New Delhi
22 May 2007
Diplomacy went virtual on Tuesday with the inauguration of a virtual
embassy. Maldives, the smallest Asian country in terms of population, located south of
India's Lakshadweep islands, became the first country ever to open a virtual embassy in
Second Life, the online virtual world.
Maldives Government sources in Male and in the High Commission in New Delhi told
this newspaper that the official inauguration ceremony took place simultaneously in the
real world (Geneva) and in the virtual world (Second Life, SL latitude/longitude:
150,191,26). Maldivian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid rpt Abdulla
Shahid represented his country at the event held at the World Meteorological
Organisation in Geneva.
The sources said that the Maldivian virtual embassy
Quarter rpt Diplomatic Quarter of Diplomacy Island rpt Diplomacy Island in Second Life,
an online space designed to allow new avenues for diplomatic representation and
negotiation, especially for small and developing countries that have limited diplomatic
outreach in the "real world".
A virtual embassy will not have physical premises. Diplomats will remain in the capital
city of their own country and communicate with other countries through electronic means.
It can perform almost any diplomatic function specified in the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations and provides real possibilities for interaction between diplomats
and visitors. Unlike traditional embassies, which need to be accredited to particular
countries, a virtual embassy is accredited to cyberspace.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, Mr Abdulla Shahid said that information
technology and the internet could be harnessed by small countries to help them
participate meaningfully in international relations. "The Maldives is a small country but
that does not mean we do not have a valuable contribution to make in international
affairs. The Maldives is well known as a tourist destination, but we are also a country
that has experienced rapid economic, social and political development over recent
years; while our vulnerability to sea-level rise has put us at the forefront of the global
debate on climate change. The virtual embassy offers another channel for us to provide
information on the country, to offer our viewpoint on issues of international concern, and
to interact with our partners in the international community."
The sources said that Diplomacy Island was conceptualised by DiploFoundation, a non-
profit organisation. It was established in November 2002 by the governments of Malta
and Switzerland. It is based in Malta, with offices in Geneva and Belgrade. The host,
Second Life, is a fast-growing virtual community. Universities like Harvard and Stanford,
companies like General Motors and Toyota, and certain media companies have
established their presence in Second Life.
The Maldivian virtual embassy will be followed by embassies representing Macedonia
and the Philippines, the sources said. Sweden is also understood to have announced
plans to open a virtual embassy.
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