pragmatic/cynical attitude, I sometimes find it useful to think of the influencing work we do as lobbying - to me it means not shying away from more efficient, direct, sometimes ruthless tactics -for e.g. less well meaning public statements, more calculated and targeted 'quiet' diplomacy.

Source author: Etienne Berges etienneberges@redcross.org.uk

Power of stories PLUS stats example of child poverty in UK --- I had experience in promoting action on child poverty in the UK. We found it was the combination of stories, real life meetings between decision makers and people affected by poverty PLUS systematic evidence/data that helped to bring influence - at least to get things on the agenda if not always the final policy solution we argued for.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Economy of the truth! --- This is so true. Some governments (my own - UK) are hugely skilled at cherry picking/presenting the evidence they want to support their case. Reminiscent of "lying with statistics" argument. But this does also mean being really across our briefs or having expertise to hand to spot the less obvious ommissions or distortion/partial presentation of evidence.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Global social movements as actors/stakeholders --- Global social movements are important too eg on climate change, decolonisation of aid, Me Too, Black Lives Matter, the previous movement for anti-retrovirals in HIV/AIDS context. They can provide moral support to local groups, global pressure on government and others. So potential stakeholders to consider I think.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Wearing another's shoes - or hat!- to understand --- Indeed - I think some of the techniques we use in behaviour change communication with the public eg for health messaging, to address negative attitudes to migrants and refugees might be relevant. They include understanding people's perspectives and what drives them - putting ourselves in the shoes of the person we seek to influence. Too often I think we are guilty of assuming it's lack of information and/or prejeudice that is the sole cause of a view rather than someone making an informed decision - but one that is different from the one we want the to make!

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Oxfam scandal --- Very true. I'm thinking of the Oxfam scandal a few years ago and how it affected negatively the public trust in the whole sector. But on a more positive note, it led to stricter compliance and ethics norms and checks.

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Where culture is a great factor --- In Asian culture they never admit mistakes. It is humiliating for them. They believe if they say sorry, they are finished! Instead they will paint it and impose you back. If parents scold children for poor results then children commit suicide (both are wrong). For Japanese, they rehearsal presentation/speech thousand times and during delivery if they found it was not expected one then they commit suicide.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

the risk with celebrities --- In the bank I was working for, we used celebrities regularly. I remember when we were so happy we just had signed a top tenniswoman to become ambassador for our children focused foundation arm, and a few days later she failed a drug test and then was banned for 2 years....she had been taking the drug for while but it just became banned by the world anti doping agency..... luckily for us we had not had the time to announce it yet. Due diligence can be tricky.

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

adapt to the audience --- I ve always suspected that using jargon was a confession of the speaker's lack of confidence, that he/she had to feel assured he/she was in control. The incapacity to "vulgarise" is a weakness. In health, I see it this gap too often, especially between the donors and the implementers.

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Why is Europe accepting Ukrainians? --- Is it geographic proximity, religion, race, cultural identity/closeness.....?? what can be learned from this?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Shoot a messenger equal to shoot a deal --- "Don't shoot the messenger" is metaphorically as well as literally prove effective when a senior Mongol diplomat was executed by Khwarazm shah Muhammed II, the Khan deployed his forces, around 200,000 soldiers, and invaded empire of Khwaazmi. So, the persuasion success depends on the image and importance of the messenger.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Social Media Effect --- With social media, it is almost impossible for event happening not to be amplified beyond the borders of a country.

Some governments are forced to bring down social media networks to avoid the situation geting out of hand.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Japanese --- Sepideh, unfortunately not, when i started we were strongly discouraged to learn japanese, however i managed to learn a few things, mostly in Osaka dialect. Once i was presenting a credit request to the general manager and joint general manager, they started discussing it in Japanese, but using so much english terms that i could grasp what they were discussing, when i then addressed what i thought they had discussed, they went pale and suspected me of speaking japanese....they were always very careful from that time :)

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Other Risks --- It also undermines the credibility of the organization should an opposing narrative crop up especially in social media about the same picture or situaiton. It is even way harder for the organization to redeem itself should this happen.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Winning Over People --- In winning people over, it should be a win win situation ofr both parties. It should need the mutual benefit of the parties involved, in the case of the communities, they should feel that they have benefitted the more.

In winning over people - emotions are highly involved and we should also think of balancing objectivity and emotions very well.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Use of Traditional Tools for Persuasion --- In some instances, we have to utilize the traditional indigenous knowledge and tools of persuation to achieve our objectives as well.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

How to break the typecast? --- I have a question on this particular point. How does one organisation break the negative typecasting against it, especially when the other party doing so already enjoys having a good international reputation? Considering that their reputation lets them openly and negatively typecast other organisations to get more funds, space, and access?

