Voluntary contributions from various UN Member States enable UNITAR to offer training courses free of charge to members of diplomatic missions accredited to the United Nations Offices at Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, in New York and in cities hosting UN regional Commissions in Addis Ababa for Africa (ECA), in Bangkok for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), in Beirut for West Asia (ESCWA) and in Santiago for Latin America and Caribbean (ECLAC).

These training events aim at familiarizing the diplomats with the specificities of the multilateral work environment. They comprise orientation, awareness and skills building activities. Courses are offered on the following topics: Structure and functioning of UN organs, UN system overview, resolution drafting, diplomatic report writing, negotiation skills, conference diplomacy and multilateral negotiation, mediation skills, public speaking, chairing meetings, media relations, as well as selected international legal, economic and financial issues.

Several weeks prior to each training course, permanent missions are provided with course descriptions and application forms for the respective event. They are requested to nominate their candidates within a given deadline. Selected applicants will receive a confirmation of participation in writing; they are expected to follow the training in its entirety. Should a selected applicant be unable to attend, she or he should inform UNITAR so that the place can be given to another candidate. Course certificates are awarded to those candidates who follow the training in its entirety.

Should the number of applications exceed the number of places available, UNITAR reserves the right to make a selection among applicants. Priority will be given to developing and least developed countries, to countries in economic transition and to all those countries contributing to UNITAR´s general fund.

The schedule of upcoming training events, descriptions of each training course, an archive of concluded activities as well as application forms are available on this website.

Most training courses offered to the diplomatic communities can also be offered on a tailor-made basis in individual countries.