Social Media in the Conduct of Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy

Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri

Advisor to the Minister,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - UAE

GCC Government Social Media Summit 17 – 19 Sep. 2012 Dubai

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Agenda

Drivers

Potential of Social Media in Government

Social Media impact on diplomatic conduct

Foreign Affairs adopting Social Media

UAE MoFA and Social Media

conclusion

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Drivers

Open Government:

participation and engagements

Transparency

Improve service delivery

Social media potential in e-participation

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Potential of Social Media in Government

Improve reach, accessibility and

targeting

Meet expectations and enhance

reputation

Promote transparency

Improve cost-effectiveness

Accelerate response

Support deeper relationships

oshaping opinion

oMobilize

o Influence change

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A shift from gov-to-gov to gov-to-people communication

More interest in public diplomacy

• Public opinion matters

“Arab Spring” revolutions coordinated through facebook and twitter

Social Media Impact on diplomatic conduct

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Foreign Affairs adopting Social Media

State Department: 21st century Statecraft

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UAE MoFA and Social Media

– Official Government-to-citizen communication

Twitter channel

Communicate news, announcements and alerts

Listen to citizens and provide assistance in

emergency situations

Creating awareness about MoFA e-services

Broadcasting events – Ambassadors Forum

Crisis updates

Polls and Forum

– Professional and Personal use

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Guidelines and Policies

Emirates e-government

guidelines for social media usage

in government entities document

MoFA Twitter Policy

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Examples: UAE MoFA and Social Media

Professional and personal use

H.H. The Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. The Minister of State

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Examples: UAE MoFA and Social Media

Citizens outreach

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Social media can be an effective tool for diplomacy if used properly

SM will become central for the conduct of foreign affairs in the 21st century

SM strategy and policy is a must along with a readiness assessment

More values can be derived by the professional and personal use of SM by

diplomats

Develop capabilities and use the right SM platform for the right audience

Conclusion

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Thank you