The COVID-19 pandemic's rapid changes and limitations on human interaction have caused adaptation in how people worldwide get on with their daily lives. As a result, digital diplomacy has also undergone significant transformation to safeguard one's nation's interests.
Policymaking, including in foreign policy, has been hampered by restrictions, limitations, and unpredictability during the pandemic. However, digital technology has aided in breaking down those barriers. What once seemed difficult, if not impossible, is now attainable.
The ICDD aims to expand and broaden the exchange of ideas, expertise, experiences and seek opportunities for future cooperation in digital diplomacy among countries around the world. ICDD will discuss on the issue of:
- How digital diplomacy has been used in the pandemic;
- Sharing knowledge, expertise and experience in using digital technologies as diplomatic instruments;
- Challenges, opportunities, and future of digital diplomacy, including the instrument's effective use thus far;
- Collaboration and support in regional cooperation to develop tangible goals in digital diplomacy; and
- Current and future cooperation in digital diplomacy capacity building among participating countries.
ICDD was attended by various ministers and stakeholders from various countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, China, Fiji, Finland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, UK, USA, and Viet Nam.
