Multilateral Trade Negotiation, Diplomacy and Ministerial Conferences Training Course for Government Officers of Thailand

Rayong, Thailand
16 - 21 July 2007

In partnership with the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) and with the support of the Royal Thai Government, UNITAR organized and implemented a training course on Multilateral Trade Diplomacy, Negotiation and Ministerial Conferences. Taking place in Rayong, Thailand, from 16 – 21 July 2007, this training course enabled the 31 participants to strengthen their knowledge as well as skills in WTO-related diplomacy. The course began with a general overview of the WTO’s institutional framework and its key principles and was followed by an analysis of the different modi and levels of negotiation at the WTO and the organization’s particular system of conferences. The focus of the course then shifted to the skills, strategies, techniques and insights essential to effective multilateral trade negotiations. Linking concepts and practice, the participants engaged actively in case studies and simulation exercises which were then carefully debriefed and discussed. The participants were given the opportunity to analyze their own behaviour in negotiations and practice the techniques introduced by the trainers. A high-level practitioner panel on the Thai participation in the Doha Round and on the Thai -Japanese Bilateral Trade Agreement was held on the last day of the five-day training course. The panel was composed of the Executive Director of the ITD, Mr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan, serving as president of the panel, the Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Virachai Plasai and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Winichai Chaemchaeng.

Workshop on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation for Diplomats from Saudi Arabia

Geneva, Switzerland
9 - 13 July 2007

UNITAR, in cooperation with the Institute of Diplomatic Studies (IDS) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, designed and implemented a training workshop on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation for 17 diplomats from Saudi Arabia. The workshop built on the successful implementation of similar activities for Saudi diplomats in 2005 and 2006. The course took place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, from 9 to 13 July 2007. The main objective was to improve the diplomats’ understanding of the dynamic aspects of multilateral negotiations while developing their capacity to participate effectively in such settings. Interactive presentations, case studies, exercises, video projections and a multilateral negotiation simulation exercise provided opportunities for group discussions and feedback from the trainers. The workshop was conducted in English, with Arabic interpretation.

 

SADC Regional Training Course on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation

Pretoria, South Africa
18 - 25 June 2007

The Foreign Service Institute of South Africa and UNITAR organized its first 2007 workshop on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation, with twenty-six participants from nine SADC countries taking part. The course aimed to provide enhanced awareness and understanding of the underlying dynamics of multilateral diplomacy, to introduce, develop and refine relevant skills for effective performance in multilateral diplomacy, and to provide an enabling environment to practice skills and know-how through exercises, simulations and other interactive training tools. The course included ten sessions, covering conference diplomacy, negotiation, resolution and decision drafting, consultations, chairing meetings and rules of procedure of UN organs and conferences. A full-day multilateral negotiation simulation was conducted to wrap together the various thematic sessions.

 

Diplomacy Training for Foreign Affairs Officers from the State of Eritrea

Asmara, Eritrea
28 May - 20 July 2007

The Diplomacy Training Course for Government Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the State of Eritrea took place in Asmara from 28 May to 26 July 2007 on the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This eight-week training programme marked the second diplomacy training conducted by UNITAR on request from and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) A total of 31 government officers participated in this development training activity which was conducted in English. The main objectives of this training activity were to introduce the participants to the role of a diplomat in a global as well as regional setting and to familiarize them with the United Nations System. The training intended to enhance and strengthen the participating diplomats’ skills in negotiation and conference diplomacy through discussion groups, case studies, videos and simulation exercises. Other aims were to provide the participants with an overview on the diplomatic protocol and with an opportunity to update and deepen their knowledge of selected topics of public international law. This diplomacy training focused on: Introduction to International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution/Bilateral Negotiation, Conference Diplomacy/Multilateral Negotiation, UN Rules of Procedure, International Relations and International Organizations, International Law and Protocol.

