digital strategic communication

EDDE Advanced Training on Digital Strategic Messaging Concludes in Slovenia

9. 9. 2024 | Development (ODA), European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Regional cooperation, Strategic Communication

The European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE) successfully concluded its three-day advanced training from September 4 to September 6, 2024, at the historic Jable Castle in Mengeš, Slovenia. The training brought together 40 diplomats and communication professionals from across Europe and beyond to enhance their digital communication and strategic public diplomacy skills in an increasingly digital world.

The training, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), featured leading experts in digital diplomacy, technology, and communication strategy. Attendees were welcomed by Stephanie Sutton, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Public Diplomacy, followed by lectures from thought leaders, covering topics ranging from “Understanding One’s Digital Selfie in the Digital Society” to “Using AI to Strengthen Strategic Communications.” The interactive training included practical exercises such as podcast creation and crisis communication simulations, providing attendees with hands-on experience in leveraging digital tools to tackle modern diplomacy challenges.

The EDDE training, supported by the U.S. Department of State and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through development aid funds, reflects the continued commitment to equip diplomats with the skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, counter disinformation, promote democracy, and engage citizens globally.

EDDE Capacity Building training in Chișinău (Moldova) Successfully Implemented

27. 6. 2024 | Development (ODA), European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Strategic Communication

Governmental communicators, digital diplomats, and other institutional representatives engaged in public outreach from the Republic of Moldova joined capacity-building activities of the EDDE training organised on the 24th and 25th of June 2024 in Chisinau (Moldova). The event supported the exchanges of good practices among participating government departments and ministries stakeholders and organised discussions with expert speakers in the field. The activities contributed to developing joint capacities for increased digital engagement and supporting societal resilience against the challenges of foreign-perpetrated disinformation.

With the advancement of technical opportunities such as social media and digital communication networks that support citizens to actively participate in the public sphere with equal opportunities, creating effective and engaging societal dialogue in policy-making is increasingly important within our societies. Governments are responsible for establishing successful communication networks with their citizens and, through active interaction, establish foundations for transparent information sharing, all contributing to inclusive and efficient policy development based on the needs of citizens. Interactive cooperation among the stakeholders also contributes to a higher degree of trust building in institutions, a foundation for democratic resilience and societal health that is essential in times of crisis (such as natural disasters and challenges) and everyday democratic processes. The expansion of opportunities for access to information has furthermore expanded the space for the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation narratives, a societal challenge that needs to be addressed through the cooperation of stakeholders from all spheres.

The implemented activities are supported and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s grant and implemented by the Centre for European Perspective, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, within the scope of Slovenia’s Development Cooperation.

First EDDE Training for Slovenian government communicators has concluded

21. 6. 2024 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR

In an era where digital communication is of most importance, the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE) Training held at the Jable Castle in Slovenia aimed to bolster the capabilities of government communicators in the digital realm. Hosted by the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), the two-day intensive training underscored the critical need for strategic digital messaging in combating disinformation and enhancing social cohesion. The event, titled “Improving Digital Strategic Messaging,” brought together almost thirty key stakeholders from Slovenian state institutions – from 10 ministries and 4 other state institutions, offering a robust agenda filled with expert-led sessions and practical exercises. The training’s objective was to equip participants with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of digital communication effectively.

The training began with opening remarks from Michael Marble, the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia, Petra Bezjak Cirman, the Slovenian Government Communication Office, and Nina Čepon, the (CEP), highlighting the importance of strategic communication in the digital era. The first day of the training featured lectures on the theoretical aspects of strategic communication, including its role in fostering social unity, digital technologies driving social change, development of a strategic communication plan and components of a digital communication ecosystem. We also hosted a panel discussion providing comparative insights into strategic communication centralisation models from the U.S., North Macedonia, and Slovenia. On the second day, we touched upon the essential elements of designing a digital communication campaign, techniques for identifying and understanding the target audience, crafting policy messages and using digital media analytics. We also discussed ways to improve social media presence with concrete examples of Slovenian State Institutions. Lastly, we talked about countering disinformation with the use of strategic communication.

Participants had quite a few practical activities going on as well. They had to develop strategic communication centralisation assessment and improvement, build a digital strategic communication strategy and design a digital strategic communication campaign.

The EDDE Training provided a learning experience for all attendees. The combination of experts’ insights, practical activities, and collaborative discussions ensured that participants left with a comprehensive understanding of digital strategic messaging. The training underscored the crucial role that strategic communication plays in fostering social cohesion, countering disinformation, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of government messaging.

The project is a result of cooperation between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, and the Centre for European Perspective.

Bulgaria is the Scene of the Next EDDE Digital Strategic Communication Training

24. 1. 2023 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR

For the first time, government communicators from Bulgaria are attending the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE) digital strategic communication training, which will take place next week, from the 30th to the 31st of January 2023, in Sofia. The event will bring together communicators from various ministries, agencies, and other state institutions.

The main focus of this in-country training is the conceptualization, development and implementation of digital strategic communication practices and campaigns identified as necessary together with the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. Besides that, individual consultations will be offered to the participants in the following days to discuss specific communication items.

Since 2017 CEP and the U.S. Department of State have been conducting a digital diplomacy project titled European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE), an intergovernmental network of government communicators committed to increasing members’ collective capacities to operate within the digital information space more effectively. A fundamental offering of this network is hands-on government-to-government digital strategic communications guidance, training, and mentorship.

More information about the project can be accessed at the EDDE webpage: https://www.bedigitaldiplomat.com/.

This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State.