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Achieved discovery and rediscovery in a new way --- Thanks to Sir C. Lamb. What you put on the table is more important than what you've killed and stored. As we know Amerigo Vespucci discovered America but other history says Vikings and other voyagers had already discovered America many years before Amerigo Vespucci but people only remember him.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Messenger on team's behalf --- Thanks to C. Lamb sir. As you mentioned, since the messenger is a great factor to carry the image to deal humanitarian issues, we can engage such personality (even outside of team) who is with acceptable and influential character and who can fairly deal the matter like Goodwill Ambassador from team's side.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Jargons / Acronyms --- In written format acronyms must not be used at first point but subsequently as well as during discussion or persuasion too. It is better to use it (in details) again while mentioning it in the last point. It may works.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Brexit and EU --- Brexit weakened EU significantly. The EU tried their best to hold it up and govt. of UK tried to do so but pubic opinion didn't let it go in favour of EU. It's consequences suffered others as well.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

HD contingency planning? --- No Jaime, I wouldn't see this as contingency planning. I see it as the planning which everyone will almost always have to do because HD doesn't just finish. There are always successive stages, and implementation stages are just as important, or more so, as the HD which produced the agreement.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Persuading or convincing --- Thanks for this too, Kylea. If you convince someone of something, that person then accepts what you're saying. If the person is persuaded they will often be converted to being a co-sponsor of the plan rather than just a supporter.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Principled debate --- Thanks Kylea. It means what it says, and the debate or argumentation should be based on well-founded principles. This is relatively easy for HDiplomats as the fundamental humanitarian principles sho8uld provide the foundation of your debate points. Not just "morals", which are very hard to define across cultures, religions and more.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Coordination of HDiplomacy 2 --- As you would imagine, this challenge expands exponentially if your organisation has partnership with others on projects, or on HD for those projects.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Coordination of HDiplomacy 1 --- That's a very good point, Fanny. It is now perfecty normal for an organisation to be doing quite a lot of HD jobs. In fact, every program of every organisation will have a form of HD support. That's why in my time at IFRC I used to say that while HD should normally be funded by the program it is supporting, there should be an office in the organisation which is responsible for maintaining coherence among the various programs.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Opinion leaders --- Good, Fanny. A celebrity or other "outsider" should never be engaged to do an opinion leadership (or fundraising) task without good due diligence beforehand.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Ranking humanitarianism? --- Eefjie and Jaime, if this is what you're discussing, it's something that would often be comprehended by your stakeholder analysis. That analysis would often suggest different actions for different stakeholders on the basis of anything from their geographic location to their education level, and much more.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Economic frames for risks --- Thanks Teresa and Chloe. You're both right, of course. Although this example comes into play years after this course began, I found myself thinking about it when I heard politicians in some countries arguing against vaccination mandates and lockdowns at various covid stages, saying that the main impact would be on the elderly who would die soon anyway and therefore shouldn't stand in the way of economic growth.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Propaganda for passivity --- Quite right Teresa.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Myths, connotations and history --- Thanks Kabir. It's interesting that the English admonition - "Don't shoot the messenger" is often attributed to William Shakespeare but it was also used in China about 250 years BCE and later by the Greek/Roman philosopher Plutarch, among many others. The concept of what the English called the "town crier" as for the delivery of all news, good or bad, and anyone who harmed the town crier for delivering bad news was considered in some places to have committed treason.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Selecting the messenger --- Thanks Mohamed and Kabir. We emphasise here the importance of the selection of the right messenger for whatever the task is. It doesn't always have to be someone directly on your team, and in fact (as you've seen in our references to opinion leaders) there are cases where the right person won't necessarily be part of your team. Selecting the messenger is a delicate and very important job.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Stakeholder mapping --- Yes, Kylea, we will discuss this. Actually, we discuss it from one angle or another in practically every segment of the course.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Manipulations of facts and of truth --- Thanks Fritz. Keep it in mind that facts and truth aren't always the same thing, and never forget that great quote from Mark Twain - "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story". This is something of which we HDiplomats need to be aware all the time.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Pathos and risks --- Thanks Chloe and Sepideh. I am beginning to wonder if the world (me included) needs to do something about "pathos fatigue". I had to write to a person in Australia today who was making a big appeal to my emotions because of Ukraine, asking him whether he had forgotten about Yemen, Myanmar and many other parts of the world. If I have an answer from him by class time tomorrow I'll try to remember to share it.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

credibility vs perception? --- There could be strong, famous opinion leader within a given but the question is how his/her credibility will affect the perception of the community/states, decision makers against the institution?

Source author: Mohamed Abdirashid keysar126@gmail.com

Credibility as a community --- That's a valuable comment, Jaime. One scandal in one place can damage the entirety of a world-wide organisation (or a company, for that matter).

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

CCHN and Humanitarian Diplomacy --- Thanks for this article Terez. Yes, it's interesting but I thought it a bit superficial and circular in its use of the HD term. But worth reading and it is quite short.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Principles of persuasion --- according to Cialdini’s 6 Principles of Persuasion of reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency, liking and consensus, it is important to underline that having those principles in mind Hdiplomats could do more in humanitarian action orientations from the side of decision makers.

Source author: Mohamed Abdirashid keysar126@gmail.com

Harmonised approach --- Thanks Emmanuel. This also applies to other organisations with their own national structures. Some in that category are Oxfam, CARE, Save the Children, World Vision and many more.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Persuasion and Trust --- Thanks Emmanuel and Crys. Much as I hate to admit it, it is always possible for unscrupulous people to persuade others that false is true. So, persuasion isn't about integrity but it is about gaining the trust of your counterpart.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Persuasion --- it is the act of convincing or the capacity to manage one's view to change his/her mind and the view the idea from your angle or others' angle.

Source author: Mohamed Abdirashid keysar126@gmail.com

Jargon and acronyms --- Of course it is Terez !

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

Triangulation of Info --- In my experience having the network and ability to triangulate info has been the (or one of the) most important skills in HD in the field.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Too much empathy --- I like your second point Seyedeh, adopting a softer approach, this happens frequently.

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

Needs Assessments --- I'm not sure if this answers your question, but needs assessments are usually conducted on the local/national level (per sector) to justify the funding required for that sector and/or that country.. they try to be impartial but at times could be impartial in reality due to the limited amount of funding available regionally or globally

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Anticipate --- Yes Kylea, but the buzzword is "predict". In February 2022, the EU blocked millions of Euros to Poland and Hungary whose populist rulers were accused of violating democratic rights. Today, both countries are praised for their open door policy towards Ukrainian refugees. Who could have predicted that?

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

Organizational Planning --- More of a comment - but this approach has served as a great practical approach in organizational planning at the country level.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Credibility as a Community --- I totally agree Chloe. Another issue around credibility is our collective credibility as a humanitarian community. For example, with certain INGOs (or local ngos) operating in a questionable manner that puts the rest of the NGO community's crediblity at question.

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Not always --- It does Kylea, as the analysis is very different depending on the circumstances. Many people in the Middle East and Africa don't understand today why Europe is accepting millions of Ukrainians refugees and is reluctant to accept millions of Iraqis, Syrians, Afghans and Africans.

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

HD Contingency Planning --- Is / Would this be the equivalent of contingency planning in HD?

Source author: Jaime Abraham jaime.j.abraham@gmail.com

Language --- Would it be appropriate during the HD meeting if acroynms are used to politely ask what is the meaning of the acroynm? Or should one pretend that the acroynm is known?

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Asian culture --- Nathalie, Seyedeh, thank you for this conversation. This reminds me of my many years in Asia. Thailand 1983: "Minister, would you like to come for dinner at my house next Wednesday?" "Yes, with pleasure, and on Wednesday I am going to the concert"!!

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

professional jargon --- You are right Eefje, it is not for me a question of being careful of using specialized language, simply don't use it. The buzzword is: always adapt your language to your interlocutors/audience.

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

Language --- Indeed, sometimes I also have the feeling that people intentially use difficult acronyms or jargon words to exclude people from the conversation. This is a shame since mostly the discussion could benefit from new insights.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Great Point --- Really happy that this was brought up. I will definitely consider the jargon and word use I use in future negotiations and projects.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

On Point --- Absolutely loved this post. I have had friends tell me that while in China they asked for directions and were told to go one way and then another by another person and another. No one wanted to admit that they did not know where my friend needed to go. Similarly, in mediations, this has come up with Indian colleagues. Curious about how this materializes in other cultures.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Exposure --- Why would it be problematic? It is bringing light to a cause/situation.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Predicting Change --- I am not exactly sure why it would be so difficult to predict or change. All things can change overtime.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Persuasion Done Right --- Thank you for sharing, really clever example. Playing on the aspect of legacy, and also fulfilling short term needs.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Link --- Thank you for sharing the article, looking forward to delving deeper.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Objectives --- Do you mean that they just want to perpetuate their own narrative without any input?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Mapping --- Will we discuss in detail how to actually do this stakeholder mapping and do so effectively?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Other Risks --- Perhaps believing that if they have persuaded a counterpart once, there will be no chance of this changing?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Not clear --- Adrienn, I also found this strange. I do not see what the risk would be about. As long as they stay on message, I do not see how this is negative.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Interventions require to match the discourse --- Based on experience, when we use promising discourse such as "sustainability" to ensure the implementation of interventions, we are held accountable to that discourse, particularly when the results do not match the discourse. In securing future activities, this matter is held against the humanitarians, and every step of the way is questioned against the discourse.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Persuasion --- I do not see how convincing someone is different from persuading them. It seems like the same thing here.

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

The Asian Culture! --- Nathalie, interesting point you raise. Are you familiar with the Japanese language? I ask because, in Iran, I have been in many meetings with interlocutors whom I used to call great diplomats. They sell you a No dressed as a Yes :-) so wonderfully that even national staff would have missed it. Even for native Persian speakers, it takes an excellent command of the language to understand the cultural context of the conversation. I don't know about other countries in the region, could be the same.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Principled Debate --- Is this meaning debate with rules or what exactly is meant by this? Can't this be confused with morals, as in moraled argumentation?

Source author: Kylea Shropshire kylea.shropshire@gmail.com

Numbers --- Yes Nathalie, 27 countries in the EU, 44 in Europe. Now if we speak about the weight of the EU in political and economic terms, it is another matter altogether.

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

Step by step --- Good point Fanny, the step by step approach does work, the only problem is that it takes time, and time is not always on our side!

