Skip to main content

Diplomacy in the Age of Technological Disruption

The UP CIDS Strategic Studies Program and the Foreign Service Institute are pleased to invite you to the upcoming roundtable discussion, “Diplomacy in the Age of Technological Disruption,” which will be held on 23 April 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM in the UP Asian Center Seminar Room 1. 
 
This roundtable discussion will explore the role of diplomacy in managing uncertainties arising from the strategic use of cyber-enabled technologies in conflicts and wars. It will focus on cyber operations, lethal autonomous weapons, and outer space operations for two reasons: these technologies are prominently used by great powers to influence state interactions, and there are existing initiatives in the Philippines aimed at enhancing these technologies. The roundtable hopes to address the following questions:
    1. Why are cyber-enabled technologies strategic for shaping state interactions?
    2. How do cyber operations, lethal autonomous weapons, and space operations impact the foreign relations between states?
    3. What are the diplomatic options that states can utilize to manage the impact of cyber conflict, lethal autonomous weapons, and outer space operations?
    4. What is the contribution of the diplomatic community in preventing or mitigating cyber-enabled conflict?

Our Speakers and Moderator:

Mr. Jan Michael Gomez

Mr. Jan Michael Gomez is the Acting Director of the Peace and Security Division within the United Nations and International Organizations Office (UNIO) at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. An alumnus of the University of the Philippines, he represents the country at international forums and advocates for responsible outer space conduct, arms control, non-proliferation, and peaceful technology use.

Atty. Noelle Riza D. Castillo (tentative)

Atty. Noelle Riza Castillo, Director IV at the Philippine Space Agency, specializes in space law, diplomacy, and policy. She is a member of the United Nations Group of Government Experts on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (GGE PAROS). She holds degrees in Economics and Law from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Moderator: 

Assoc. Prof. Francis Rico C. Domingo 

Dr. Francis Rico Domingo is an Associate Professor at UP Diliman, specializing in international relations and cybersecurity. He advises on defense policy and has taught at De La Salle University. He is also co-convenor of the UP CIDS Strategic Studies Program.

We encourage you to register for this upcoming event: https://bit.ly/DiplomacyRTDRegistration. Please note that seating is limited, so we greatly appreciate your registration on or before April 16. Light snacks and coffee will be provided for all participants.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us through this email. Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you on April 23.