Emirates Diplomatic Academy Unveils Consultation Report to United Nations Secretary-General in New York

Document by EDA’s Tom Fletcher highlights role of technology in delivering on UN’s mandate in 21st century

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 19 April, 2017 – Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA), the UAE’s leading international relations and diplomacy, education, executive training and research institution, unveiled a consultation report titled ‘United Networks: Can Technology Help the UN Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century?’

The document enlists a set of 20 recommendations to the UN Secretary-General on managing the shift to a hyperconnected world without compromising the values upon which the institution was founded. Tom Fletcher, Special Advisor to the President of EDA, authored the report with the support of EDA.

During the launch event in New York, people from around the world were invited to advise on how to overcome the challenges the UN faces in the 21stcentury. Utilising Thunderclap, a "crowdspeaking" platform, the Academy initiated a social media campaign that enables everyone – from global citizens, refugees and beneficiaries of the UN to policymakers who value the organisation’s work – to contribute their ideas.

Highlighting the importance of the report and the issues it raises, Tom Fletcher said: “The world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and the UN must adapt and innovate to ensure that it can deliver on its mandate to global populations. There are huge opportunities, but also serious challenges. We are confident that this report and its 20 recommendations can serve as a blueprint to prepare the UN for the demands of the 21stcentury.”

His Excellency Bernardino León, President of EDA, added: “The report represents the culmination of months of hard work by authors from EDA and other partners. Embracing its role as a contributor to global solutions in diplomacy and international affairs, the Academy is pleased to support this significant effort and facilitate a worldwide dialogue on important socio-cultural issues.”