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

Networking --- Good remark Humayun, which brings us back to the importance of networking and stakeholder analysis.

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

Stakeholder analysis and a successful persuasion --- Once there was a local trader who hates charity. Some entrepreneurs attempted to establish a school on donation basis and proceed him to donate land. He initially refused it. The entrepreneurs analyze his negative attitude and offered him that if he donates land the school would be in his name. The persuasion works wonderfully and the trader accepted the offer.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Time is everything... --- We always want to achieve our targets timely. However, that is not always practical in Humanitarian Diplomacy. It may take ages to persuade some people to change their behaviors towards something. Some cultures are softer and flexible than others. Therefore, as HDiplomats, we need to be persistent and patient in persuading others...

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Framing device of redress on Covid-19 --- Rather than beginning framing device of redress on Covid-19 it has now becoming harder (bad to worse) to do so due to outbreak of new variants of viruses. No one knows when the situation shall become normal as before. In such situations, a tactical device should be adopted so that in case of a little progress of running situation it may works further. For example ... if situation further improved significantly we should do so and so and if not then we must face every unpredictable situation with great patient and .....

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Engagement --- It is worse to mentioned that even most of the decision makers/ sharpers including CEOs are not interesting to learn important of persuasion/ HD. This derails the progress of persuasions.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Using local proverbs --- The use of local metaphors and proverbs can be a great way to build trust and convince local interlocutors. In some countries (I'm thinking of Burundi), the use of proverbs is very frequent and appreciated in any communication.

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Exemple of migration --- As an illustration, I'm also thinking of the issue of migration/rights of migrants, which is an area dominated by irrational/emotional perceptions fueled by populist leaders. Rational and economic arguments (how migration can be good or even necessary for our economies) can be more powerful than legal or humanitarian ones in that regard. But is it in the mission/mandate of humanitarian organizations to resort to such arguments?

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Persuaders' Risks --- I would assume there could be at least two risks associated with successful persuaders: 1) The persuader letting their guards down in their future engagements with the same interlocutors; 2) The persuader becomes over empathic to others' positions, hence losing sight of the subject of their mandate.  

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Internal HDiplomacy --- An interesting point Fanny. Based on experience, I would add that internal HDiplomacy is somewhat more complex than external. It has been a constant challenge as Programme Teams continue believing that they can persuade any interlocutor better than someone who has the experience, expertise, and the required trust to do so—adding that being a woman has made it more difficult because even female colleagues find it easier to trust a male figure to take on this role.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Additional Risks --- In addition, to the "Do No Harm" principle, I would add two more risks. One is the public's compassion fatigue, which might lead them to lose sympathy for the ongoing crises. The other is based on experience that when interlocutors trust you with emotional sentiments and make a personal appeal (especially one that falls within the scope of your mandate), if you fail to deliver, you lose part of their trust.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

transform the persuader? --- How could the successful persuasion transform the persuader? it changes their attitude? They become "used to success"?

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

risk --- Emotional persuasion still have to be factually correct. When fotos and other media-resources are used, they have to depict the actual crisis situation at hand (not a generic photo or media depicting other, similar crisis situation).

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

winning over people --- This action-oriented definition is very interesting, I would add to this one aspect, namely to do the persuasion in an ethical and peaceful manner so that it couldn't be confused with manipulation or any other, less "noble" behavior. For HDiplomats this is relevant and also connects back to the topic of principles.

Source author: Adrienn Nasz adrienn.nasz@gmail.com

"Time" - How to adjust the pace --- Mohamed, I would factor in the interlocutors' pace into the matter. Different interlocutors have different approaches, some want the discussion to happen fast, and you lose their attention after a certain point, while others have a slower pace. The first impression, the continuation of the conversation and the interlocutors' trust in the conversation would be important determinants.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Coordination of HDiplomacy --- Another difficulty that appears more and more is the coordinated effort of an organization to be active simultaneously on different "fronts" with different interlocutors. HDiplomacy starts within the organization, as it requires the same tools to persuade the different entities within the organization to act together towards a joint goal (which is in my opinion easier to say than to do)

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Example from mediation --- In mediation, we often find out that bringing a message to interlocutor to ask them to act might also be overwhelming, not by necessarily by a lack of willingness to act but also because of personal ressources. It is therefore useful, once trust is established, to break down the issue in smaller issues (that will eventually lead to the bigger issue) and present concrete solution-oriented pathways.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

using opinon leaders --- Last week, we had a discussion on how to best use opinion leaders to bring a message in HDiplomacy - the "use" of a public figure like a famous actor should be carefully balanced as this person might be famous in a certain world, but could also bring with him/herself a certain set of values that do not necessarily fit with the context.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Choose your arguments --- The difficulty in persuasion is also that the arguments and the way they are presented will have a different impact from one interlocutors to the other, this requires a lot of preparatory work, but also a personal capacity to "read the room" and bring the convinving arguments in the right time.

