On 2 February, the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva hosted a meeting to kick off the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) Geneva diplomatic network’s activities in 2023, convening permanent representatives and ambassadors from local missions of the FOC’s 36 Member States.
The Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, Leslie E. Norton, reflected on the activities that took place during Canada’s Chairship of the FOC in 2022, including the multi-stakeholder process to develop the Ottawa Agenda, and statements issued both on behalf of the Chair and the Coalition addressing the use of disinformation and Internet shutdowns.
The U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Sheba Crocker, introduced the FOC’s Program of Action for 2023, outlining this year’s priority policy areas and the Coalition’s goals to further strengthen diplomatic coordination and engagement during the U.S. Chairship.
Following the introduction of the Program of Action, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Michèle Taylor, highlighted opportunities for Coalition member states to coordinate efforts to protect and promote human rights through engagement in multilateral fora and ongoing processes.
Representatives from FOC Member States’ local missions discussed the implementation of this year’s Program of Action, reaffirming the Coalition’s commitment to protect human rights, both online and offline, worldwide.
The FOC’s diplomatic networks in Geneva, Paris and New York provide a platform for members to raise awareness of the FOC among local stakeholders, build the capacity of local representatives on priority areas, and facilitate coordination between governments.
For more information on the FOC’s diplomatic networks, visit www.freedomonlinecoalition.com/diplomatic-coordination.
