Summer interview 2014 – Jovan Kurbalija, Director of the DiploFoundation and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP)

Jovan Kurbalija is the Director of the DiploFoundation and the Head of the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP). Here, he tells us about his work over the summer months, his holiday plans as well as his favourite books, music and places to visit in the Geneva area this summer.

July 2014

What are you working on this summer?

I am working on the sixth edition of the book An Introduction to Internet Governance which will celebrate its tenth anniversary and translation into ten languages. At the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP), we are preparing for a busy autumn with a series of events and courses on Internet governance, cybersecurity and e-diplomacy.

With the commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of World War I, this summer is also a time for reflection. On 1 July, at the event 'From Telegraph to Twitter', co-organised with the missions of Austria and Serbia, I presented the findings of our research, comparing telegraph developments in the early 1900s with Internet developments in the early 2000s. Currently, I am sending regular 'tweets from 1914', aimed at presenting the atmosphere and main developments of July 1914.

Holiday plans?

I am looking forward to a long weekend in Prague, and one week in Malta, to enjoy the change of environment and the special essence of these two places.

What do you take the opportunity to do in Geneva during the summer?

Summer is a refuge for procrastination. A pile of books and films are waiting! Summer is also a time to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and city. My daily routine often includes long walks, an early morning coffee at La Terrasse in Paquis and late evening drinks.....

Do you have a place you really love, in Geneva or in the surrounding area?

I am an Eaux-Vives local patriot. It has everything for a great summer: Geneve plage, lively concerts on the Ella Fitzgerald stage at La Grange Park and lovely wine bars and restaurants.

How about a summer book recommendation for our readers?

This summer, I will return to The Master Maestro and Margarita. Bulgakov's masterpiece is always a safe recommendation.

And on the music scene?

Radio Swiss Jazz with lovely selection of Jazz, Blues and Soul.