Source author: Fanny Charmey fanny.charmey@eda.admin.ch

Skill of listening --- Indeed, I see often that when engaging with decision makers, CEOs as well as policiy advisors have the tendency to send as much information as possible at once and there is no or not enough time taken into account for the essential listening to the priorities and concerns of the person on the other side of the table.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Never waste a good crisis --- Indeed, also the element of time is important for decision making. Under pressure everything becomes fluid; so when there is time pressure or a huge crisis, some decisions can be made that were paused or postponed for a long period. For example now with governments suddenly rapidly increasing their defense expenses, which had been a non-issue for years.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Smart persuasion --- Also a nice connotation :)

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Ranking --- In my experience, it could also be useful to make a data comparison in the form of ranking lists, since no country or city likes to rank lower or below other actors. Does any of you have experience of using this method also on humanitarian topics? And can it succesfully be applied without being too 'impartial'?

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

This reflects the reality on the field --- As HDiplomats, we have to choose, among our teams, who to send to a particular interlocutor because the messenger is key in persuading others. There are interlocutors who are sensitive and if we fail to plan our messages very well, we are planning to fail.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Coconut ice-cream --- Great example Nathalie. In Bangkok I once waited for 30 minutes for my order of coconut ice-cream. They didn't want to tell me that they didn't have any.

Source author: Daniel Beaudoin beaudoin.dnl@gmail.com

Credibility. --- Yes Chloe. I often wonder how organizations screen potential candidates for this credibility?

Source author: Daniel Beaudoin beaudoin.dnl@gmail.com

No expert authority? --- That is so unfortunate; I would have thought that they would enjoy some sort of moral and expert authority?

Source author: Daniel Beaudoin beaudoin.dnl@gmail.com

The sum of... --- Teresa, I would say both. After all, isn't an organization the sum of it's members?

Source author: Daniel Beaudoin beaudoin.dnl@gmail.com

Follow the money. --- Agreed Teresa, and I don't think that the two views are mutually exclusive.

Source author: Daniel Beaudoin beaudoin.dnl@gmail.com

Relevance of political economy approaches --- I understand the point about not reducing people and humanitarian values to their economic value - however economic arguments can be powerful eg pounds/dollars save through investment into disaster preparedness; cost of climate change. Also political economy analysis can help understand others' views and values.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

People and organisations? --- This seems to focus on actors as individuals. Some influence can be exerted by weight of an organisations' credentials. Or is the focus on individuals' one of the HD approaches?

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Other aims - passivity? --- I think some propaganda can be aiming more passive responses than hysteria eg private sector organisations promoting their social responsibility credentials to disguise some of their negative environmental impact. Governments do this too.

Source author: Teresa Hanley thanley7@gmail.com

Example of Indian myth with different connotations --- Once a king's son was sick and offer huge award who can read his future. A palmist came and straightforwardly told that the king with his family members will die soon. He was executed and then no palmist dare to come. Finally an intelligent person came and told the King that he will live longer that other members of his family, and he also request the king to celebrate it. The king rewarded him with huge gold coins and arrange a huge party.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Messenger is like as a morning (that shows the day) --- The personality and credibility of the message carrier to public is important. It must be the platform from where the messages would be delivered to people. Here humanitarian agencies should choose rather popular influential media platform (newspaper, TV or online news portal) and social medial like tweeter, Instagram etc. Reporter, broadcaster or blogger should be very much acceptable to people from the point of view of credibility.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Secondary target to reach negative attitude --- To get reach primary target who is arrogant or having high or negative attitude, the only way to influence him/her through an influential secondary target. That may be his/her boss, mentors, religious leaders, spouse or friends who are involved with humanitarian activities (directly or indirectly) or understood the importance of humanitarian action.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Attitude is key --- This could be one of the critical success factors for any persuasion to be affective. HDiplomats needs to do their own research with regards to the attitude of the individuals they want to persuade. My question is what is the best way to approach with someone who very important but has negative attitude about your humanitarian work?

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

persuasion takes time --- Some HDiplomats try to achieve their objectives quickly. This may not work and normally it may take sometime to persuade interlocutors from the governments and the armed groups. Both may suspect if there are hidden agendas behind humanitarian work and we need to clear the air and explain a lot to them.

Source author: Mohamed Ibrahim Nur boorshaxle@gmail.com

Even Interdependent? --- Ethos -credibility- (mostly) stems from EXPERTISE and Values. Logos -rational persuasion- is based on the factuality and accuracy of the arguments proposed generating the perception of EXPERTISE to a subject. In both cases the perception of the counterpart regarding either the expertise of the organization and/or the argument. This means one cannot persist without the other which makes them interdependent and not just interrelated. Or is that implied?

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Example: Young collectives in Colombia --- First of all, I totally agree with you Terez! I have observed this occurence in Colombia. Young organizations (Rather collectives) of paramedics had formed providing medical aid amid the clashed between protesters and police. Due to their youthly character and low expertise on diplomatic interaction and their questionable stance on their values they where not deemed credible enough for the police to consider them a respectable neutral actor. Many of them where heavily injured and the situation spiraled further out of control.

Source author: Fritz Pinnow fritzpinnow@gmx.de

Political interests --- As humanitarian we should always stand by our principles. But decision maker are often driven by political agendas and interests. This puts one crisis in the spot light and leave others neglected. Timing is key factor for achieving the result of actions being taken.

