Category: Sustainable development

University of Geneva

Post date March 1, 2022

Address: Rue De-Candolle 5, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

Stakeholder group: Academia & think tanks

The University of Geneva (UNIGE) offers more than 280 types of degrees and more than 250 continuing education programmes covering an extremely wide variety of fields across exact sciences, medicine, and humanities.

Digital activities

The university has incorporated digital technology into its strategy and appointed a vice-rector in charge of defining and piloting digital initiatives in the fields of education, research, and services to society. Its digital strategy focuses on three dimensions of digital technology: digital technology for teaching and research, digital solutions for open and connected science and digital expertise in the service fo society.

It also provides courses focusing on digital law, and it has been very active in research related to applied physics and quantum cryptography.

More information on the university’s digital strategy can be found at the dedicated page.

Digital policy issues

Capacity development

In an attempt to develop digital skills of its community, the University of Geneva has put in place a series of measures to meet the needs of its students, researchers, administrative staff, and other community members. To this end, the university offers a series of courses on digital technologies and related issues, participates in a number of projects, and provides training and workshops on particular digital skills and tools. It is also developing and deploying its Open Science roadmap.

Moreover, the university created a Digital Law Center (DLC) at the Faculty of Law over the course of implementing its digital strategy. The DLC provides courses focused on the Internet and law. It also organises its annual Digital Law Summer School, where participants can discuss digital law and policy issues such as cybersecurity, privacy, freedom of expression, and intellectual property with leading experts from academia and international organisations. Every year since 2016, the university has organised the Geneva Digital Law Research Colloquium (which is run by the DLC in co-operation with other leading academic centers, including the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University). This event is a scientific workshop that gives an opportunity to selected next generation digital law and policy researchers to present and discuss various digital policy issues such as freedom of expression online, copyright, and the Internet of Things with senior high level experts.

Leveraging its multidisciplinary culture, the university has recently created a transversal Data Science Competence Center aiming at federating competencies from all faculties and enabling cross-fertilisation between various disciplines to develop advanced research and services.

The university has also developed a Digital Innovation Incubation Programme that supports residency periods for its members at swissnex San Francisco to enhance the links with the Bay Area.

The university has created a portal for online and blended learning with a set of resources to help tutors prepare their courses and classes. Some of the resources are intended for self-training, while others provide users with training/coaching opportunities with University of Geneva e-learning and blended learning experts.

Digital tools

The university maintains an IT Service Catalogue where students can access all digital tools the university provides, such as the UNIGE Mobile App, UNIGE Portal, UNIGE’s data storage system, and many others.

The University of Geneva also offers a number of online courses.

Future of Meetings

Any reference to online or remote meetings?

The university plans to extend its Zoom license, which was initially acquired for one semester, until the end of the 2020/2021 academic year. Some exams have taken place online.

Any reference to holding meetings outside HQ?

The university is using online platforms for e-conferences and plans to deploy them in order to provide alternatives to in-person meetings.

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Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

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Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

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Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

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Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

Deprecated: Function addslashes_gpc is deprecated since version 7.0.0! Use wp_slash() instead. in /var/www/html/wp.giplatform.org/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6170

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European Organization for Nuclear Research

Post date March 1, 2022

Acronym: CERN

Address: Espl. des Particules 1, 1211 Meyrin, Switzerland

Website: https://home.cern/

Stakeholder group: NGOs and associations

CERN is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading laboratories for particle physics. At CERN, physicists and engineers probe the fundamental structure of the universe. To do this, they use the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments – particle accelerators and detectors – to study the basic constituents of matter and the forces that shape the universe. Technologies developed at CERN go on to have a significant impact through their applications in wider society.

Digital activities

CERN has had an important role in the history of computing and networks. The World Wide Web (WWW) was invented at CERN by Sir Tim Berners-Lee. The web was originally conceived and developed to meet the demand for automated information-sharing between scientists at universities and institutes around the world. Grid computing was also developed at CERN with partners and thanks to funding from the European Commission. The organisation also carries out activities in the areas of cybersecurity, big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), data preservation, and quantum technology.

Digital policy issues

Cloud computing

The scale and complexity of data from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest particle accelerator, is unprecedented. This data needs to be stored, easily retrieved, and analysed by physicists all over the world. This requires massive storage facilities, global networking, immense computing power, and funding. CERN did not initially have the computing or financial resources to crunch all of the data on site, so in 2002 it turned to grid computing to share the burden with computer centres around the world. The Worldwide Large Hadron Collider Computing Grid (WLCG) builds on the ideas of grid technology initially proposed in 1999 by Ian Foster and Carl Kesselman. The WLCG relies on a distributed computing infrastructure, as data from the clashes of protons or heavy ions is distributed via the Internet for processing at data centres worldwide. This approach of using ‘virtual machines’ is based on the same paradigm as cloud computing. It is expected that further CERN developments in the field of data processing will continue to influence digital technologies.

Telecommunications infrastructure

In the 1970s, CERN developed CERNET, a lab-wide network to access mainframe computers in its data centre. This pioneering network eventually led CERN to become an early European adopter of TCP/IP for use in connecting systems on site. In 1989, CERN opened its first external TCP/IP connections and by 1990, CERN had become the largest Internet site in Europe and was ready to host the first WWW server. Nowadays, in addition to the WLCG and its distributed computing infrastructure, CERN is also the host of the CERN Internet eXchange Point (CIXP), which optimises CERN’s Internet connectivity and is also open to interested Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Digital standards

Ever since releasing the World Wide Web software under an open-source model in 1994, CERN has been a pioneer in the open-source field, supporting open-source hardware (with the CERN Open Hardware Licence), open access (with the Sponsoring Consortium for Open Access Publishing in Particle Physics – SCOAP3) and open data (with the CERN Open Data Portal). Several CERN technologies are being developed with open access in mind, such as Indico, Invenio, Zenodo. Open-source software, such as CERNBox, CTA, EOS, FTS, GeantIV, ROOT , RUCIO, SWAN have been developed to handle, distribute and analyse the huge volumes of data generated by the LHC experiments and are also made available to the wider society.