Capacity Building Workshop on Treaty Law and Practice and the Negotiation and Domestic Implementation of Treaty Obligations

Jakarta, Indonesia
30 January - 1 February 2007

During a three-day regional Capacity Building Workshop on Treaty Law and Practice and the Negotiation and Domestic Implementation of Treaty Obligations held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 30 January to 1 February 2007, UNITAR conducted a negotiation simulation exercise on the sustainable management and conservation of forests. The exercise was followed by a debriefing and discussion on the process of the simulated negotiations and performance of the participants. More than 60 government officials from Asian and Pacific Island Countries took part in the activity which was hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The workshop was a joint activity of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (UNOLA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS). Topics included Treaty Obligations, Human Rights Reporting Requirements, Environment Law, Transnational Crime and the Convention Against Corruption with case studies related to the Pacific Islands and Indonesia. On the whole, participants were positive about the negotiation simulation exercise, noting that this interactive session was not only practical but also “fun” and an “eye-opener” for first-time negotiators.

Training Activities in 2006

Workshop on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation

Pretoria, South Africa
6 – 13 December 2006

In close cooperation with the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of South Africa, UNITAR organized and implemented a seven-day training workshop on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation for a group of 31 junior to senior staff of the Department. The workshop marked the second activity to be organized by UNITAR and the Department since cooperation began in 2005.
By using intensive visual presentations, individual and group exercises, video analysis and negotiation simulations, the trainers encouraged knowledge-sharing and skills development. The aim was to increase the performance of South African diplomats in conferences within United Nations, the African Union and in other regional and sub-regional organizations and conferences. This objective was also reinforced by a practitioner’s panel organized mid-way through the workshop during which senior South African multilateral diplomats shared their experiences and lessons learned from their various postings with their colleagues.
Immediately following the workshop, UNITAR began preparations to develop the institutional capacity of FSI. Four FSI trainers will visit UNITAR in March and April to develop their training capacity and observe multilateral conferences at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Professional Development Workshop on Enhancing Performance in International Conferences

Canberra, Australia
27 November – 2 December 2006

The Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy (APCD) of the Australian National University (ANU) and UNITAR jointly organized a professional development workshop for Asian and Pacific government officials aimed at enhancing their performance in international conferences. Thirty government officials, from Ministries/Departments of Foreign Affairs and other agencies of 14 Asian and Pacific countries (including Australia and New Zealand) took part in the workshop, which took place over six days on the ANU premises in Canberra.
The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with, and review concepts and notions of, international conferences and negotiation through short lectures and presentations. Discussion group exercises, videos, a multilateral negotiation simulation and subsequent debriefing and video performance analysis provided participants with an opportunity to practice skills to better further their government’s objectives and increase their own individual performance in future regional and international conferences and negotiations.

Regional Seminar on “Trade Facilitation and Trade Security: Achieving Competitiveness in a Global Economy”

Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
27 – 29 September 2006

This training activity was designed for the benefit of participants originating from the Trade Ministries, Customs Services and Chambers of Commerce of the following countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia. The training enabled the participants update their knowledge on trade facilitation and trade security and helped them better understand the link between trade facilitation and competitiveness. The first part of the seminar was devoted to an analysis of the balancing act between control and compliance and on the best available means that would enable all concerned parties achieve maximum trade facilitation in a regulatory environment. In that context, emphasis was put on the significance of the Public-Private Partnership. The participants were also briefed on the international agenda for trade facilitation, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade facilitation negotiations, the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 on the international agenda and on the work of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in the context of trade facilitation. The second part of the seminar consisted of a technical analysis of the policies, requirements, initiatives, standards and tools that the private sector is developing in the field of trade facilitation and trade security. The sessions focused on transit “as a main pillars of trade facilitation”, the new challenges and tools of trade security and on the industry solutions for risk assessment, cargo scanning and the electronic administration of the import and export transations.

 

Workshop on Multilateral Conferences and Diplomacy

Bangkok, Thailand
25 - 29 September 2006

At the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, UNITAR implemented a five-day training workshop on Multilateral Conferences and Diplomacy. This training activity, which took place from 25 to 29 September 2006 at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, was attended by 33 government officials from the Royal Thai Government.
The five-day intensive workshop provided participants with an enhanced understanding of the dynamics unfolding in multilateral conferences and diplomacy through a variety of pedagogical tools to enable the trainees to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of the process dynamics at work, in addition to a range of skills and techniques to enable them to function effectively and efficiently as conference delegates and negotiators.
Similar to other UNITAR workshops on this topic, the training included concept learning, role-playing, real-world exposure and experience sharing through presentations, visual aides, role plays and simulation exercises, performance analysis based on videos and Internet broadcasts, working groups, round-tables, case-studies and illustrations of good practice.

