USAID Advances Digital Diplomacy in Turkmenistan
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Enriching Youth for Tomorrow activity in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Turkmenistan commenced a virtual course on digital diplomacy for young officials at the MFA. The course aligns with the MFA’s mandate to increase the number of qualified specialists to ensure a smooth transition to digital diplomacy, as part of the State Program on Development of the Digital Economy for 2021-2025.
Addressing participants virtually, U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Matthew S. Klimow stated, “Your challenge is to become master craftsmen in the art of 21st century diplomacy, using 21st century tools, for the sole purpose of being an effective diplomat for your country. This year, we all will celebrate Turkmenistan’s 30th anniversary of independence. Diplomacy has not changed in the past 30 years, but the tools that you must use have evolved.” He also encouraged participants to understand how to leverage digital resources to achieve foreign policy goals including in cyberspace. Amb. Klimow added, “You must master cyberspace to make your points, capture hearts and minds, and influence decision makers.”
The UK-based Global Diplomatic Forum Online Academy, developed by the world’s leading experts in the field of diplomacy, is conducting this virtual course that covers digital and cyber diplomacy, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and the shifting world order in the digital age.
Over the course of four weeks, the participating young foreign affairs professionals will master international best practices in digital diplomacy.
Today’s event is one of many activities that will be conducted by the USAID Enriching Youth for Tomorrow activity to strengthen the capacity of Turkmenistan’s youth to contribute to the local economy and their communities. Since 2017, the activity has delivered entrepreneurship and work-readiness skills development programs to more than 3,000 young people from Turkmenistan, empowering them to succeed in their careers and personal lives. The USAID Enriching Youth for Tomorrow activity is implemented in Turkmenistan by JA Worldwide in cooperation with the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan.
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USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. For more information on USAID Central Asia, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional
