Casper Klynge is vice president of Microsoft’s Office of European Government Affairs to the United Nations. Victor Besa / The National
Casper Klynge is vice president of Microsoft’s Office of European Government Affairs to the United Nations. Victor Besa / The National
Casper Klynge is vice president of Microsoft’s Office of European Government Affairs to the United Nations. Victor Besa / The National
Casper Klynge is vice president of Microsoft’s Office of European Government Affairs to the United Nations. Victor Besa / The National

Tech ambassador to lead third Future in Diplomacy webinar


  • English
  • Arabic

Casper Klynge, the world's first tech ambassador, will join UAE diplomat Omar Ghobash in discussion on Thursday night for the third talk in the The Future of Diplomacy series by the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy.

The former Danish diplomat will discuss Microsoft’s approach to Covid-19 and the benefits, challenges and responsibilities involved in partnership between big tech and government during and following the pandemic.

Denmark was the first country to create a diplomatic posting to technology companies like Google and Twitter. In 2017, after serving in places including Kosovo and Afghanistan, Mr Klynge became the world’s first ambassador to represent his country to tech companies in the Silicon Valley, California.

Today, Mr Klynge is vice president of Microsoft’s Office of European Government Affairs in Brussels, Belgium.

Viewers can submit questions through the talk, which will be moderated by Mr Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, and author of Letters to a Young Muslim.

The series features leading figures in science, technology, governance, history and philosophy and investigates foreign policy in a world transformed by the outbreak.

The webinar takes place from 9pm on Thursday, May 28. Register here.

Abu Dhabi GP starting grid

1 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2 Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

3 Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

4 Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

5 Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)

6 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

7 Romain Grosjean (Haas)

8 Charles Leclerc (Sauber)

9 Esteban Ocon (Force India)

10 Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)

11 Carlos Sainz (Renault)

12 Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)

13 Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

14 Sergio Perez (Force India)

15 Fernando Alonso (McLaren)

16 Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso)

17 Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso)

18 Stoffe Vandoorne (McLaren)

19 Sergey Sirotkin (Williams)

20 Lance Stroll (Williams)

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

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