Data governance

CERN manages vast amounts of data, and not only scientific data, but also data in more common formats such as webpages, images and videos, documents, and more. For instance, the CERN Data Centre processes on average one petabyte (one million gigabytes) of data per day. As such, the organisation notes that it faces the challenge of preserving its digital memory. It also points to the fact that many of the tools that are used to preserve data generated by the LHC and other scientific projects are also suitable for preserving other types of data and are made available to the wider society.

Artificial intelligence

Through CERN openlab, CERN collaborates with leading ICT companies and research institutes. The R&D projects carried out through CERN openlab are currently addressing topics related to data acquisition, computing platforms, data storage architectures, compute provisioning and management, networks and communication, machine learning and data analytics, and quantum technologies. CERN researchers are using machine learning techniques as part of their efforts to ‘maximise the potential for discovery…and optimise resources usage’. Machine learning is used, for instance, to improve the performance of LHC experiments in areas such as particle detection and managing computing resources. Going one step further, at the intersection of AI and quantum computing, CERN openlab is exploring the feasibility of using quantum algorithms to track the particles produced by collisions in the LHC, and is working on developing quantum algorithms to help optimise how data is distributed for storage in the WLCG.

Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Post date March 1, 2022

Address: Maison de la paix, Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2A CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland

Website: https://graduateinstitute.ch

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is an institution of research and higher education at the postgraduate level dedicated to the study of world affairs, with a particular emphasis on the cross-cutting fields of international relations and development issues.

Through its core activities, the Institute aims to promote international co-operation and contribute to the progress of developing societies. More broadly, it endeavours to develop creative thinking on the major challenges of our time, foster global responsibility and advance respect for diversity.

By intensely engaging with international organisations, non-governmental organisations, governments and multinational companies, the Institute participates in global discussions and prepares future policymakers to lead tomorrow’s world.

Digital Activities

As part of its main strategy, the Institute seeks to develop digitally-driven innovation in teaching and research, as well as information technology (IT) services. At the same time, as a research institution focusing on global challenges and their impacts, digitalisation has become one of its fundamental and policy-oriented research areas.

Over the years, the Institute has developed a performing IT infrastructure with secured data storage space and digital platforms (e.g. Campus, Moodle, TurntIn, Zoom, MyHR, Salesforces, Converis, etc.) to provide seamless services as well as dematerialised/paperless processes (e.g. student applications, course registration, etc.) for students, staff, and professors.

Various publications address topics related to digitalisation and its impact, such as big data, robotics, crypto mining, terrorism and social media, data in international trade and trade law, Internet governance, digital health, microfinance and Fintech, smart cities, etc.

The Institute also organises workshops, seminars, film screenings, and other events that cover Internet-related issues, ranging from the digital divide and the governance and regulatory aspects of data to cybersecurity.

Digital policy issue

Capacity development

The Institute provides a multidisciplinary perspective on international governance, including research and teaching on Internet governance, digital trade, and artificial intelligence (AI).

In terms of teaching, its Master, PhD, and executive education courses are increasingly focused on the effects of digitalisation on society and the economy, and more generally the global system. Some examples of courses are ‘Internet Governance and Economics’, ‘Internet Governance: the Role of International Law, Cybersecurity and Virtual Insecurity’, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work’, ‘Technology and Development’, and ‘Big Data Analysis’. Digital skills workshops are also organised for students to provide them with basic digital competence for their future professional or academic life (e.g. big data analysis, digital communication strategy, introduction to programming with Python, data analysis in various contexts, etc.)

In terms of research, a growing number of researchers and PhD candidates analyse the impact of digitalisation on international relations and development issues. A few examples of research topics are Internet and AI governance, digitalisation of trade, fintech, AI and humanitarian law, regulatory aspects of data, digital inclusion, and open government data. Some of the prominent research initiatives are listed under respective digital policy issues sections below.

The Institute also supports professors in developing pedagogical skills and in using digital tools. Workshops are offered to all faculty members at the end of the summer to prepare them for hybrid teaching and the use of new technological tools in the classroom.

Artificial intelligence

The Institute hosts the new Digital Health and AI Research Collaborative (I-DAIR) directed by former Ambassador of India and Visiting Lecturer at the Institute Amandeep Gill. I-DAIR aims to create a platform to promote responsible and inclusive AI research and digital technology development for health. This platform is supported by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA).

The faculty also carries out a number of digital policy-related research projects, some of which focus on AI in particular. For example, the project titled ‘Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) and War Crimes: Who is to Bear Responsibility?’ aims to clarify whether and to what extent the requirements for ascribing criminal responsibility for the commission of an act – and in particular the key concepts of culpability theories – can be applied to the use of LAWS in combat operations. This analysis will serve to identify lacunae and inconsistencies in the current legal framework in the face of the advent of military robotics.

Sustainable development

A number of projects carried out by the Institute’s members aim to address the relation between digital technologies and sustainable development. For instance, the ‘Modelling Early Risk Indicators to Anticipate Malnutrition’ (MERIAM) project uses computer models to test and scale up cost-effective means to improve the prediction and monitoring of undernutrition in difficult contexts.

The project ‘Governing health futures 2030: growing up in a digital world’, hosted at the Global Health Centre, explores how to ensure that digital development helps improve the health and well-being of all, and especially among children and young people. It focuses on examining integrative policies for digital health, AI, and universal health coverage to support the attainment of the third sustainable development goal.

Focusing on the Global South, the project ‘African Futures: Digital Labor and Blockchain Technology’ strengthens empirical knowledge on changing trends in employment in the region by way of a two-pronged approach to the increasingly interconnected global division of labor: i) App-based work mediated by online service platforms and ii) the use of blockchain technology in mining sites for ethical sourcing, traceability, and proof of origin.

Inclusive finance

Projects carried out by the Institute’s members also address the role of digital technologies in enhancing financial inclusion. The project ‘Effects of Digital Economy on Banking and Finance’ studies digital innovations and how fintech extends financial services to firms and households and improves credit allocation using loan-account level data comparing the fintech and traditional banking.

Online education

The Institute has developed digital tools (e.g. app for students, responsive website) and used digital services (e.g. social media, Facebook, Google ads, etc.) for many years in its student recruitment and communication campaigns. Digital tools are also part of the pedagogical methods to improve learning. Flipped classrooms, MOOCs, SPOCs, and podcasts, to name a few, are used by professors in master and PhD programmes, as well as in executive education.

Thanks to the above developments, the Institute was able to respond quickly and effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. In a week, the Institute moved to distance working and online teaching.

