Wildest Dreams: The Impact of Open Diplomacy on Strengthening North American Integration
From how diplomacy is conducted to how nations collaborate on shared challenges, innovation is reshaping international relations. Concepts such as open diplomacy are broadening the scope of engagement, integrating diverse perspectives, skills, and tools from sectors including technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. At the 2024 North Capital Forum in Mexico City, the session “Wildest Dreams: The Impact of Open Diplomacy on Strengthening North American Integration” explored these shifts. Co-hosted by Meridian International Center (Meridian) and Babson College, the discussion included panelists Puru Trivedi of Meridian, Shauna Hemingway of the Business Council of Canada, Professor Vincent Onyemah of Babson College, Townsend Teague of Teague Theatre Company, and technology advisor Yvonne Ploder. Together, they examined how open diplomacy can foster cooperation across North America by creating connections between public, private, and community stakeholders.
Here are some top takeaways from the program:
1. Diplomacy is expanding to include diverse perspectives.
Puru Trivedi outlined three stages in the evolution of diplomacy: from traditional state-to-state interactions to multilateral collaboration following World War II, to today’s focus on open diplomacy. He emphasized that the current approach integrates new participants and skill sets to meet the demands of a globalized and interconnected world.
2. Private sector engagement enhances diplomatic efforts.
Shauna Hemingway highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government institutions. Drawing on her experience at Google and Uber, she noted that professionals with corporate expertise can offer unique perspectives that strengthen policymaking and international cooperation.
3. Entrepreneurship drives local and regional growth.
Professor Vincent Onyemah described the broader benefits of entrepreneurship education, which goes beyond starting businesses to solving challenges and contributing to communities. He shared an example of teaching entrepreneurial skills to prison inmates, illustrating how such programs can empower individuals to create change.
4. Technology is influencing diplomacy in new ways.
Yvonne Ploder, reflecting on her work in the technology sector, explained how tech companies and individuals are increasingly involved in diplomacy. She discussed how technology facilitates transparency and efficiency, providing tools that can aid in areas such as crisis response. Ploder also highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance workflows, emphasizing the importance of transparency in its application.
5. The arts support cross-cultural understanding.
Townsend Teague discussed the role of cultural exchange in diplomacy, highlighting the importance of storytelling and the arts in fostering mutual understanding. He noted that reducing barriers to sharing cultural assets, such as artwork or performances, can strengthen connections between countries and communities.
Next Steps
Panelists identified several ways to advance open diplomacy and strengthen integration across North America:
- Encourage partnerships among sectors. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and community organizations can address gaps in access, expertise, and resources.
- Invest in education and skill-building. Both public and private institutions can work to improve understanding of emerging tools like AI, fostering their responsible use while addressing potential challenges.
- Leverage entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. Programs that empower individuals through skills training or facilitate artistic and cultural engagement can build stronger ties across borders.
- Promote accessibility and equity. Ensuring that underserved communities have access to resources and opportunities can make international collaboration more inclusive.
By broadening participation and integrating new tools and approaches, open diplomacy provides opportunities to address challenges and strengthen cooperation across the North American region. The session underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in creating connections and fostering mutual understanding.
Project summary
| Wildest Dreams: The Impact of Open Diplomacy on Strengthening North American Integration | |
|---|---|
| Regions: | Western Hemisphere |
| Impact Areas: | Business and Trade |
| Program Areas: | Corporate Diplomacy |
