Author: Christina Steinbrecher-Pfandt

The G7 Industry, Digital, and Technology Ministers agreed on a broad agenda to boost economic growth and security through AI, quantum technologies, and more resilient digital supply chains after meeting under Canada’s presidency this month. The G7 emphasized a human-centric approach to AI, with new tools to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt the technology responsibly while building trust through voluntary frameworks and international cooperation.

At COP30 in Brazil, AI emerged as an essential tool for climate action and a source of deep concern among environmental advocates, with delegates highlighting AI’s capacity to improve grid efficiency, strengthen climate modeling, and support conservation efforts. However, civil society groups warn that energy-intensive data centers could undermine global emissions targets. Despite diverging views, participants agreed that AI will have a lasting presence in international climate policy.

How can governments foster responsible innovation in artificial intelligence while ensuring strong governance frameworks? Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) and the Institute for California AI Policy (ICAP), join us for a timely discussion with Hubert Han, Digital Counsellor and Senior Tech Policy Advisor of Singapore, who will share insights into Singapore’s approach to balancing AI governance with innovation.

The United Nations’ cyber diplomacy efforts reached a milestone with the Open-ended Working Group on ICT security adopting its Final Report last month, setting the stage for a future permanent cybersecurity framework and new “Global Mechanism” to guide responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Despite no “revolutionary progress” being made, countries did agree on basic principles like tackling ransomware, recognizing threats to critical infrastructure, and continuing work on existing norms.

Second Annual Tech Diplomacy Course Takes Place in Vienna
The second annual tech diplomacy course was held last month at the Diplomatische Akademie Wien in Vienna. Students had the opportunity to partake in two days of stimulating conversations and exercises, including a simulation devising tech diplomacy strategies for countries and private sector companies. The course was led by Katharina Höne, Research & Capacity Building, and Martin Rauchbauer, Co-Director & Founder, at the Tech Diplomacy Network.

Second Annual Tech Diplomacy Course Takes Place in Vienna
The second annual tech diplomacy course was held last month at the Diplomatische Akademie Wien in Vienna. Students had the opportunity to partake in two days of stimulating conversations and exercises, including a simulation devising tech diplomacy strategies for countries and private sector companies. The course was led by Katharina Höne, Research & Capacity Building, and Martin Rauchbauer, Co-Director & Founder, at the Tech Diplomacy Network.

Tech Diplomacy in Times of Uncertainty

On May 14th, the Tech Diplomacy community gathered to discuss policy challenges, investment and entrepreneurship, and the historical roots of this emerging diplomatic practice.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s “sweeping” tariffs announced earlier this month were met with shock, trepidation, and ire, sparking threats of retaliation and urgent calls for negotiations. The tariffs have united unlikely nations and turned allies away, prompting fears of an escalating trade war that is already posing great implications for the global economy and diplomacy.

Important note: The situation with U.S. tariffs continues to evolve. The coverage included below is summarized with information available at the time of the article’s publication.

Recognizing the pressing need for international collaboration on matters of critical and emerging technology, the Tech Diplomacy Award is an important instrument to celebrate those who are able to promote cooperation amidst escalating global tensions, especially in the technological realm.

The Tech Diplomacy Award honors a distinguished leader by acknowledging exceptional contributions to the Tech Diplomacy field through innovative and visionary leadership.

Tech Kingdom or Tech Democracy? Technology Diplomacy in the Second Trump Administration