Digital tools

Digital collections that allow free access to historical documents, texts, and photographs on international relations from the 16th to 20th century;
Two free online courses (MOOC) on globalisation and global governance.
Podcasts showcasing professors and guests’ expertise (What Matters Today, In Conversation With, Parlons en).
Podcasts are also integrated into the curricula of several international history and interdisciplinary master courses to encourage students to use social network platforms to popularise their findings.

Future of Meetings

Any reference to online or remote meetings?

Events, sessions, and seminars are held online (usually in Zoom), e.g. information sessions for admitted and prospective students are taking place online.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Post date March 1, 2022

Acronym: UNECE

Address: Palais des Nations, 8-14 Avenue de la Paix CH-1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland

Website: https://unece.org

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is one of five regional commissions of the UN. Its major aim is to promote pan-European economic integration. To do so, it brings together 56 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, which discuss and co-operate on economic and sectoral issues.

UNECE works to promote sustainable development and economic growth through policy dialogue, negotiation of international legal instruments, development of regulations and norms, exchange and application of best practices, economic and technical expertise, and technical co-operation for countries with economies in transition. It also sets out norms, standards, and conventions to facilitate international co-operation.

Digital Activities

UNECE’s work touches on several digital policy issues, ranging from digital standards (in particular in relation to electronic data interchange for administration, commerce, and transport) to the Internet of Things (e.g. intelligent transport systems and automated driving). Its UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) develops trade facilitation recommendations and electronic business standards, covering both commercial and government business processes. UNECE also carries out activities focused on promoting sustainable development, in areas such as sustainable and smart cities for all ages; sustainable mobility and smart connectivity; and measuring and monitoring progress towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

UNECE’s work in the field of statistics is also relevant for digital policy issues. For example, the 2019 Guidance on Modernizing Statistical Legislation – which guides countries through the process of reviewing and revising statistical legislation – covers issues such as open data, national and international data exchanges, and government data management.

Digital policy issues

E-commerce and trade

UNECE’s subsidiary, CEFACT, serves as a focal point (within the UN Economic and Social Council) for trade facilitation recommendations and electronic business standards, covering both commercial and government business processes. In collaboration with the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standardisation (OASIS), UNECE developed the Electronic Business using eXtensible Markup Language (ebXML). Another output of UNECE is represented by the UN rules for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT), which include internationally agreed upon standards, directories, and guidelines for the electronic interchange of structured data between computerised information systems. UNECE has also issued recommendations on issues such as electronic commerce agreements and e-commerce self-regulatory instruments. CEFACT also works on supporting international, regional, and national e-government efforts to improve trade facilitation and e-commerce systems.

Digital standards

UNECE’s subsidiary body CEFACT has developed, together with OASIS, the Electronic Business using eXtensible Markup Language (ebXML) standard (containing specifications which enable enterprises around the world to conduct business over the Internet). UNECE’s standardisation work has also resulted in the development of EDIFACT), as well as other digital standards in areas such as agriculture (e.g. electronic crop reports, electronic animal passports, and fishering languages for universal eXchange), e-tendering, and transfer of digital records.

UN/EDIFACT
XML Schemas
Various other standards covering areas such as supply chain management, transport and logistics, agriculture, accounting and audit, travel and tourism, and environment

Internet of things

As part of its work in the field on intelligent transport systems, UNECE carries out several activities in the field of automated driving. It hosts multilateral agreements and conventions ruling the requirements and the use of these technologies (such as the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic). Its activities (e.g. facilitating policy dialogue and developing regulations and norms) are aimed at contributing to enabling automated driving functionalities and to ensuring that the benefits of these technologies can be captured without compromising safety and progress achieved in areas such as border crossing and interoperability. It also collaborates with other interested stakeholders, including the automotive and information and communication technology (ICT) industries, consumer organisations, governments, and international organisations.

Another area of work for UNECE is related to harnessing smart technologies and innovation for sustainable and smart cities. In this regard, it promotes the use of ICTs in city planning and service provision and it has developed (together with the ITU) a set of key performance indicators for smart sustainable cities. UNECE also works to facilitate connectivity through sustainable infrastructure. For instance, it assists countries in developing smart grids for more efficient energy distribution, and it administers international e-roads, e-rail, and e-waterway networks.

Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
Proposal for a new UN Regulation on uniform provision concerning the approval of vehicles with regards to cyber security and cyber security management system (June 2020)
Proposal for a new UN Regulation on uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regards to Automated Lane keeping Systems (April/June 2020)
Proposal for a new UN Regulation on uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to software update processes and of software update management systems (December 2019)
Revised Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles (December 2019)
Key Performance Indicators for Smart Sustainable Cities (2015)
Resolution on the deployment of highly and fully automated vehicles in road traffic
Paper on artificial intelligence and vehicle regulations (2018)
World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29)
Working Party on Automated/autonomous and Connected Vehicles
Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1)
UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management
International Telecommunication Union (ITU): UNECE and ITU are co-organising the annual Future Networked cards events. Together, they have developed the Key Performance Indicators for Smart Sustainable Cities.
United for Smart Sustainable Cities – UNECE is one of the co-ordinators

Blockchain

UNECE’s subsidiary body CEFACT has been exploring the use of blockchain for trade facilitation. For instance, work carried out within the Blockchain White Paper Project has resulted in two white papers: One looking at the impact of blockchain on the technical standards work of CEFACT and another looking at how blockchain could facilitate trade and related business processes. The ongoing Chain Project is focused on developing a framework/mechanism for the development and implementation of blockchain services infrastructure, and creating a whitepaper on strategy for development and implementation of interoperable global blockchain technology infrastructure. Another blockchain-related project looks into the development of a standard on the creation of a cross-border inter customs ledger using blockchain technology.

Digital and environment

UNECE’s work in the area of environmental policy covers a broad range of issues, such as the green economy, shared and safe water, environmental monitoring and assessment, and education for sustainable development. Much of this work is carried out by the Committee on Environmental Policy, which, among other tasks, supports countries in their efforts to strengthen their environmental governance and assesses their efforts to reduce their pollution burden, manage natural resources, and integrate environmental and socioeconomic policies. UNECE has put in place an Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Programme to assist member states in working with environmental data and information and enable informed decision-making processes. As part of this programme, it promotes the use of electronic tools for accessing information and knowledge on environmental matters and is developing a Shared Environmental Information System across the UNECE region. The system is intended to enable countries to connect databases and make environmental data more accessible.

