UNITAR Online Catalogue
Workshop on Multilateral Conference Diplomacy
Type
Workshop
Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Date
to
Duration
2 Days
Programme Area
Multilateral Diplomacy
Website
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
diplomacy@unitar.org
Background
Governments and increasingly other actors such as international and non-governmental organizations use multilateral conferences as a means, and sometimes the only means, to achieve important policy objectives. As the number of conferences and meetings has risen considerably over the past twenty years, the number of government officers and other stakeholders involved in conference processes has also increased significantly. While diplomats remain at the centre of diplomacy, government officials assigned to line ministries and agencies, as well as staff of intergovernmental organizations and NGOs, are increasingly finding themselves in the role of the multilateral conference delegate.
This workshop will help diplomats enhance their performance as a conference delegate, and as a result contribute to the overall efficiency and productiveness of conferences.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the workshop, participants should be able to:
• Identify how conferences unfold;
• Name the rules of procedure and their value in advancing delegate objectives;
• Explain the importance of informal consultations;
• Use appropriate language;
• Detect and incorporate other delegations' strategies.
Content and Structure
The workshop spans over two days from 28 to 29 June (09:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 17:30).
The following topics, among others, will be covered during this intensive, two-day workshop: the types, functions and formats of multilateral conferences; the formal and informal processes of conferences; the technical and practical foundations of multilateral negotiation; overcoming stalled negotiations; the human dimension of multilateral conferences; the roles and functions of conference secretariats and Chairs; and effective preparations for multilateral conferences and negotiations.
Methodology
The sessions will be highly participative in nature, combining short presentations, exercises, case studies, discussion groups and video analysis. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fuller understanding of the complexity of multilateral conferences and their interacting elements and be able to integrate more readily into multilateral conference processes.
Targeted Audience
The workshop is open to members of Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations Office at Geneva, irrespective of their ranks and functions, in particular recently accredited diplomats from developing countries who are new to a multilateral environment. It is offered free of charge. If necessary, UNITAR reserves the right to make a selection among candidates.The selected candidates are requested to regard their participation as a firm commitment and to attend the course in its entirety. Please do not apply if you think you may not be able to attend all sessions. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending after you have been accepted as a participant, please inform UNITAR immediately so that your place can be given to another candidate on the reserve list.
Additional Information
International Environment House 2 (IEH 2), Conference Room TBC
Chemin de Balexert, 7, 1219 Châtelaine – Geneva
The workshop will be conducted in English. The participants will be provided with a set of background material at the beginning of the course. Participants who have followed the workshop in its entirety will be awarded a course certificate.