Source author: Maria Said mariasaid@redcross.org.UK

Culture --- Thank you for this valuable point. Understanding the culture and it is specific communication ways is very important. Emotional intelligence is very important in the negotiation sessions I think

Source author: Maria Said mariasaid@redcross.org.UK

Do no harm --- These risks should be analysed as part of a do no harm approach. It's very important to think about any potential negative effects of a communication action on both long and short term.

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Credibility of organisations versus individuals --- I agree that credibility is absolutely crucial. I have seen example where an organisation had a strong reputation of credibility, but that it could quickly be put at risk by the inappropriate behaviour of a single individual. This is why recruitment as well as training of staff are essential.

Source author: Chloe Sarthou chloe.sarthou@hotmail.fr

Creditability --- Creditability is very important to humanitarian diplomacy. If an entity or person does not have a creditable character or purpose, the interlocutors will not be willing to have talks regarding any humanitarian situation. Does anyone have an example of this in your line of work?

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

integrity? --- is that persuasion or integrity? and being someone like that will definitely support in the art of persuasion! very difficult to have a conversation let alone persuaded with someone that doesn't keep their word

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

The value of face --- aahhh, the joy of facing persons who culturally do not say NO, have a different sense than you of honor, and for whom saving face results in refusing to admit a mistake or might even outweigh the initial issue...16years working with Japanese and I still had what-just-happened moments...An Asian context adds an additional difficulty layer to persuasion with the multitude of faux pas opportunities. Such a cultural conundrum.

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

sub-regional agency? --- i am quite astonished that the EU is qualified as SUB regional....surely it used to be but nowadays ?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Responsibility of the persuader --- Thanks for this to Terez. The Fundamental Principle of Neutrality doesn't enter into this equation automatically. If your task is to persuade a decision-maker to do something, it does not breach neutrality to argue for that point unless some other consideration intervenes. I'm not sure what you mean my "the driving factor" in these situations.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Persuasion and belief --- Thanks Terez. As the responsibility to persuade rests primarily with the organisation, the organisation needs to judge who is the right person to carry the task in any given case. That might mean that the most publicly committed person would not be the right person.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Doing good, and doing right --- Doing good or doing right is not enough to persuade, but element of acceptance of the individual and an institution should be enhanced to backup each argument. Because you are judge on what you do.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Harmonised Approach --- National Society should have a unified objectives, in persuasions that talks the same language at all levels.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Decision makres --- You must understand their norms likes, dislikes, and know their right titles current and previous once. They fill comfortable/ proud especially in South Sudan, if you mentioned their rights position.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

How to handle propaganda well? --- As diplomat or an institution you must have mechanism in place, well structured approaches and individuals trained to respond timely to avoid wider misconception of the information.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Persuation --- you say what you do, and you do what you say, by related it to your past.

Source author: Emmanuel Lessur emmanuel.lessur@ssdredcross.org

Responsibility of persuader --- This is a heavy responsiblity for the HD to have the responsibility to persuade someone to see a point you are making for the betterment of the majority. How does the National Society remain neutral to ensure that they are arguing for the vulnerable and their views are not the driving factor for persuading the government or other entity?

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

Beliefs --- Using persuasion based on someone's beliefs could be a useful tactic in HD. However, how does one persuade another if their belief is so strong that they do not to listen? Is the desire to listen a part of persuasion?

Source author: Terez Curry terez.curry@gmail.com

is this a good example? --- Jamie Oliver (2015) addressing the House of Commons Health Committee: "That is why it is important that it is a legislated tax. More important even than the cash or the drop-off is the fact that it is symbolic of a Government that is willing to fight tooth and nail for public health, and most importantly for child health."

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

high profile insider --- does anyone know if David Cameron, when he invited Jamie Oliver in the sugar tax conversation, had anticipated it would turn out this way?

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

doing good, doing right --- I have previously opposed doing good to doing right, but in this instance i think the doing good is the general humanitarian benefit, and the doing right is the second layer, ie if by doing good there is an economic benefit, then it is also doing right. Naturally this economic benefit should be enjoyed/redistributed to as many as possible.

Source author: Nathalie Caminade nathalie.m.caminade@gmail.com

Field Visits --> Donor Visits --- There was not enough time to go through this point. I have been part of many donor visits and what I have witnessed is that we only go for emotions: 1) we try to show the donors what would only tap into their emotions (which the donors like more than being criticised over not enough support) and 2) we ask the beneficiaries to only thank them and tell them how their assistance helps (despite it being honest or not). If the beneficiaries criticise the support, the donors blame the organisation (not factoring in their lack of flexibility), and we all feel like we were not appreciative enough. This approach needs to change if we want reality to drive our efforts.