UNECE Environmental Conventions (not necessarily covering digital issues directly, but relevant)

Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context
Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes
Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents
Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention)
Recommendations on electronic information tools aimed to assist Parties, Signatories and other interested States in promoting development, maintaining, enhancing, and using electronic information tools to support the implementation of the Aarhus Convention (2005)
The Recommendations are under review and a Task force on access to information is working on updating them
The Pan-European Strategic Framework for Greening the Economy
The Batumi Initiative on Green Economy (BIG-E)
UNECE Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment
Working Group on Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Task Force on Environmental Statistics and Indicators
Task Force on Waste Statistics
Task Force on access to information

Sustainable development

UNECE assists countries in its region to address sustainable development challenges (in areas such as environment, connectivity, and urbanisation) through leveraging its norms, standards and conventions, building capacities, and providing policy assistance. It focuses on driving progress towards the following SDGs: 3 (good health and well-being), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action), and 15 (life on land). SDG 5 (gender equality) and 17 (partnerships) are overarching for all UNECE activities. Activities undertaken by UNECE in relation to these SDGs converge under 4 high-impact areas: sustainable use of natural resources; sustainable and smart cities for all ages; sustainable mobility and smart connectivity; and measuring and monitoring progress towards the SDGs.

UNECE has developed a series of tools and standards to support countries in measuring and monitoring progress towards the SDGs. It has also put in place an Innovation Policy Outlook which assesses the scope, quality, and performance of policies, institutions and instruments promoting innovation for sustainable development.

Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the UNECE Region (report, March 2020)

Data governance

UNECE carries out multiple activities of relevance for the area of data governance. To start with, its work on trade facilitation also covers data management issues. For example, it has issued a White Paper on a data pipeline concept for improving data quality in the supply chain and a set of Reference Data Model Guidelines. Several projects carried out in the framework of UNECE’s subsidiary CEFACT also cover data-related issues. Examples include the Cross-border Management Reference Data Model Project (aimed to provide a regulatory reference data model within the CEFACT semantic library in order to assist authorities to link this information to the standards of other organisations) and the Accounting and Audit Reference Data Model Project.

Secondly, UNECE has a Statistical Division which coordinates international statistical activities between UNECE countries and helps to strengthen, modernise, and harmonise statistical systems, under the guidance of the Conference of European Statisticians. Its activities in this area are guided by the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, adopted in 1992 and later endorsed by the UN Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. Areas of work include: economic statistics, statistics on population, gender and society, statistics related to sustainable development and the environment, and modernisation of official statistics. In 2019, UNECE published a Guidance on Modernizing Statistical Legislation to guide countries through the process of reviewing and revising statistical legislation. The guidance covers issues such as open data, national and international data exchanges, and government data management.White Paper: Data Pipeline (2018)

Digital tools

UNECE Dashboard of SDG indicators

UNECE digital tools facilitating access to statistical information:

UNECE online platforms and observatories gathering updates and policy resources to help member states respond to the COVID-19 crisis:

Future of meetings

Any reference to online or remote meetings?

Yes, UNECE Executive Committee – Special procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic (adopted in April 2020 and extended in July 2020 authorise the Chair of the Commission to convene remote informal meetings of the members of the Executive Committee. It also encourages UNECE subsidiary bodies to explore innovative formats to conduct business remotely. The Executive Committee held a remote informal meeting of members on 20 May 2020. Subsequently, its 110th meeting was also held online, on 10 July 2020.
The Conference of European Statisticians held its 68th plenary as a hybrid meeting on 22 June and as an informal virtual meeting on 23–24 June 2020.
Several UNECE groups have been holding online meetings. For instance, the 118th session of the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG) (15–17 July) was held via Webex, without interpretation, and is considered an informal meeting

Any reference to deliberation or decision making online?

UNECE Executive Committee – Special procedures during the COVID-19 period (adopted in April 2020 and extended in July 2020) refers to use of the silence procedure for decision-making.
Proceedings of the 118th session of GRSG: ‘Decisions taken during the informal virtual meeting will be circulated after the meeting in the three ECE official languages to the delegations of Contracting Parties via their missions in Geneva for final approval under silence procedure of 10 days.’

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Post date March 1, 2022

Acronym: UNCTAD

Address: Palais des Nations, Av. de la Paix 8-14, 1211 Genève, Switzerland

Website: https://unctad.org

Stakeholder group: International and regional organisations

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a UN body dedicated to supporting developing countries in accessing the benefits of a globalised economy more fairly and effectively. It provides analysis, facilitates consensus-building, and offers technical assistance, thus helping countries use trade, investment, finance, and technology to support inclusive and sustainable development.

UNCTAD also works to facilitate and measure progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), through a wide range of activities in areas such as technology and innovation, trade, investment, environment, transport and logistics, and the digital economy.

UNCTAD’s work often results in analyses and recommendations that can inform national and international policy-making processes, and contribute to promoting economic policies aimed at ending global economic inequalities and generating human-centric sustainable development.

Digital Activities

UNCTAD is particularly active in the field of e-commerce, trade, and the digital economy, carrying out a wide range of activities from research and analysis to providing assistance to member states in developing adequate legislative frameworks and facilitating international dialogue on the development opportunities and challenges associated with the digital economy. UNCTAD also works to facilitate and measure progress towards achieving the SDGs, in particular through (but not limited to) its activities in the field of science, technology, and innovation (STI) for development. Consumer protection, gender equality, and privacy and data protection are other digital policy areas where UNCTAD is active.

Digital policy issues

E-commerce and trade

UNCTAD’s work programme on e-commerce and the digital economy (ECDE Programme), encompasses several research and analysis, consensus building and technical assistance activities, as follows:

Research and analysis

UNCTAD conducts research and analysis on e-commerce and the digital economy and their implications for trade and development. These are mainly presented in its flagship publication, the Digital Economy Report (known as Information Economy Report until 2017), and in its Technical Notes on ICT for Development.

Consensus building on e-commerce and digital economy policies

UNCTAD’s Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy meets regularly to discuss ways to strengthen the development dimension of e-commerce and the digital economy. The group’s meetings are usually held in conjunction with the eCommerce Week, an annual event hosted by UNCTAD and featuring discussions on development opportunities and challenges associated with the digital economy.

