This presentation is about the use of social media in the conduct of foreign affairs and diplomacy

1. 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

2. 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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3. Drivers
 Open Government:
 participation and engagements
 Transparency
 Improve service delivery
Social media potential in e-participation
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4. Potential of Social Media in Government
 Improve reach, accessibility and
targeting
 Meet expectations and enhance
reputation
o shaping opinion
o Mobilize
o Influence change
 Promote transparency
 Improve cost-effectiveness
 Accelerate response
 Support deeper relationships
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5. Social Media Impact on diplomatic conduct
 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
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6. Foreign Affairs adopting Social Media
State Department: 21st century Statecraft
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7. 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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8. Guidelines and Policies
 Emirates e-government
 guidelines for social media usage
in government entities document
 MoFA Twitter Policy
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9. 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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10. Examples: UAE MoFA and Social Media
 Citizens outreach
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11. Conclusion
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
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12. Thank you
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