Denmark is the first country in the world to make technology and digitalization a priority in its foreign and security policy. This initiative is called “ TechPlomacy ”.
According to the European Union (EU), Denmark is one of the most digitalized countries in the world. It has a robust, green and reliable energy ecosystem; an innovative and adaptable workforce. All of this is relatively well-equipped for Denmark to succeed in the fourth industrial revolution. However, like other countries, cities and regions around the world, Denmark needs to be ready to adapt and embrace new technologies and their adverse impacts on society, economy and labor market.
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| Denmark builds “technological diplomacy” strategy |
Jovan Kurbalija, director of the nonprofit DiploFoundation and a veteran diplomat, said the idea of “technological diplomacy” had been discussed as early as 1994. In 2003, the United Nations held a World Technology Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, to narrow the global digital divide between rich and poor countries. In the 2010s, major decisions were increasingly made by large multinational companies in the technology industry.
For a government, relying solely on traditional diplomacy to bring knowledge home, promote its interests and defend its values abroad is no longer enough. The Danish government launched a “techno-diplomacy” initiative in 2017. Its purpose was first outlined in the government’s Foreign and Security Policy Strategy 2017-2018. Also in 2017, the country sent a technology ambassador to Silicon Valley (USA) to focus on Big Tech.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed its first “tech diplomacy” strategy in 2021, focusing on three themes; Diplomatic efforts to ensure that large technology companies meet their social responsibilities; and upholding democracy and technology that supports security for all Danish citizens.
In mid-March 2024, Denmark redefined its “techno-diplomacy” priorities until 2026. This mandate covers foreign and security policy. It includes cyber policy; development, export and investment promotion, Denmark’s bilateral relations with other countries, in the EU and multilateral forums. Denmark outlined new priorities, including a focus on Europe’s technological future.
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| Danish Technology Ambassador to the US Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard |
Denmark’s tech ambassador to the United States, Anne Marie Engtoft Meldgaard, believes that “tech diplomacy” is more important than ever. Her job is to focus on the political aspects of new technology. “Multinational companies have geopolitical influence and we need their constructive engagement,” Meldgaard said. “This is an effort we are making to ensure that the Western tech industry stays on the right track.”
In 2023, 63 countries were represented in Silicon Valley, including 24 of the 27 EU countries. In addition to the US, tech diplomats are based in Beijing, China, Brussels, Geneva, Switzerland, Barcelona, Spain, and Bengaluru, India. The UN Global Digital Compact, a set of shared principles to be negotiated by September 2024, is expected to dominate diplomatic discussion this year. The document is said to “express a shared vision for an open, free, secure and human-centered digital future.” It will serve as a guide for diplomats working toward these goals. |
Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/dan-mach-thuc-day-ngoai-giao-cong-nghe-tren-toan-cau-197947.html
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