E-Commerce assessments and strategy formulation

The eTrade Readiness Assessments (eT Readies) assist least developed countries (LDCs) and other developing countries in understanding their e-commerce readiness in key policy areas in order to better engage in and benefit from e-commerce. The assessments provide recommendations to overcome identified barriers and bottlenecks to growth and enjoying the benefits of digital trade.

UNCTAD’s work on information and communication technology (ICT) policy reviews and national e-commerce strategies involves technical assistance, advisory services, diagnostics, and strategy development on e-commerce, and national ICT planning at the request of governments. Through an analysis of the infrastructural, policy, regulatory, institutional, operational, and socioeconomic landscape, the reviews help governments to overcome weaknesses and bureaucratic barriers, leverage strengths and opportunities, and put in place relevant strategies.

Legal frameworks for e-commerce

UNCTAD’s E-commerce and Law Reform work helps to develop an understanding of the legal issues underpinning e-commerce through a series of capacity-building workshops for policymakers at the national and regional levels. Concrete actions include: Assistance in establishing domestic and regional legal regimes to enhance trust in online transactions, regional studies on cyber laws harmonisation, and the global mapping of e-commerce legislation through its ‘Global Cyberlaw Tracker’.

Measuring the information economy

UNCTAD’s work on measuring the information economy includes statistical data collection and the development of methodology, as well as linking statistics and policy through the Working Group on Measuring E-commerce and the Digital Economy, established by the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-Commerce and the Digital Economy. Figures are published in the biennial Digital Economy Report and the statistics portal UNCTADstat. Technical co-operation here aims to strengthen the capacity of national statistical systems to produce better, more reliable, and internationally comparable statistics on the following issues: ICT use by enterprises, size and composition of the ICT sector, and e-commerce and international trade in ICT-enabled services. UNCTAD also produces the B2C E-commerce Index which measures an economy’s preparedness to support online shopping.

Smart Partnerships through eTrade for all

The eTrade for all initiative (eT4a) is a global collaborative effort of 32 partners to scale up co-operation, transparency, and aid efficiency towards more inclusive e-commerce. Its main tool is an online platform (etradeforall.org), a knowledge-sharing and information hub that facilitates access to a wide range of information and resources on e-commerce and the digital economy. It offers a gateway for matching the suppliers of technical assistance with those in need. Beneficiaries can connect with potential partners, learn about trends, best practices, up-to-date e-commerce indicators, and upcoming events all in one place. The initiative also acts as catalyst of partnership among its members for increased synergies. This collaboration has concretely translated into the participation of several eT4a partners as key contributors to the various eCommerce Weeks organised by UNCTAD and in the conduct and review of eTrade Readiness Assessments.

Digital Economy Report 2019 – Value Creation and Capture: Implications for Developing Countries (2019)
Towards e-commerce legal harmonization in the Caribbean (2018)
eTrade Readiness Assessments for least developed countries
eCommerce and Law Reform
Global Cyberlaw Tracker
eTrade for all initiative
eTrade for Women programme
Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessments
ICT Policy Reviews
Measuring E-commerce and the Digital Economy
Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy
The annual Digital Economy Report counts on collaboration with organisations such as ITU, ITC, WTO, the World Bank, and UN regional commissions.
UNCTAD partners with various organisations in the context of the eT4a initiatives. Examples include ILO, WIPO, WEF, UN regional commissions, etc.

Consumer protection

Through its Competition and Consumer Policies Programme, UNCTAD works to assist countries in improving their competition and consumer protection policies. It provides a forum for intergovernmental deliberations on these issues, undertakes research, policy analysis and data collection, and provides technical assistance to developing countries. The Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy monitors the implementation of the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection and carries out research and provides technical assistance on consumer protection issues (including in the context of e-commerce and the digital economy).

UNCTAD’s work programme on consumer protection is guided, among others, by the UN Conference of Competition and Consumer Protection (held every five years). In 2020, the conference will hold high-level consultations on strengthening consumer protection and competition in the digital economy, and international enforcement co-operation among consumer protection authorities in electronic commerce.

Given the significant imbalances in market power in the digital economy, competition policy is becoming increasingly relevant for developing countries. UNCTAD addresses this issue in the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy.

UNCTAD also runs the Research Partnership Platform, aimed at contributing to the development of best practices in the formulation and implementation of competition and consumer protection laws and policies.

Sustainable development

UNCTAD works to facilitate and measure progress towards achieving the SDGs, in particular through (but not limited to) its activities in the field of STI for development. The organisation supports countries in their efforts to integrate STI in national development strategies, through initiatives such as Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews and capacity building programmes (such as the Innovation Policy Learning Programme). The eT4a initiative is also intended to contribute to several SDGs, especially in relation to decent work and economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, global partnerships, and gender equality. Moreover, UNCTAD’s SDG Pulse offers statistical information on developments related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UNCTAD’s Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development provides guidance for policymakers in formulating national investment policies and in negotiating investment agreements. The organisation is also part of the Toolbox for Financing for SDGs – a platform launched in 2018 at the initiative of the President of the UN General Assembly to assist countries and financial actors in exploring solutions to the challenges of financing the SDGs.

UNCTAD carries out research and analysis work covering various development-related issues, examples being its Digital Economy Report and the Technical notes on ICT for development. As the body responsible for servicing the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CTSD), UNCTAD also assists the CSTD in its sustainable development-related work, for instance by preparing studies and reports on issues such as the impact of advanced technologies on sustainable development.

Other UNCTAD activities designed to contribute to sustainable development cover issues such as climate change, the circular economy, and intellectual property.

UNCTAD’s SDG Pulse
The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation in Building Resilient Communities, Including Through the Contribution of Citizen Science (2020)
The impact of rapid technological change on sustainable development (2019)
Building Digital Competencies to Benefit from Frontier Technologies (2019)
Digital Economy Report 2019
Technical notes on ICT for development
Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews
Innovation Policy Learning Programme
Investment Policy Hub
Toolbox for Financing for SDGs
UNCTAD services the UN Commission on Science and Development

Capacity development

Many activities undertaken by UNCTAD have a capacity development dimension. For instance, its work on e-commerce and trade includes supporting developing countries in establishing adequate legal frameworks in these areas (e.g. its eCommerce and Law Reform work) and in producing statistics that can guide effective policy-making (e.g. the Measuring E-commerce and the Digital Economy activities and the ICT Policy Reviews ). UNCTAD’s E-Learning on Trade platform provides courses and training on issues such as trade, gender and development and non-tariff measures in trade.

