UNITAR Online Catalogue
9th Edition of UNITAR's Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice
Multilateral Diplomacy
Background
The main component of the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice is a series of 8 workshops, which fall within UNITAR's Core Diplomatic Training (CDT).
The format of the programme consists of two-day executive-style training workshops, delivered face-to-face to diplomats and other beneficiaries so that they can perform effectively in multilateral environments.The workshops take place at the Palais des Nations, Palais Wilson, or another venue in Geneva, Switzerland.
UNITAR has been delivering CDT courses since its inception in 1965 and the courses are traditionally considered the “core” training of the Institute. By definition, CDT implies training that is multilateral in character and offered in a multilateral context. All Member States and the United Nations, collectively, benefit from greater knowledge on how to operate in the multilateral setting and perform effectively and efficiently.
CDT covers training in international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy, and is aimed at enhancing the understanding of the United Nations system and its organs and procedures, strengthening the skills relevant to conferences and negotiations and supporting efforts to build a more effective multilateral system.
Event Objectives
Each individual workshop will have a specific set of learning objectives, but the learning objectives of the diploma as a whole are as follows:
- Develop a critical understanding of contemporary bilateral and multilateral diplomacy challenges;
- Demonstrate a comprehensive, substantive and practical knowledge of the United Nations system, Digital Diplomacy, Diplomatic Protocol, Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation, etc;
- Critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses related to negotiation skills and techniques, drafting, negotiating and adopting UN resolutions, leadership skills, public speaking and communication;
- Produce a research paper that extends beyond the theoretical content of a workshop and relates to participants’ professional work;
- Perform efficiently and effectively in both bilateral and multilateral working environments with increased confidence.
Content and Structure
The 2024/2025 edition of the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice programme will comprise of two main components:
Training Workshops – 8 skills-based workshops, which will aim to be cross-cutting and to equip participants with knowledge and practical competences to enhance their expertise in multilateral settings, and to enrich their professional performances. The topics envisioned for the next edition are:
- Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiations
- Effective Writing in Multilateral Diplomacy
- Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette
- Leadership Skills and Assertiveness
- Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Negotiation Skills and Techniques
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
- Digital Diplomacy and Cybersecurity
Research Paper – The final requirement to obtain the Executive Diploma will be the submission of a research paper of between 3,000 and 5,000 words. For this requirement, participants must provide a more in‐depth analysis and argumentation on a chosen theme covered in the course or related to multilateral diplomacy.
Methodology
Participants are required to attend at least 6 of the 8 Core Diplomatic Training (CDT) workshops offered by UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (MDPU) from November 2024 to August 2025;
Participants will engage in simulation exercises during the workshop, which trainers will assess in accordance with the learning objectives of each workshop on a pass or fail basis;
In exceptional circumstances, it will be possible for participants who cannot attend 8 workshops to take up to 2 of MDPU’s e-Learning courses instead of 2 CDT workshops;
All participants will submit a final Research Paper based on the material covered in one of the workshops.
Targeted Audience
The primary target audience for the Executive Diploma is the diplomatic community in Geneva. Other interested participants (staff of international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic academies and foreign service training institutions, as well as academics and private sector professionals) are encouraged to apply, and UNITAR will make a selection based on the applications it receives.
Additional Information
Insurance Waiver
By applying to the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice, all participants confirm that they are aware that the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) does not insure participants for this programme. All participants are advised to arrange at their own expense insurance against sickness, accident, permanent or temporary disability, death and third party risk for the period of the meeting including travel time.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements to be accepted for the Executive Diploma are the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree;
- 2-3 years of relevant professional experience;
- Proficiency in English.
Fee and Fee Reductions
The overall fee for a total of up to 10 workshops is USD 8,000. UNITAR is delighted to announce that a limited number of fellowships are offered to participants from low- and middle-income countries according to the World Bank Atlas Method. These applicants will be able to pay a discounted fee of respectively USD 3,000 (low income countries) or USD 5,000 (middle income countries).
UNITAR will make a selection based on the applications it receives.
Other
For more information, please write an email to diplomacy [at] unitar.org (diplomacy[at]unitar[dot]org) or call +41 (0) 22 917 88 10, or visit www.unitar.org/cdt.
All accepted participants will be informed by email.