Digital diplomacy
Re: Canada needs more digital diplomats, June 20.
Roland Paris recently argued that Canada needs to engage in digital diplomacy. On that, we are agreed. Paris, though, curiously failed to mention two key initiatives where Canada is leading through proactive action.
Our government understands the massive potential of social media in engaging and empowering all kinds of new actors on the world stage. That’s why we’re busy working to build online relationships, not simply find “followers.” “Friending” or clicking “like” is one thing; we’re building a network of people to engage in meaningful online dialogue.
At the Google Big Tent Canada event held in Ottawa on May 30th, Minister Baird described the future of “digital diplomacy” as “promoting freedom ... giving people the capacity to get alternative information and creating a democratic space.”
These are laudable, important goals. Our government is taking an approach that is broad enough to account for the unlimited potential of “digital diplomacy,” yet specific enough in the values it purports. Our Global Dialogue on the Future of Iran is a perfect example of our government’s commitment to using social media as a means of speaking directly with people around the world.
In partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs, the conference gave Iranians in Iran and around the world the opportunity to bypass state censorship and access open discussion on the Iranian presidential elections. Through a variety of social media outlets including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, more than 360,000 people inside Iran have so far taken part.
Every one of those viewers represents a citizen who has a vested interest in creating change for the future of Iran.
It’s vital that we create safe spaces for these people to gather, organize and discuss freely. It’s vital — whether it is face to face, or screen to screen — that we empower the powerless and give voice to the voiceless.
DEEPAK OBHRAI, Parliamentary Secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird