Djibouti has initiated a bootcamp focused on technological diplomacy, aiming to prepare young students for future digital negotiations and decision-making. The event, which took place from October 27 to 29, was organized by the Ministry of Communication, Posts, and Telecommunications, in collaboration with the Arab Regional Office of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The bootcamp brought together nearly 30 participants aged 17 to 24 from various higher education institutions in the country.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Aicha Mohamed Robleh, advisor to the Minister, in the presence of Hawa Ali, representative of the University of Djibouti, and Feycal Kaireh Chirdon, Director of ICT Development at the Ministry of Communication, Posts, and Telecommunications. The program seeks to familiarize young people with multipartite digital governance and the diplomatic dimensions of telecommunications. Participants engage in discussions on sectoral policy development and learn negotiation techniques.
The initiative recognizes the growing importance of digital technologies in international relations and public policy-making. By involving young people in decision-making processes, organizers aim to equip them with essential skills for the future. The bootcamp also features interactions with the national digital ecosystem, allowing participants to engage with Djiboutian entrepreneurs and discover local initiatives, such as those by Limo and Hoom.
During the bootcamp, participants were introduced to the D-Money payment solution, among other innovative projects. This exposure enables them to understand the practical applications of digital technologies in the country. The program's comprehensive approach ensures that young people are well-prepared to contribute to Djibouti's digital landscape.
The bootcamp's curriculum is designed to address the needs of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By focusing on technological diplomacy, the program aims to build a new generation of leaders who can navigate the complexities of digital governance and negotiations. This initiative is a significant step towards empowering Djibouti's youth to play an active role in shaping the country's digital future.
The involvement of the ITU's Arab Regional Office underscores the international significance of this initiative. The collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in capacity-building and knowledge-sharing in the field of digital technologies. By working together, the Ministry of Communication, Posts, and Telecommunications and the ITU aim to create a lasting impact on Djibouti's digital development.
As the bootcamp comes to a close, participants are expected to have gained valuable insights and skills in digital diplomacy. The program's success will likely pave the way for future initiatives aimed at fostering a new generation of digital leaders in Djibouti. The country's continued investment in digital education and capacity-building will be crucial in driving its economic growth and development.
Key points
- The bootcamp aims to equip young students with skills in digital negotiations and decision-making.
- The program features interactions with the national digital ecosystem, allowing participants to engage with Djiboutian entrepreneurs.
- The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Communication, Posts, and Telecommunications and the ITU's Arab Regional Office.
