UNSC 3-D Virtual Field Trip:
On January 20, 2022, delegates from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) took a virtual field trip to Columbia using Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
Highlights:
- During their virtual trip, they listened, watched, and gained insights into the peace process and what life is like in Columbia.
- The United Nations Security Council in New York used virtual reality technology during a security council session for the first time.
- This novel solution will contribute to a better understanding of conflicts, peacekeeping, and peace-building.
- Other terms for digital diplomacy include digiplomacy and eDiplomacy.
- It is defined as the use of new information and communication technologies, including the Internet, to achieve diplomatic objectives. It focuses on the relationship between the internet and diplomacy.
- Virtual reality is a computer-generated experience that can be similar to or diametrically opposed to reality.
- The Virtual Reality Modelling Language was first introduced in 1994. It was created with the intention of creating "virtual worlds" without the use of headsets.
- The Web3D consortium was formed in 1997 to develop quality standards for web-based 3D graphics.
United Nations Security Council
- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the United Nations` six main organs (UN). It is in charge of ensuring global peace and security.
- It suggests that new UN members be admitted to the General Assembly, as well as that any changes to the UN Charter be approved. The United Nations Security Council has fifteen members.
IMF Wants El Salvador To Remove Bitcoin Legal Status:
The International Monetary Fund recently requested that El Salvador remove bitcoin`s legal status.
Highlights:
- In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country to allow its citizens to use cryptocurrency.
- Fears that bitcoin would cause inflation and unrest spread across the country. Bitcoin was legalised to aid the country`s economic development.
- A total of 200 new ATMs have been installed across the country.
- El Salvador plans to build a new bitcoin city at the volcano`s crater. Bitcoin will be used to fund the project.
- Within the country, Bitcoin has lost half of its value. In November 2021, Bitcoin was worth 67,734 USD. It is currently trading at 37,000 USD in January 2022.
- With the move, El Salvador remains divided. Half of the population is opposed to the move.
- As a start, the country provided 30 USD in bitcoins for free. Many voters are unfamiliar with bitcoin and its applications.
- Remittances account for 20% of the country`s GDP. As a result, for El Salvadorans working abroad, sending money via bitcoin will be less expensive.
IMF Say:
- The IMF has warned El Salvador that it will be difficult for the Latin American country to seek loans from the world organisation if the latter does not remove bitcoin`s status.
- By legalising Bitcoin, El Salvador may face significant consumer protection risks as well as financial instability.
- Furthermore, the IMF believes that Bitcoin is a volatile currency with large fluctuations.
World Bank Say:
- The World Bank also opposes Bitcoin`s legal status in El Salvador. Before the legalisation process began, the World Bank issued a warning to the country.
- According to the World Bank, this was an attention-seeking move by the country`s current authoritative regime.
Digital Rights And Principles Proposed By EU
The European Union is the world`s first to propose digital rights. The rights are intended to promote democracy and protect the rights of individuals.
Highlights:
- It ensures a safe internet experience. The rights seek to provide affordable digital connectivity to all of its member countries.
- It also intends to increase the speed of the internet. The funds will be used to outfit classrooms and hire teachers who are technologically savvy.
- Furthermore, digital rights will enable seamless access to government services. It will provide a safe environment for children.
- The digital rights will govern how personal data is used and who has access to it.
- It will compile easily understandable information on digital products.
EU Digital Rights
- These individuals have the ability to create, use, access, and publish digital media, as well as use computers and other communication networks.
- Digital rights are intertwined with free expression and privacy. Digital devices are also covered by EU digital rights.
- It ensures the bloc`s long-term viability and the goals of the green transition. It makes a distinction between illegal offline and online behaviour.
- It will be a valuable resource for policymakers as they consider technology options.
- It puts people at the center of everything.
- Some Key Digital Rights are,
- Right to use digital content.
- Right to access electronic devices like computers.
- Right to privacy.
- Right to create digital content.
- Right to express ideas digitally.
- Right to report what seems inappropriate.
Six Principles:
- To promote the sustainability of the digital future
- To increase safety, empowerment, and security of individuals
- To foster participation in digital public space
- To ensure freedom of choice, online
- To support solidarity and inclusion
- To put people and their rights in the center of digital transformation.