Diplomacy & International Law Training for Government Officers from the Union of Myanmar

Yangon, Union of Myanmar
18 September - 5 October 2006

The Diplomacy & International Law Training for Government Officers from the Union of Myanmar took place in Yangon from 18 September to 5 October 2006.
Conducted in English by UNITAR in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, this three-week training programme was attended by a total of 30 government officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as from other specialized Ministries.
The principal objectives of this capacity development activity were to improve the participants’ negotiation skills and to familiarize them with some practice in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation & Conference Diplomacy by providing them with techniques that may help maximize their effectiveness in communicating and negotiating. Other aims were to familiarize the participants with the United Nations system, including the current issues and challenges facing the UN, as well as with the basics of International Economic Relations and to acquaint the trainees with selected subjects of Public International Law, such as International Environmental Law, International Humanitarian Law, the International Protection of Human Rights, Law of the Sea and Refugee Law.
Presentations with visual aides, negotiation exercises, case studies, working group assignments and video analysis complemented the presentations and were used to create an interactive learning environment and to raise the trainees’ awareness on the various topics on the course curriculum.

Workshop on Conference Diplomacy for Officials from Saudi Arabia

Geneva, Switzerland
10 - 13 July 2006

After the success in March 2005 of the Orientation Training on the United Nations System in Geneva organized by UNITAR at the demand of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies followed-up in 2006 and requested UNITAR to focus on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation in a four-day workshop. The course aimed to prepare junior diplomats for future multilateral postings, by providing them with an overview of multilateral diplomacy and negotiation. It also introduced and refined skills to prepare for, and perform effectively in multilateral meetings.
Sixteen participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attended the workshop. The training sessions were held in the Palais des Nations from 10 to 13 July 2006. The workshop was conducted in English, with Arabic interpretation. The training was designed to be highly participatory in nature and the participants appreciated the relevance of the interactive sessions, exercises, video analysis and the one and half-day simulation exercise.
The World Trade Organization also welcomed the participants for a study visit during which topics such as the state of current WTO negotiations, the accession process of Saudi Arabia to the Organization and the tasks of a Geneva-based diplomat and WTO delegate were covered.

Diplomacy Training for Government Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea

Asmara, Eritrea
2 May to 29 June 2006

The Diplomacy Training Course for Government Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the State of Eritrea took place in Asmara from 2 May to 29 June 2006. This eight-week training programme was conducted by UNITAR on request from and in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A total of 32 government officers participated in this important development training activity which was conducted in English and took place on the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The principal objectives of this training were:

• To introduce the participants to the role of a diplomat in a global as well as regional setting and to familiarize them with the United Nations system, including the current issues and challenges facing the UN;
• To improve the participants’ negotiation skills and to familiarize them with some practice in conference diplomacy by providing them with techniques that may be helpful in negotiations;
• To enhance and strengthen the trainees’ skills in public speaking, media relations and report writing;
• To provide the trainees with an opportunity to update and deepen their knowledge of selected topics of public international law.

The Diplomacy Training focused on: International Relations and International Organizations, Introduction to Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation, Effective Report Writing, International Law, Effective Public Speaking and Presentations & Relations with the Media.

Orientation Training on the United Nations System in Geneva: Selected Issues on International Trade and Development

Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Investment House, United Arab Emirates
Geneva, Switzerland
19 - 23 June 2006

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), at the request and in partnership with Zayed University and the Abu Dhabi Investment House in the United Arab Emirates designed, organized and implemented an orientation training on the United Nations System in Geneva. The programme contained a special focus on selected issues on international trade and development and was conducted for a group of eight students from Zayed Women University in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 19 – 23 June 2006. The objective of this tailor-made orientation training was to familiarize the students with the work of a variety of Geneva-based organizations and institutions in the respective fields of international cooperation, multilateral trade and commerce, and development.
The training started with an introduction to the UN system in Geneva and was complemented by an introductory overview on development economics and north-south economic challenges. The training curriculum also comprised orientation sessions and study visits to specific trade-related organizations and institutions, such as WTO, ITC, UNDP and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Each lecture provided sufficient time for questions and discussion rounds. This multifaceted approach with a special emphasis on trade and development and on the Arab region increased the trainees' awareness of the mandate, programmes, projects and/or policies of relevant organizations and institutions.

 

Seminar on International Environmental Law

Dushanbe, Tajikistan
12 – 13 June 2006

The lecturer, Professor of Law at the University of Geneva, started the seminar by describing the evolution of international environmental law beginning with the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the first international conference dedicated to the protection of the environment on a universal scale, up to the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and Development. Then, the lecturer emphasized Rio’s objectives and principles, its geographic coverage and the various implementation mechanisms adopted over the years. Then he identified the three main characteristics of environmental law as being the notion of time, the link between sovereignty and environmental institutions and the link between environment and development. The lecturer then focused on the interpretation of international conventions dedicated to the global protection of the environment. In that context, the Climate Change Convention and its Kyoto Protocol, the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartagena Protocol were all analyzed in detail. In the context of this highly interactive seminar a local resource person also made a presentation on the Kyoto Protocol and its relevance to Tajikistan.

Workshop on Treaty Law

Dushanbe, Tajikistan
8 – 9 June 2006

This training activity was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan. The lecturer started the workshop by briefing the participants on a wide range of treaty law issues. The workshop was structured to cover topics of treaty law in logical sequence from the formation of treaties through to their termination. In this regard, a detailed presentation on the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties was provided, particularly in relation to its provisions on treaty formation, amendment, interpretation, validity breach and termination. Other aspects covered included treaties as a source of international law, the Tajikistan Law on Treaties, reservations, state succession to treaties, state responsibility and remedies for treaty breaches. In response to questions from the participants, a detailed discussion also took place on the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (a treaty to which Tajikistan may shortly accede) and the work of the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal.

Workshop on Free Economic Zones in Tajikistan

Dushanbe, Tajikistan
6 - 7 April 2006

This workshop was implemented in Dushanbe in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MET) of the Republic of Tajikistan to the benefit of participants who originated from various Ministries and regions of the country. The Tajik Law and Charter on Free Economic Zones (FEZs) has been established and MET is working towards the creation of five FEZs before the end of 2006. Hence, the workshop, conducted by Mr. Sharief Habib Al-Awadhi, was structured in the shape of a discussion on sharing best practices and providing technical advice to the persons that will be in charge of the FEZs establishment and management.
In that context, Mr. Sharief -Director General of the Fujairah Free Economic Zone of the United Arab Emirates- explained to the participants the FEZs concept, the operational manual and all the steps that separate theory from practice. Based on his own experience, he also briefed the participants on the main challenges and opportunities that arise when operating the FEZs. All the sessions were highly interactive and the participants expressed a great interest in the experience-based approach adopted by the lecturer.

Workshop on the Role of Parliamentarian Staff in Multilateral Conferences and Diplomacy

Bangkok, Thailand
February 2006

At the request of the Parliament of Thailand, UNITAR implemented a five-day training workshop for 30 staff members from the Inter-Parliamentarian Organization, International Organization and Foreign Languages bureaus. Organized in the context of assisting staff to prepare for the 116th Inter-Parliamentarian Union Assembly and Related Meetings which the Parliament of Thailand will be hosting in 2007, the workshop aimed to raise awareness on the process and mechanics of multilateral conferences, with special emphasis placed on the roles and functions of the host country secretariat. The workshop also included a segment on effective report writing, which developed knowledge and understanding of different types of reports, as well as effective writing skills and techniques. The Parliament of Thailand and UNITAR are exploring a range of follow-up activities to continue enhancing the capacity of its staff members in preparation for the 2007 assembly.

Training Activities in 2005

Workshop on National and International Water Law

Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan
12 - 16 December 2005

This workshop situated itself in the context of the national and international efforts aiming at achieving the goals of the International Decade for Action "Water for Life", 2005 - 2015. These goals are considered a top priority for the Republic of Tajikistan, as reiterated by the many declarations, conferences and forums that took place in Dushanbe during the past two years. The workshop aimed at strengthening local capacities by providing the participants with an overview of the legal aspects related to the management of national waters and international watercourses.
In their first session, the two lecturers focused on the international and national laws that governs the use of transboundary surface waters. The participants were provided with an in-depth analysis of the scope and sources of international and national water law. The Basin Map of the Senegal river constituted a first supportive example of their intervention. The lecturers also provided an overview on the rights and duties of States sharing a watercourse through the analysis of the 1997 UN Convention on Watercourses.
On the third day of the workshop, the participants were invited to a field trip to the "Nurek Hydroelectric Power Station", where they undertook a guided tour of the dam, the artificial lake and the installations. The second part of the workshop was dedicated to a negotiation exercise focusing on a dispute between neighboring countries on the utilization of a transboundary river. The participants were divided into four groups and were instructed to reach an agreement, through negotiation, amongst them on the disputed issue. In the last part of the workshop, the lecturers tackled the issue of domestic legislation on the use and protection of groundwater.

Workshop on Negotiation Skills and Techniques

Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan
7 - 8 December 2005

This two-day workshop, conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation into Russian, was implemented in Dushanbe to the benefit of members of various Ministries, NGOs and Universities of the Republic of Tajikistan. It provided the participants with a general overview of the various negotiation strategies that can be implemented today in national and international circles. The workshop relied heavily on simulation exercises and provided the participants with techniques that may be helpful in negotiation preparation, action and analysis. The participants were also briefed on the available best practices and tools that can help increase the effectiveness and efficiency of their daily work.

Strengthening Capacities of the Iraqi Civil Service

Government of Japan
Geneva, Switzerland and Hiroshima, Japan
1 - 17 December 2005

With the generous support of the Government of Japan through the Trust Fund for International Cooperation for Development, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, UNITAR implemented two back-to-back workshops in the context of the Strengthening Capacities of the Iraqi Civil Service project. The project is a five-year initiative designed to assist Iraq's reintegration into the international community through training and training of trainers. The workshops were implemented from 1-17 December.
Thirteen Iraqi officials took part in the workshops. Seven of the participants came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the other half represented a spectrum of line ministries, including human rights, electricity, industry and defence, as well as the Office of the President. In Geneva, the group focused on Effective Negotiation Planning, Performance and Analysis. Bilateral and group exercises as well as exposure to the cultural dimensions of negotiation prepared participants for the second segment of the workshop on Effective Performance in Multilateral Institutions, which was conducted in Hiroshima in close cooperation with the UNITAR Office for Asia and the Pacific.
The participants were also introduced to the complexities and interconnections of on-going negotiation processes through a multilateral negotiation simulation exercise on access to basic services for all. Participants' feedback showed a desire to see UNITAR continue to assist Iraq's public administration by enhancing awareness and understanding in international affairs and refining skills through a facilitated learning environment. In 2006, UNITAR will start developing Iraq's capacity to train it own civil servants without relying exclusively on the capacity of exogenous training service providers.

Seminar on WTO Accession: Selected Issues

Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Office in Serbia and Montenegro
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
17 - 18 November 2005

The seminar aimed at providing Ministries of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro and National Ministries of Serbia and of Montenegro with more information about the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process and specifically selected issues mainly related to the preparation of the offer on services. The seminar started with an in-depth comparative analysis of the binding commitments of the countries that recently acceded to the WTO and a comparison between the offer on services of the Republic of Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia. The lecturers discussed the differences between the services sectors of the two entities and they underlined the importance of their WTO accession to the European Union accession process. On the second day, the lecturers provided an overview about the essential elements that should be taken into consideration when preparing the offer on services by the two entities. They discussed the issue of the specific commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the market access commitments and provided examples of market access limitations; the last part of the seminar was devoted to an analysis of the financial and telecommunication services in relation to the offer on services, and to a discussion focusing on the latest WTO Ministerial conferences of Doha and Cancun.

Multilateral Environmental Negotiation Training

UNEP
Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand and Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
7 - 11 and 21 - 25 November 2005

In partnership with UNEP's Division of Policy Development and Law and the Division of Environmental Conventions, UNITAR implemented two regional workshops on multilateral environmental negotiation in Asia and Africa. The structure and content of the workshops were similar. In Bangkok, 26 participants attended the workshop from the following: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea (DPR), Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor and Viet Nam. The regional workshop for Southern Africa took place in Johannesburg was attended by 27 Government officials from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In both workshops, participants mainly came from Ministries of Environment and were either currently involved in the preparation of MEA negotiations and/or in the implementation of MEA commitments, or would be in the context of their new functions. The courses aimed at providing the participants with an overview of multilateral environmental diplomacy and negotiation and at refining skills to prepare for, and perform effectively in, multilateral environmental conferences and negotiation. Trainees also had an opportunity to discuss concrete issues related to post negotiation and implementation, including mainstreaming environment into and beyond Millennium Development Goals.
A number of pedagogical tools were used to enhance the interactive nature of the training, including negotiation exercises, video performance analysis and group discussions. The trainees were also exposed to the complexities and dynamics of environmental negotiation processes through a 17-party multilateral negotiation simulation exercise on the Global Management and Conservation of Forests. Material and a CD Rom were provided to the participants to encourage the dissemination of the supporting material and presentations to their colleagues. From the workshops immediate feedback, the participants of both workshops expressed much satisfaction with the training, and their heightened awareness and understanding of the advantages of preparation and inter-ministerial coordination at country-level as tools for effective participation in multilateral negotiation processes.

Workshop on Negotiation Skills and Techniques

Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Office in Serbia and Montenegro
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
15 - 16 September 2005

This two-day workshop organized in cooperation with the Union Ministry of International Economic Relations with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Serbia and Montenegro) provided twenty-seven participants originating, from various national and federal Ministries of Serbia and Montenegro, with a general overview of the various negotiation strategies and techniques that can be implemented nowadays whenever they are asked to negotiate in international circles and forums. The workshop also described good practices and provided the governmental functionaries with the techniques that are helpful for negotiation preparation, implementation and analysis. The participants were asked to participate in many simulation exercises that introduced them to the various problems that emerge whenever implementing conceptual tools in real time negotiations.

Workshop on International Negotiation

Syni Programme - City of Lausanne
Geneva, Switzerland
12 - 14 September 2005

Organized at the request of the Syni Programme of Lausanne, this workshop, conducted in French, sought to raise awareness on negotiation in bilateral and multilateral contexts, and development skills for effective negotiation preparation and performance. Twenty-seven participants with various professional backgrounds took part in the three-day event. The training sessions combined concept-learning and skills development.

Orientation Training on the United Nations System in Geneva for students from Zayed University in United Arab Emirates

Zayed University, United Nations Development Programme's Office (UNDP) in the United Arab Emirates
Geneva, Switzerland
4 - 8 July 2005

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), at the request and in partnership with Zayed University and the United Nations Development Programme's Office in the United Arab Emirates designed, organized and implemented an orientation training on the United Nations System in Geneva for a group of twenty-three students from Zayed Women University in Abu Dhabi from 4 - 8 July 2005. The objective of this tailor-made orientation training was to familiarize the students with the work of a variety of Geneva-based organizations involved in humanitarian affairs, human rights, security issues, trade and technical topics. The training curriculum comprised orientation sessions, followed by study visits to the headquarters of selected international organizations, such as WTO, UNOHCHR, UNHCR and ICRC. Each lecture provided sufficient time for questions and discussion rounds. This multifaceted approach with a special emphasis on gender issues and on the Arab region increased the trainees' awareness of the mandate, programmes, projects and/or policies of relevant organizations.

Workshop on Selected ICT Issues

Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Office in Serbia and Montenegro
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
15 - 16 June 2005

In June 2005 UNITAR organized a workshop on Selected ICT Issues at the request of the Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro (UMIER) and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Office in Serbia and Montenegro. This training aimed at sensitizing and providing the participants with an overview of ICT, E-Government and E-Commerce and the advantages they constitute for economies in transition. Twenty-nine participants coming from various ministries and organizations from Serbia and Montenegro attended this workshop. They were also exposed to the preparations of the 2005 World Summit on Information Society and on Serbia and Montenegro's role in the Stability Pact eSEE initiative and the preparations leading to the creation of their national strategy and action plan.

Conference Diplomacy, Multilateral Negotiation and Report Writing

Royal Moroccan Academy of Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation,
Kingdom of Morocco
Rabat, Morocco
23 - 27 May 2005

At the request of and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco, UNITAR organized and implemented a workshop on Conference Diplomacy, Multilateral Negotiation and Report Writing. The training course was funded by UNDP Morocco. Twenty-four participants from the Ministry took part, 16 of which were enrolled in the Royal Moroccan Academy of Diplomacy's first annual training programme at Al Akhawayne University (IFRANE). Divided into two segments, the course aimed to increase the participants' awareness and understanding of the dynamics of conferences and multilateral negotiations, develop and refine the trainees' capacity to prepare for and perform effectively in conferences and negotiation, and improve their report writing skills and techniques. A number of pedagogical tools were used to enhance the interactive nature of the training, including negotiation exercises and simulations, video performance analysis, group discussions and individual report drafting assignments. To ensure a coherent programme structure, participants revisited a number of negotiation exercises and videos in the diplomatic writing segment of the training.

