In an era where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping the world, governments and societies are struggling to keep pace. The Techplomacy Foundation™, founded by former UN officials, is pioneering a new form of diplomacy—techplomacy—to bridge this critical gap.
The Techplomacy Foundation defines Techplomacy as:
“The practice of diplomacy, cooperation, and negotiation among states, the tech industry, and civil society to shape the development and governance of emerging technologies. Its purpose is to ensure that tech innovation advances in ways that protect human rights, strengthen global security, promote equity, and uphold democratic values, while fostering international collaboration to address shared challenges in the digital era.”
By promoting responsible tech and AI development alongside effective regulation, we work to ensure that innovation aligns with ethical governance and democratic values. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, its safe and equitable development has never been more urgent.
Our Mission: The Techplomacy Foundation (TF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and independent organization dedicated to closing the divide between the fast-evolving tech industry and the often slower-moving world of government regulation. We foster responsible tech and AI development through effective governance, international collaboration, and ethical leadership.
The Need for Techplomacy: The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in AI, is not uniformly distributed, resulting in a significant digital divide. While some nations are leading in AI development and governance, others lack the necessary resources or expertise, creating a fragmented and uneven global landscape. This disparity poses a serious challenge to establishing cohesive and responsible AI governance systems that serve everyone equitably. Existing platforms for dialogue between the tech industry and governments are often too fragmented and siloed to address this challenge effectively.
The current AI governance framework predominantly reflects the perspectives of economically developed regions, often overlooking the specific needs and contexts of the Global South. As a result, governance systems may inadvertently amplify existing inequalities, with technology becoming a force that divides rather than unites.
For global AI governance to be truly effective, it must be inclusive. The UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics and similar efforts show that multilateral collaboration can ensure diverse voices are heard. However, this inclusion must go further, ensuring the Global South actively participates in shaping policies that are fair and accessible to all.
Our Approach: Techplomacy Foundation (TF) bridges these gaps by fostering discussions between Global South and North experts, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and targeted advocacy to ensure technological progress benefits all.
What We Do:
Techplomacy Magazine: Conversations that matter
A timely (Substack + LinkedIn-based) publication featuring global voices at the intersection of tech/AI, diplomacy, governance, and national security — with a special focus on the Global South. Our core themes: AI Governance & Responsible Innovation; Digital Sovereignty & Global Tech Policy; Cybersecurity & National Interests
AI Governance Leadership Fellowship
A comprehensive e-learning and training program designed to equip government officials, policymakers, diplomats, senior UN officials, and civil society leaders with the skills to regulate, oversee, and implement AI governance policies effectively, tackle emerging challenges, and foster responsible innovation. The program includes certification and expert-led sessions to ensure practical, high-impact learning.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
We champion responsible tech/AI development and effective regulation to ensure safer innovation and mitigate risks. By promoting multilateral collaboration and engaging stakeholders at all levels, we strive to bridge the digital divide and create systems that prioritize equity and sustainability in AI and technology governance.
Global Impact: Techplomacy Foundation is committed to fostering international consensus and collaboration. By bridging the gap between the tech sector and governments, we create unified approaches to responsible tech governance. Our work ensures that technological innovation aligns with democratic values, safeguards global equity, and benefits humanity as a whole.
Get Involved:
Join our Advisory Board: Send us your CV and a brief letter explaining how your experience aligns with our mission, the specific value you can bring to the Techplomacy Foundation, and any skills you have in resource mobilization or building strategic partnerships.
Support Our Mission
Join us in fostering responsible tech and AI development guided by ethics and effective governance. Every contribution, big or small, helps us bridge the gap between technology and humanity. To support us, reach out at icgheadoffice[at]gmail[dot]com, and please take a moment to read our Donor Guidelines to learn how we ensure transparency and independence.
Interested in Contributing to Techplomacy Magazine?
We welcome bold, underexplored perspectives at the intersection of tech/AI, diplomacy, governance, and national security — with a special focus on the Global South. Want to be featured in an interview, pitch an article, recommend a guest or topic, or sponsor an issue? Contact us at icgheadoffice[at]gmail[dot]com.
Let’s champion the ideas that matter most and are least heard.