UNCTAD also works to build capacity in STI policy-making in developing countries, through initiatives such as the Innovation Policy Learning programme and STI training provided in the context of the P166 programme.

Additionally, UNCTAD’s Virtual Institute – run in co-operation with universities worldwide – is dedicated to building knowledge for trade and development. Another area where UNCTAD provides capacity building for developing countries is that of statistics: The organisation and its partners assist national statistics organisations in the collection, compilation and dissemination of their statistics in domains such as trade, sustainable development, and investments.

Gender rights online

UNCTAD runs a Trade, Gender and Development Programme dedicated to assisting countries in developing and implementing gender-sensitive trade policies, conducting gender impact analyses of trade policies and agreements, and strengthening the links between trade and gender. One notable initiative is the eTrade for Women initiative, dedicated to advancing the empowerment of women through ICTs.

Other initiatives undertaken in this area include capacity building on trade and gender, the Women in STEM: Changing the narrative dialogues, and the Data and statistics for more gender-responsive trade policies in Africa, the Caucasus and Central Asia project.

Data governance?

As data has become a key resource in the digital economy, data governance is a fundamental part of the work of UNCTAD. This is illustrated, for example, in the research and analysis work of the Digital Economy Report 2019, which focused on the role of data as the source of value in the digital economy and how it is created and captured. Moreover, some of UNCTAD’s work on e-commerce and digital trade touches specifically on privacy and data protection issues. For instance, the eCommerce and Law Reform work dedicated to supporting developing countries in their efforts to establish adequate legal frameworks for e-commerce also covers data protection and privacy among the key issues addressed. The Global Cyberlaw Trackers offers information on data protection laws in UNCTAD member states.

Also relevant for data governance discussions is UNCTAD’s work on statistics, as the organisation collects and analyses a wide range of data on issues such as economic trends, international trade, population, and the digital economy. Moreover, UNCTAD’s SDG Pulse offers statistical information on developments related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UNCTAD is also running several projects focused on improving the efficiency of data management in the context of activities such as maritime trade (e.g. the Digitising Global Maritime Trade project) and customs operations (e.g. the Automated System for Customs Data).

Digital tools

UNCTAD has developed several digital tools and online platforms in recent years. Examples include:

Future of meetings

Any reference to online or remote meetings?

On 2–3 July 2020, the Trade and Development Board held the first segment of its 67th session as a virtual meeting. The platform used was Interprefy.

Any reference to deliberation or decision making online?

Guidelines for the Virtual Meeting of the Trade and Development Board (it does not include any reference to decision-making).

World Trade Organization

Post date March 1, 2022

Acronym: WTO

Address: Rue de Lausanne 154, 1202 Genève, Switzerland

Website: https://wto.org

Stakeholder group: International and regional organisations

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organisation that deals with the rules of trade among its members. Its main functions include: administering WTO trade agreements; providing a forum for trade negotiations; settling trade disputes; monitoring national trade policies; providing technical assistance and training for developing countries; and ensuring co-operation with other international organisations.

WTO Members have negotiated and agreed upon rules regulating international trade, fostering transparency and predictability in the international trading system. The main agreements are the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); and the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).

Digital Activities

Several Internet governance and digital trade policy related issues are discussed in the WTO. These include e-commerce, intellectual property (IP), and market access for information and communication technology (ICT) ICT products and services. E-commerce discussions are ongoing under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce and among a group of members currently negotiating e-commerce rules under the Joint Statement on E-commerce. Discussions focus on several digital issues, including: data flows and data localisation; access to source code; cybersecurity; privacy; consumer protection; and customs duties on electronic transmissions.

As part of its outreach activities, the WTO organises an annual Public Forum, which brings together governments, non-governmental organisations, academics, businesses, and other stakeholders, for discussions on a broad range of issues, including many relating to the digital economy.

Digital policy issues

E-commerce and trade

The WTO agreements cover a broad spectrum of trade topics, including some related to e-commerce, which has been on the WTO’s agenda since 1998 when the ministers adopted the Declaration on Global Electronic Commerce. The Declaration instructed the General Council to establish a Work Programme on electronic commerce. In that Declaration, members also agreed to continue the practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions (the ’moratorium’). The Work Programme provides a broad definition of e-commerce and instructs four WTO bodies to explore the relationship between WTO Agreements and e-commerce. The Work Programme and the moratorium have been periodically reviewed and renewed. In December 2019, the General Council agreed to reinvigorate the Work Programme and continue the moratorium until the Twelfth Ministerial Conference. In addition, members agreed to have structured discussions on all trade-related topics of interest brought forward by members, including on the scope, definition, and impact of the moratorium.

At the Eleventh Ministerial Conference in 2017, a group of members issued a Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce (JSI) to explore work towards future WTO negotiations on trade-related aspects of e-commerce. Following the exploratory work, in January 2019, 76 Members confirmed their ’intention to commence WTO negotiations on trade-related aspects of electronic commerce’ and to ’achieve a high standard outcome that builds on existing WTO agreements and frameworks with the participation of as many WTO Members as possible.’ Negotiations are continuing among 85 Members and are structured under 6 broad themes, namely: enabling digital trade/e-commerce; openness and digital trade/e-commerce; trust and digital trade/e-commerce; cross-cutting issues; telecommunications; and market access. Specific issues under discussion include provisions related to customs duties, paperless trading. cross-border transfers of information, spam, cybersecurity, electronic authentication and electronic signatures, location of computing facilities, consumer protection, protection of personal information, and market access.

Taxation

WTO members agreed to a temporary moratorium on the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions at the Second WTO Ministerial Conference in the 1998 Geneva Ministerial Declaration. The moratorium has been extended periodically, including most recently in December 2019. While some WTO members argue that the moratorium should be made permanent, others have noted the need to clarify its scope and for further analysis of its impact; for example on development and customs revenues, especially given concerns that more types of physical goods could be digitised or transmitted digitally in the future. Other members have supported a more holistic approach to the moratorium, beyond the revenue implications.