Workshop on international financial and economic institutions

Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro (UMIER), United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Office in Serbia and Montenegro
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
18 - 19 May 2005

In May 2005 UNITAR organized a workshop on international financial and economic institutions in cooperation with the Ministry of International Economic Relations of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro (UMIER) and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) office in Serbia and Montenegro. The training event took place at UMIER's headquarters at the Palata federacije in New Belgrade. On the first day, the participants, who originated from various national and federal ministries and central banks, were briefly introduced to the structure and function of the major institutions. The second day of the workshop was more theoretical and general in its approach. The workshop was interactive and the discussions tackled issues related to the Washington consensus, the question of the fight against poverty and the structural adjustment programmes.

Seminar on Public Speaking

Syni Programme, City of Lausanne
Geneva, Switzerland
27 - 29 April 2005

At the request of and in partnership with the Syni Programme (City of Lausanne), UNITAR organized a training activity on 27- 29 April 2005. This seminar, conducted in French language, covered questions of how to prepare a speech and how to deliver it. It dealt with structuring a speech, the use of words and language, how to make and use notes; it also covered the use of the voice, of enunciation, of nerves, of gestures. Sixteen participants with various professional backgrounds took part in this three-day event. The training sessions combined concept-learning and skills development.

Orientation Training on the United Nations System in Geneva for diplomats from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Institute of Diplomatic Studies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Geneva, Switzerland
7 - 11 March 2005

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), at the request and in partnership with the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designed, organized and implemented an orientation training on the United Nations System in Geneva for a group of 11 trainees and junior diplomats from 7-11 March 2005. This à la carte orientation training aimed to familiarize the diplomatic trainees and junior diplomats with the work of a variety of Geneva-based organizations involved in humanitarian affairs, human rights, security issues, trade and technical topics. The second objective of this training was to introduce the trainees to the work of a diplomat in a multilateral setting and provide an overview of the basic concepts of multilateral negotiations and conference diplomacy. The training curriculum comprised orientation sessions, followed by study visits to the headquarters of selected international organizations, such as ITU, WIPO, WTO, UNCTAD, UNHCHR, UNHCR and ICRC. Each lecture provided sufficient time for questions and discussion rounds. This multifaceted approach increased the trainees' awareness of the mandate, programmes, projects and/or policies of relevant organizations.

Multilateral Diplomacy Training Course for Mid-Career Diplomats of the Republic of South Africa

Department of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Denmark
Pretoria, South Africa
21 - 28 February

At the request of and in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, UNITAR organized and implemented a seven-day training course on multilateral diplomacy. Twenty-five participants took part in the training course, which aimed to provide enhanced awareness and understanding of the underlying dynamics of multilateral diplomacy, to introduce, develop and refine relevant skills for effective performance in multilateral diplomacy, and to provide an enabling environment to practice skills and know-how through exercises, simulations and other interactive training tools. The course included ten sessions, covering conference diplomacy, negotiation, resolution and decision drafting, consultations, chairing meetings and rules of procedure of UN organs and conferences. A full-day multilateral negotiation simulation was conducted to wrap together the various thematic sessions. At the conclusion of the course, a practitioner panel with distinguished diplomats from South Africa's foreign service was held to highlight challenges, opportunities and lessons of multilateral diplomacy.

Trade Negotiation Skills Module

SADC Secretariat under the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP)
Johannesburg, South Africa
24 - 25 January 2005

At the request of and in cooperation with the SADC Secretariat, UNITAR organized and delivered a two-day trade negotiation skills development module in the context of a three-week training course on Trade Negotiation Skills, Trade Data and Policy Analysis for Negotiators from SADC Member States in Preparation for EPA Negotiations. The course was organized under the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme and funded by the UK Department for International Development. Fifty participants took part in the training module, which was designed to provide an intensive exposure to the fundamental elements of negotiation, raise awareness and increase understanding of the nature of negotiation in both its narrow and broad dimensions, and impart skills and techniques that lead to an effective management of the process and successful negotiating performance. The module addressed these topics with applications related to the context of preparing for and negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements. The module included facilitated working groups to enable the participants to discuss national and regional interests and priorities, and begin formulating negotiating positions.

