The closing conference of the “Digital Diplomacy: Building the Common Future with Technology” (DD-Tech) Erasmus+ EU project, of which our university is among the partners, was held in Milan, Italy. Faculty members representing our university and academicians specialized in digital diplomacy attended the conference from Türkiye.

Our university took part in the closing conference and executive meetings held at the University of Cattolica Sacred Heart in Milan within the scope of the “Digital Diplomacy: Building the Common Future with Technology” Erasmus+ project. The event, which took place between October 23rd and 26th, 2024, attracted wide academic participation under the leadership of Project Coordinator and Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (English) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Yasin Asal and Project Scientist and Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations (Turkish) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayfer Genç Yılmaz from Istanbul Ticaret University
The event brought together academicians from Romania, Estonia and Türkiye, as well as high-level participants from the European Union Digital Authorities in the field of digital diplomacy. The conference provided an effective platform to address challenges, opportunities and new trends in digital diplomacy practices. In addition, it was aimed to share information and good practices about the importance of technology in international relations.

A LOOK AT DIGITAL DIPLOMACY WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
The conference held in Milan was attended by high-level participants from Istanbul Ticaret University as well as University of Bucharest in Romania, University of Tartu in Estonia, Istanbul University and EU Digital Authorities. The event contributed to sharing practical experiences for the future of digital diplomacy and strengthening cooperation between participating countries.
ACADEMICIANS THAT REPRESENTED OUR UNIVERSITY AT THE EVENT
Our university was represented at the conference by Project Coordinator and Head of Political Science and International Relations (English) Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Yasin Asal, and Project Scientist and Head of Political Science and International Relations (Turkish) Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayfer Genç Yılmaz. They were accompanied at the conference by Political Science and International Relations Department Lecturer Mr. Okan Gülbak and Research Assistant Ms. Dilara Şensivas.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN DIGITAL DIPLOMACY
One of the most remarkable parts of the conference were the discussion sessions where the challenges, opportunities and innovations in digital diplomacy were discussed. Diplomats, ambassadors and academics from the European Union discussed how digital tools can be used in international relations. Prof. Dr. Tolga Erdoğan, Education Attaché of the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Milan, also attended the conference.
THE INTERACTION BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The closing conference focused on the intersections of technology and international relations in the context of digital diplomacy, allowing for the sharing of best practices in this field. Participants shared information on the ways to achieve success in the field of digital diplomacy and developed strategies for the future. Those who would like to get more information about this project and training program, which is an important step for the development of digital diplomacy, may visit the official website of the project, https://www.digitaldiplomat.eu.
