Page 10 - DIVA_1_2022

International International
human experience has proven - while
diplomatic means and tools may evolve
following technological advances, as long as
nation-states exist the essence of diplomacy
will not change substantially. Further progress
of ICTs and the continuing expansion of the
virtual “universe” will certainly affect the way
diplomatic missions function. Yet, in-person
human contacts remain indispensable in
all areas of social life, the pandemic-related
lockdowns made it more obvious than
ever! Diplomacy is no exception. I don’t see
diplomatic missions disappear, and AI replace
diplomatic staff, anywhere soon; not before I
retire, I hope...
“I don’t see diplomatic missions What are the UN bodies and UN agencies you
are cooperating most in Geneva? In which
disappear, and AI replace diplomatic domains?
staff, anywhere soon; not before I have been much involved in the work of the
Human Rights Council (HRC), as Bulgaria
I retire, I hope...” is one of 47 member-states, completing
its 3-years term this year. We plan to re-
apply for HRC membership for the period
2024-26. In 2021 my country was also part
of the P-6 (6-countries presidency) of the
Conference on Disarmament and I was CD
had brought the issue of e-governance on top President from 12 March to 21 May. I am
of the global agenda. If e-government and also following closely the work of the WHO,
e-commerce are part of our lives, if social UNHCR, IOM, ILO – all of them play a role
media influence public opinion, shape and in addressing the challenges of the COVID-
amplify social and political change and virtual 19 pandemic and its consequences in various
reality is merging more and more with actual fields: humanitarian, health, socio-economic.
one, why should diplomacy be expected to We have excellent cooperation with WIPO
stay immutable? International relations have and support the efforts of its Director General
already largely gone online and ‘”e-diplomacy” and his team to enhance WIPO’s focus on
is apparently the future of international policy- youth, innovation, SMEs-driven sustainable
making and global governance. economy. ITU, UNECE, UNCTAD are other
relevant multilateral fora concentrating
What are your views on “teleworking” or expertise and competences in important areas
“online” events – do they represent a danger of international cooperation. This is not to
for the offices abroad? If many things can be say that I and my fairly small diplomatic team
done through teleworking, are we not running underestimate the importance and work of
the risk of losing necessity to have diplomatic other international bodies and UN-affiliated
missions abroad? agencies.
Your question reminds me of a textbook
example of scepticism and fear that You hold an important position in the area of
developments in technology provoked in human rights in Geneva. Please, tell us about
diplomats almost 2 centuries ago: Lord this position. What are the main challenges in
Parmerston’s reaction (“this is the end of the area of human rights today?
diplomacy!”) when he saw the first ever I am currently one of the four vice-presidents
telegraphically transmitted message. But of the HRC and chaired a number of the
0 w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h
Cultural diplomacy has become an
inalienable part of the modern
diplomatic “toolbox”.
receiving country or to the rest of the world is
an essential task of a contemporary diplomatic
mission. It helps improve understanding of
each other and build intangible bridges of
mutual respect and trust among people and
nations. “Food diplomacy”, which builds
on the culinary traditions of a country or
region is, undoubtedly, an important element
of cultural diplomacy. Very often cultural
diplomacy events also serve a charitable cause
Council’s meetings this year. Together with and raise funds in support of a humanitarian
the President and other Vice-presidents action: this is actually the case of the annual
I am member of the HRC Bureau, which UN Bazaar whose latest edition took place on
discusses the program of work, organization 27 October.
and modalities of Council’s meetings and
makes proposals to this effect to the plenary. What are your hobbies? Your life outside
Implementation of anti-pandemic measures in working hours?
Switzerland put to test the ability of the HRC Travelling and hiking are my family’s favourite
to remain effective and efficient in a de facto leisure activities when whether allows. We love
virtual/online mode of functioning. The HRC to discover new places, people and cultures and
made proof of its resilience and continued take nice pictures of them (we always have our
its work according to the schedule. This was camera with us). I and my wife also nurture aI and my wife also nurture a also nurture a
of particular importance at a time when special interest for opera and classical music:
human rights were facing worldwide multiple you may know that Bulgaria is the motherland
challenges caused by the pandemic, or as result of a plethora of world-wide renowned opera
of conflicts in different parts of the globe, in singers and musicians and we hope to be able
relation to the environmental degradation to have some of them perform in a UN setting have some of them perform in a UN setting
and greenhouse effects, irregular migration, in Geneva: after months of pandemic-relayed
rise of political radicalism, populism and restrictions the diplomatic community is
authoritarian rule, discriminatory practises, longing for high level culture events!
human rights violations and political
repression in many countries...
What is your attitude towards diplomacy by
other means than negotiations, mediations.
e.g. – arts diplomacy, food diplomacy. The UN
Bazaar can be also considered in a way a part
of diplomacy. We know that Bulgaria played
an important role in the preparation of the
recent Bazaar. Tell us about that.
Cultural diplomacy has become an inalienable
part of the modern diplomatic “toolbox”.
Making known a nation’s cultural heritage and
present-day achievements to audiences in the
w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h