Source author: Seyedeh Sepideh Seyed Asgari asgari.spdh@gmail.com

Avis --- Tout à fait! c'est sans doute l'une des raisons pour laquelle elle accueillera le XVIIIème Sommet de la Francophonie les 19 et 20 novembre prochain, dont le thème porte sur le numérique

Source author: Yannick Jasper Abessolo Bengono bengonojasper@gmail.com

Proposal Syria --- Thank you Etienne, interesting to hear about this. The proposal is currently not been accepted by Parliament yet, so I can't tell you this unfortunately. However it was intended specifically for Syria at that time indeed.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

Red Crystal --- Thank you very much Chris, sounds like a customized and well-informed approach with the need of good personal skills. I would be thrilled to hear more about this.

Source author: Eefje Appel eappel@redcross.nl

No confusion but many creative versions --- In fact, there is no problem if emblem is a cross (Christianity) or crescent (Muslims) or other shape or name (Magen David Adom in Israel). The purpose is same to act for humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence (the four pillars of humanitarian principles). To get peoples' support and sympathy we must be creative to establish trust and beliefs of people in a creative or diplomatic way to serve people in distress where religion is a big factor.

Source author: M. Humayun Kabir hkabir1971@gmail.com

Networks, Communities and the Movement. --- Thanks Liz. The Movement is a network, but one which brings together shared identities.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Influential media --- Thanks Phoebe. In this context "influential" means media with the capacity to influence the decisions of interest to the humanitarian organisation concerned.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Weaknesses --- Thanks Phoebe. Yours is a fair point but we used that term because it corresponds to the commonly described "strengths and weaknesses" language.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Levels of presence --- Thanks Sepideh. Generally speaking the level of presence of the institutions will depend on the strength of the National Society and its ability to fulfil its mission. If the country is involved in conflict the ICRC will have its own reasons for wanting to be present, but IFRC is generally more dependent on the views of the NS. Iran has a strong and capable NS and that explains why the presence is low-level.

Source author: Christopher Lamb christopher.lamb17@gmail.com

Public advocacy --- Has there been a conscious strategy, especially on the part of the ICRC, to do more public advocacy?

Source author: Elizabeth Hendry elizabethhendry@hotmail.co.uk

The nature of networks --- I have been thinking about the role of networks recently for my work. There is a lot of interesting theory out there about the differences between a network and a community. I particularly like the perspectives of the learning theorist, Etienne Wenger, who argues that both are social structures, but a network is a set of relationships, personal interactions, and connections, whereas communities are defined by a shared identity.

Source author: Elizabeth Hendry elizabethhendry@hotmail.co.uk

a bit late? --- what were key denominators or pre-requisites that allowed for this approach to actually follow through? what were key lessons learned from this collaboration? what were the challenges? was anything related to these questions published?

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

it's not that simple --- building on a few comments above on how long this takes on a preparedness level as opposed to a response (besides the fact that there is nothing natural about any disaster its a build up of various "man-made" actions) this can also be a very political conversation - e.g. authorities don't want to rebuild shelters in certain areas for other profitable gains they might use the land for, etc...

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

reputation and reality --- this is really interesting because there are examples globally where actually its limited coordination between ICRC & IFRC + NSs that result in confusion and tensions between the three but also with local authorities and communities. there have been key steps taken by ICRC to shift their operational dynamics to be more inclusive and "partner" oriented but that will take time

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

no "sides" to take --- could it have been more possible back then because it was a civil war as opposed to 2 nations or more? very interesting - thank you for sharing the article extracts!

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

religious or not? --- the emblems can cause a lot of confusion as to whether or not the RCRC is religious or not - sure the first flag is the inversion of the Swiss flag but the establishment of crescent and diamond has resulted in a general belief that its a religious cause until awareness is created. we still get questions in Lebanon if all the volunteers are Christian for example!

Source author: Crys Al Chamaa Crys.chamaa@gmail.com

Influential Media --- Critical to define what we mean by influential - it can be influential because of area of coverage, ownership, age group that its programs if focusing on and or the media hosts are influential people.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Advocacy approaches choices --- The selection of the levels of power should also align the advocacy approaches to be used e.g. with public advocacy you would want to work with someone with influence and access to powerful people.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Change of term --- Rather than weakness , I would focus on what gaps do they have, challenges and potential areas of work we can collaborate in to complement each other.

Source author: Phoebe Shikuku Pheobeshikuku@gmail.com

Module de résumé --- Ce module a l'intérêt de résumer tout le cours à travers les fonctions de chaque acteur de la GI; avec le passage en revue des problématiques que chaque fonction soulève dans la gouvernance. C'est fort apprécié.

Source author: Sewlan Stephane SONON stesonon@yahoo.fr

Mon avis --- Belle analyse!

Source author: Yannick Jasper Abessolo Bengono bengonojasper@gmail.com

LinkedIn en Russie --- Avant la guerre en Ukraine qui a entraîner d'autres censures, LinkedIn n'était déjà pas accessible depuis la Russie. Pourquoi ce réseau en particulier ? Est-ce uniquement une question d'hébergement de des serveurs ?

Source author: Rémi Augustyniak-Berzin remi.augustyniak-berzin@francophonie.org

Mon avis --- C'est le cas du Cameroun!