Access

Information Technology Agreement (ITA-I and ITA-II)

The ITA-I was concluded by 29 participants in 1996. Through this agreement, participating WTO members eliminated tariffs on several ICT products – including computers and mobile telephones – with the aim to intensify global competition among certain ICT goods allowing for greater access to the Internet and growth of the digital economy, including for least-developed countries. Currently, 82 WTO members are participants in ITA-I, accounting for approximately 97% of world trade in ITA-I products. At the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in 2015, over 50 WTO members concluded ITA-II, an agreement expanding the coverage of ITA-I by 201 tariff lines. ICT products such as optical lenses and GPS navigation equipment were added. The rationale of this product expansion was to keep the benefits of tariff elimination in touch with innovation. At present, the ITA-II consists of 55 WTO members, representing approximately 90% of world trade in ITA-II products. The ITA is being discussed in the JSI under the market access focus group.

Telecommunications infrastructure

In 1997, WTO members successfully concluded negotiations on market access for basic telecommunications services through the GATS Annex on Telecommunications, which contains provisions to guarantee service suppliers access to and use of basic telecommunications needed to supply their services. Through a reference paper on regulatory principles, members also agreed to safeguard against anticompetitive practices by dominant suppliers of basic telecommunications. Since 1997, an increasing number of WTO members have undertaken commitments on telecommunications. Under the JSI negotiations, participants are discussing a proposal focused on telecommunications services, aiming to update provisions of the reference paper.

Digital standards

International standards are important to the global digital economy as they can enable interconnectivity and interoperability for telecommunications and Internet infrastructures. The WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (TBT Agreement) aims to ensure that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures affecting trade in goods (including telecommunications products) are non-discriminatory and do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade. The TBT Agreement strongly encourages that such regulatory measures be based on relevant international standards.

The TBT Committee serves as a forum where governments discuss and address concerns with specific regulations, including those affecting digital trade. Examples of relevant TBT measures notified to or discussed at the TBT Committee include: (i) measures addressing the Internet of Things (IoT) and related devices in terms of their safety, interoperability, national security/cybersecurity, performance, and quality; (ii) measures regulating 5G cellular network technology for reasons related to, among others, national security and interoperability; (iii) measures regulating 3D printing (additive manufacturing) devices; (iv) measures regulating drones (small unmanned aircraft systems) due to risks for humans/consumers, interoperability problems, and national security risks; and (v) measures dealing with autonomous vehicles, mostly concerned with their safety and performance.

Data governance

The growth of the global digital economy is fuelled by data. Discussions on how provisions of WTO agreements apply to data flows are ongoing among WTO members. In this context, the GATS is particularly relevant, as it could apply to services such as: (i) data transmission and data processing by any form of technology (e.g. mobile or cloud technologies); (ii) new ICT business models such as infrastructure as a service (IaaS); (iii) online distribution services e.g. (e-commerce market platforms); and (iv) financial services such as mobile payments. The extent to which members can impose restrictions on data or information flows is determined by their GATS schedules of commitments. Under the JSI, proposals on cross-border data flows have been submitted and are being discussed. These proposals envision a general rule establishing free flow of data for the purpose of commercial activities. Proposed exceptions to this general rule are, for the most part, similar to the existing GATS General Exceptions and relate to, for example, protection of personal data, protection of legitimate public policy objectives, national security interests, and exclusion of governmental data. Issues related to data flows have also been raised by members in other contexts at the WTO, especially when national measures adopted for cybersecurity have been considered as trade barriers.

Intellectual property rights

The TRIPS Agreement is a key international instrument for the protection of IP and is of relevance to e-commerce. The technologies that underpin the Internet and enable digital commerce such as software, routers, networks, switches, and user interfaces are protected by IP. In addition, e-commerce transactions can involve digital products with IP-protected content, such as e-books, software, or blueprints for 3D -printing. As IP licences often regulate the usage rights for such intangible digital products, the TRIPS Agreement and the international IP Conventions provide much of the legal infrastructure for digital trade.

IP-related issues are also being discussed in the JSI. Submitted proposals include text on limiting requests to the access or transfer of source code. The source code or the data analysis used in the operation of programmes or services is often legally protected by IP law through copyright, patent, or trade secret provisions. The main goal of the JSI proposals on access to source code is to prevent members from requiring access or transfer of the source code owned by a national of another member. Some exceptions to this general prohibition have also been proposed. For example, for software that is used for critical infrastructures and public procurement transactions.

Arbitration

One of the core activities of the WTO is to provide a dispute settlement mechanism through which WTO members can enforce their rights under the WTO agreements. A trade dispute arises when a member considers that another member is violating a legal provision or commitment made under any of the WTO agreements. Disputes under this mechanism have involved Internet-related issues, telecommunications services, electronic payment services, IP rights, ICT products, and online gambling. The US – Gambling case concerning the cross-border supply of online gambling and betting services is particularly relevant to e-commerce.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity issues have been addressed in several WTO bodies. For example, the TBT Committee has discussed national cybersecurity regulations applicable to ICT products and their potential impact on trade. In the TBT Committee, to date, WTO members have raised over 15 specific trade concerns related to cybersecurity regulations. Some of the specific issues discussed include how cybersecurity regulations discriminating against foreign companies and technologies can have a negative impact on international trade in ICT products. Proposals on cybersecurity have also been tabled in the JSI on e-commerce. Discussions have focused on strengthening national capacities for incident response and collaboration mechanisms; encouraging co-operation; and sharing of information and best practices on addressing incidents. Cybersecurity has also been discussed in the context of cross-border data flows and electronic authentication.

Internet Governance Forum

Post date March 1, 2022

Acronym: IGF

Address: Villa Bocage Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland

Website: https://intgovforum.org

Stakeholder group: International and regional organisations

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was established in Paragraph 72 of the Tunis Agenda of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) as a forum for multistakeholder policy dialogue. The mandate of the Forum is to discuss public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance, in order to foster the sustainability, robustness, security, stability, and development of the Internet. Even though the IGF is not a decision-making body, its great potential lies in open discussions among all stakeholders on challenges and best practices related to the use and evolution of the Internet.

