Honorary consuls have an important part to play in the international relations of many states, particularly smaller states and those unable to afford the costs associated with establishing conventional diplomatic and consular missions. While honorary consuls cannot replace traditional diplomats, they can facilitate multiple and deep engagements with political bodies, commercial organisations, nationals located abroad and citizens of receiving states. Their engagements can take place on different levels, including political, commercial and cultural. However, to best perform their role they need not only an understanding of the underlying legal aspects governing their role, but also practicial skills to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

UNITAR has developed this course that focusses especially on the roles and responsibilities of honorary consuls in cooperation with Professor J. Craig Barker (Dean of the School of Law and Social Sciences at London South Bank University) and Richard H.Griffiths, Esq (Senior Advisor at Dentons Global Law Firm).