The Digitalization of Permanent Missions to International Organizations

Abstract

This chapter explores the factors that shape the digitalization of the permanent missions established by member states at the headquarters of international organizations. It discusses how digital technologies influence behaviours, patterns of use, procedures, and norms in these entities’ diplomatic activities (negotiations, networking, public diplomacy). It also considers the use of digital tools by permanent missions in their daily work. The chapter focuses on the case of the permanent missions to the United Nations (UN) in New York. These missions resemble traditional embassies in their organizational design, but function in the UN system, a complex environment guided by specific rules of procedures and norms of interaction. The chapter suggests that domestic, regional, and international factors affect the digitalization of permanent missions to the UN. It highlights that this process has not been a uniform experience and that the digital divide and exclusion continue to be challenging for the UN diplomatic community.