Under Secretary Elizabeth M. Allen Marks Launch of the Digital Communication Network East Asia and Pacific Hub

On October 16-18, the U.S. Department of State will support the launch of the Digital Communication Network (DCN) hub for the East Asia and Pacific region in Sydney, Australia.  The event will gather thought leaders, influencers, and digital professionals from across East Asia and the Pacific to examine how innovations, disruptions, and challenges to information systems are influencing business, politics, society, and the very fabric of daily lives. The event’s theme is “Information Integrity in the Digital Age” and will feature 23 speakers from around the world, including six from the United States, together with hundreds of in-person and virtual participants from across the East Asia and Pacific region.  On October 17, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen welcomed participants with keynote remarks at the start of the event.

For the first time in Australia, the DCN will also offer participants an immersive digital experience through the Metaverse.  Virtual participants will create customized avatars to navigate the event, connect with speakers and fellow participants, join the launch of the Metaverse space, attend a virtual party, and  compete for a chance to participate in an in-person DCN event in 2024. 

Alongside implementing partner World Learning, the State Department is proud to support the network’s launch in the East Asia and Pacific region, bringing an established coordination model and network to the region, growing international partnerships and collaboration, and including an independent digital organization with membership around the world.  The State Department supported the DCN launch in Europe in 2015 and its expansion into the Americas in 2022 with the formation of a regional hub in Costa Rica.

DCN Global is an independent, multi-disciplinary community of digital professionals and emerging leaders organized as a social enterprise supported by the U.S. Department of State. This collaborative network seeks solutions that address challenges to democracy and the information space.  For media inquiries and further information, please email [email protected].