Source author: Yannick Jasper Abessolo Bengono bengonojasper@gmail.com

Mon avis --- Tout à fait, je partage cet avis

Source author: Yannick Jasper Abessolo Bengono bengonojasper@gmail.com

UE et Conseil de l'Europe --- La mise à l'agenda en France des questions de politique de contenu (tant sur les infox que sur les discours de haine) est fortement influencée par les agendas européens de l'Union européenne et du Conseil de l'Europe.

Source author: Rémi Augustyniak-Berzin remi.augustyniak-berzin@francophonie.org

Mon avis --- Comme au Cameroun

Source author: Yannick Jasper Abessolo Bengono bengonojasper@gmail.com

Recommendation sur l'éthique de l'UNESCO --- Le plus grand problème de cette recommendation c'est l'effet non-obligatoire de la dernière. Les entreprises et les gouvernements sont libres de choisir la mise en oeuvre de la recommendation ou bien de ces articles.

Source author: Zornitza Grekova zornitza.grekova@mfa.bg

commentaire --- En effet, la diplomatie ne peut pas rester en marge des progrès technologiques qui lui offrent d'ailleurs davantage de moyens pour atteindre ses objectifs. Les exemples les plus illustratifs sont relatifs à l'utilisation du numérique pour conduire des politiques de communication d'influence, des stratégies d'amélioration de la réputation des Etats. Les TIC ont insufflé une nouvelle dynamique à la diplomatie. Elles sont au service de la diplomatie, de même que la diplomatie leur est d'une grande utilité, notamment en matière de gouvernance et de promotion économique.

Source author: Charlemagne Eric Mahutin Dedewanou cdedewanou@gouv.bj

Commentaire --- Avec la situation évoquée, vous avez parfaitement raison que l'implication des PMA de l'Afrique dans le développement de l'internet pourrait favoriser l'accès internet. Mais le risque serait que, ce faisant, les pouvoirs de gouvernance de l'internet seraient concentrés dans les mains des Gouvernements. Le cas échéant, le chiffrement sera fragilisé ou deviendra carrément un vain mot. Les droits des utilisateurs risquent d'en partir. La conséquence immédiate serait l'installation d'une méfiance au niveau des utilisateurs (personnes physiques ou morales). Du coup, le progrès technologique aura manqué de contribuer au développement socio-économique. L'Etat peut, a contrario, à travers des politiques bien élaborées, créer des conditions incitatives pour favoriser l'installation sur son territoire d'opérateurs privés du domaine. Par ailleurs, un soutien ciblé aux startup pourrait également permettre leur émergence.

Source author: Charlemagne Eric Mahutin Dedewanou cdedewanou@gouv.bj

L'IA et les questions éthiques --- Je suis tout à fait d'accord avec cet opinion. Nous avons constaté régulièrement sur les fora internationaux la divergence des points de vue des spécialistes et des représentants gouvernementaux sur la régulation de ce domaine. La question de la mise en oeuvre des actes déjà adoptés sur le plan international devient de plus en plus pertinente.

Source author: Zornitza Grekova zornitza.grekova@mfa.bg

Agence de régulation --- Dans les pays africains, il est souvent difficile de s'assurer que les Gouvernements ne s'impliquent (n'influencent) dans le fonctionnement des Agences de régulation. Encore faudrait-il que celles-ci aient les moyens nécessaires à leur fonctionnement autonome.

Source author: Charlemagne Eric Mahutin Dedewanou cdedewanou@gouv.bj

commentaire --- Le pouvoir de la communauté technique ne peut être contrebalancé que par l'intervention des Gouvernements. Si la participation et la veille des Organisations de la société civile sont indispensables pour s'assurer de la prise en compte des intérêts des consommateurs, il faut reconnaitre que le rôle des Etats, éditeurs des normes, par ailleurs, en la matière restera capital.

Source author: Charlemagne Eric Mahutin Dedewanou cdedewanou@gouv.bj

Infrastructure d'information --- Pour Madagascar l' internet est aussi avant tout, un vecteur de diffusion d' information et un moyen de communication.

Source author: Mamie Oliva Abraham abraham.mamie@yahoo.com

Commentaire --- Les coupures de courant demeurent un véritable casse-tête pour de nombreux pays en développement, surtout en Afrique. Ce qui justifie la mise en place du projet Grand Inga, qui est un projet de construction d’un grand barrage hydroélectrique pour desservir une grande partie de l’Afrique.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- Les règles élaborées par l’UIT dans le cadre de la réglementation de l’infrastructure des télécommunications au niveau international, sont-elles de stricte application par les États? Car une chose est d’élaborer des règles, une autre de les appliquer.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- La protection des intérêts nationaux est la principale mission des diplomates. Cette mission s’étend même au niveau des politiques numériques car les intérêts des États ne sont pas limités dans un seul domaine.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- Il est important que des acteurs non étatiques soient également pris en compte dans la gouvernance de l’Internet car cette notion touche toutes les institutions.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com

Commentaire --- De nos jours, les gens utilisent de plus en plus l’internet pour faire des appels ou pour suivre des émissions ou des films. Avec l’internet, les flux des services traditionnels qu’offraient le téléphone et la télévision ont été sensiblement réduits.

Source author: Julio Kandolo kmjulio88@gmail.com