Starting 2006, the IGF holds annual meetings: Athens (2006), Rio de Janeiro (2007), Hyderabad (2008), Sharm El Sheikh (2009), Vilnius (2010), Nairobi (2011), Baku (2012), Bali (2013), Istanbul (2014), João Pessoa (2015), Guadalajara (2016). The programme of the annual meeting and the general direction of the IGF work are deliberated by the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) to the UN Secretary General.

The IGF Secretariat, currently based at the United Nations Office at Geneva, conducts the preparations for the annual IGF meetings, coordinates the IGF intersessional activities (between two annual meetings), and assists the MAG in its work.

European Broadcasting Union

Post date March 1, 2022

Acronym: EBU

Address: L'Ancienne-Route 17A, Postal Box 45, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex / Geneva, Switzerland

Website: https://ebu.ch

Stakeholder group: International and regional organisations

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world’s leading alliance of public service media. Established in 1950, the organisation is a successor to the International Broadcasting Union (IBU), which was founded in 1925. The EBU consists of 116 member organisations from 56 countries and its aim is to secure a sustainable future for public service media and help them keep up with technological developments. The organisation operates the Eurovision and Euroradio services

Digital Activities

The EBU supports digital transformation among its members through capacity development, promoting and making use of digital channels, raising awareness of cybersecurity risks, and leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data. Through its Digital Transformation Initiative, the EBU aims to help its members understand the challenges and opportunities posed by the digital age and transform their organisations accordingly.

Digital policy issues

Telecommunications infrastructure

In addition to traditional broadcasting networks – terrestrial, cable, or satellite – media service providers are starting to use content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure an increased quality of experience (QoE) for their users. In this context, the EBU has set up a Project Group to investigate requirements for a multi-CDN environment (a technical infrastructure able to switch between different connected CDNs dynamically). This Project Group is also looking into the use of big data analytics to monitor QoE. In addition, the EBU maintains its Strategic Programme on Spectrum Management and Regulation, which is focused on helping members work together to ensure that the radio spectrum is efficiently managed and used.

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the EBU issued a recommendation to help public service media organisations avoid potential internet congestion caused by greater media consumption and by increased reliance on online collaboration tools.

Digital standards

Since its inception in 1950, the EBU has been mandated by its members to contribute to standardisation work in all technological fields related to media. This work ranges from TV and radio production equipment to the new broadcasting standards for transmission. This mandate has been naturally extended over the years to the field of mobile technologies, as well as online production and distribution.

The current digital video standard (DVB) and digital radio standards (DAB, DNS) have all been tested by and agreed upon within the EBU by the broadcasting community, before being exported to other standardization bodies (such as the ITU, ETSI, IEEE, etc.).

The EBU has led the development of hybrid radio technologies such as RadioDNS, which is designed for EBU broadcasters to start testing and experimenting without having to deploy the necessary infrastructure themselves.

The organisation has included mobile technologies and standards among the priorities of its Strategic Programme on Future Distribution Strategies and has set up a Mobile Technologies and Standards Group, which ‘seeks to build technical competence within the EBU community in the domain of the current and future mobile technologies, including 4G/LTE and 5G.’ The group undertakes technical studies of 4G and 5G and their standardisation roadmaps, and formulates and co-ordinates EBU positions on mobile standardisation issues.

In 2019, the EBU launched a 5MAG group which brings together different actors to foster the development and deployment of technologies of strategic importance to the media industry.

Artificial intelligence

In 2015, the EBU launched its AI and Data Initiative aimed at helping its members leverage the potential of AI and data. The EBU’s AI and Data Group defines the strategy and priorities of the AI and Data Initiative to support members’ data usage and data-driven strategies.

In 2019, the EBU news department published its first report on best practices for AI applications in the field of journalism. The report is publicly available and aims to help improve AI-based solutions in order to serve the public interest and respect human rights.

One of best examples of the EBU’s use of AI is its PEACH (Personalization for EACH) initiative, which has brought together a number of public broadcasters to develop AI-powered tools to deliver the right content to the right audience in accordance with current data protection regulations.

Network neutrality

The EBU’s work in the field of net neutrality focuses on assisting its members in co-ordinating their positions on broadband network neutrality. To this end, it provides expertise and facilitates initiatives and the drafting of documents concerning net neutrality at the EU level. The EBU also encourages its members to exchange experiences from the national level. Net neutrality is addressed as part of the EBU’s Strategic Programme on Broadcaster Internet Services. Net neutrality is seen as a key principle for public service broadcasters to support and advocate for, as it ensures their services are equally accessible by all Internet users. A large part of this activity is now evolving into AI.

Cybercrime and network security

The EBU has developed a Strategic Programme on Media Cyber Security, aimed mainly at raising awareness among its members of the increasing cybersecurity risks and threats to broadcasting. This initiative also provides a platform for its members to exchange information on security incidents (e.g. phishing campaigns, targeted malware attacks, etc.), as well as on lessons learnt, projects, and internal procedures. A dedicated working group is focused on defining information security best practices for broadcast companies. The EBU organises an annual Media Cybersecurity Forum, which brings together manufacturers, service providers, and media companies to discuss security issues in the media domain.

Convergence and OTT

In an environment increasingly characterised by digital convergence, the EBU is working on identifying viable investment solutions for over-the-top (OTT) services. The organisation has a Digital Media Steering Committee, focused on ‘defining the role of public service media in the digital era, with a special focus on how to interact with big digital companies.’ It also develops a bi-annual roadmap for technology and innovation activities and has a dedicated Project Group on OTT services.

In addition, there is an intersectoral group composed by EBU’s members and its staff that exchanges best practices for relations between Internet platforms and broadcasters.

During the COVID-19 crisis, a co-ordinated effort by the technical distribution experts of the EBU and its members monitored the state of the global broadband network to help avoid surcharges due to the increased consumption of on-demand programmes.

Capacity development

Most of the EBU’s activities are aimed at increasing the capacity of its members to address challenges and embrace opportunities brought about by the digital age. To that end, through its Digital Transformation Initiative, the EBU has developed a number of member support services, such as its expert community network that gathers over 200 experts from across its membership, and a digital knowledge hub with a repository of analyses and best practices. The EBU also offers a wide range of workshops and other sessions aimed at creating awareness about the digital transformation of the public service media, developing peer-to-peer assessment of members’ digital maturity, and initiating tailored interventions based on members’ needs.