Training Activities in 2004

Training Course on Diplomatic Practice, The Gambia

Department of State for Foreign Affairs and UNDP, The Gambia
Banjul, The Gambia
29 July - 11 August 2004; 22 - 25 November 2004 and 6 - 8 December 2004

As a follow-up to the 2002 diplomatic training programme in Banjul, UNITAR, in cooperation with the Department of State for Foreign Affairs and UNDP The Gambia, organized and implemented a training course on diplomatic practice, international relations, law and negotiation in August, November and December. The training course was divided into three modules and targeted representatives of different government ministries, public institutions and the private sector.

The first module, from 29 July to 11 August, reviewed fundamental concepts of international relations and diplomacy in the context of the challenges for African developing countries. The training emphasized discussion of the impact of regional and international organizations, particularly the United Nations System and the African Union. Participants were briefed with practical protocol matters and took a critical look at cultural sensitivity and diplomatic protocol. To further illustrate the work of a diplomat in a bilateral and multilateral environment, the workshop also included a round-table with practical insights from senior diplomats based in The Gambia with discussions focusing on the recent developments of The Gambia's foreign policy. The training also provided participants with 'hands-on' training in public speaking, media relations and chairing meetings. The second module, from 22 to 25 November, familiarized the participants with the recent developments in International Law and provided them with a brief overview of international trade law, treaty law and the environment and development related policies of The Gambia; The third module, from 6-8 December, introduced participants to conference diplomacy and multilateral negotiation, and included numerous role -play exercises and negotiation simulations.

Negotiation Workshops, Central Bank of Venezuela

Central Bank of Venezuela
Caracas, Venezuela
22 - 26 November 2004

At the request of and in cooperation with Human Resources of the Central Bank of Venezuela, UNITAR organized two negotiation skills courses as a follow-up to the successful implementation of the courses implemented in February of this year. The first course, Advanced International Negotiation (22-24 November) targeted 24 senior-level technical analysts from the Office of International Relations who had taken part in one of the earlier courses and are often involved in preparing for intergovernmental negotiations. The course sharpened their analytical and decision-making capacities, and focused in particular on preparing for international negotiations and managing inter-ministerial coordination. The second course, focusing on general negotiation skills, took part from 25-26 November and was organized in cooperation with the Human Resources Management of the Bank. Applications to monetary and fiscal policies were made in both courses.

Introduction to Effective Negotiation - SADC Sub-Regional

Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Programme in Support of Preparation for Economic Partnership Agreements, Southern African Development Community (SADC) - PMU Training Module 1
Windhoek, Namibia
14 - 15 November 2004

From November 14th - 15th, UNITAR delivered a training workshop on effective negotiation in the framework of the EU-funded Capacity Building Programme in Support of Preparation for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Fifty-two participants took part in the training workshop, which was organized by the Programme's Project Management Unit and the SADC Secretariat. Following a general introduction to the fundamental elements of negotiation, the workshop focused on transferring knowledge and skills for effective and systematic preparation. The participants also conducted a multi-party simulation exercise that placed them in a context mirroring the EPA negotiation preparations. Participants debated tariff reductions on certain agricultural and non-agricultural products, as well as non-tariff barriers to trade. Although the structure and content of the negotiation training were similar to the ECOWAS sub-regional, the presentations and training material were modified to reflect the specificities of the SADC negotiating configuration.

Workshop on International Humanitarian Law and International Humanitarian Assistance

United Nations Compensation Commission
Geneva, Switzerland
12 - 14 October 2004

Organized as the third and last workshop of the 2004 training and awareness raising activities for staff of the United Nations Compensation Commission, this workshop focused on international humanitarian law and assistance. On the first day, Professor Robert Kolb of the University of Bern introduced notions of international humanitarian law. The second and third days of the training focused on international humanitarian assistance and the work of the principal humanitarian organizations. Representatives from OCHA, ICRC, UNHCR, MSF and SDC presented the work of their organizations and entertained a discussion about the main challenges facing humanitarian assistance after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the events of September 11th. The workshop included a presentation by Mr. Von Sponeck, former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.

Seminar on Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiation: Challenges and Opportunities

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria
30 September 2004

This one-day seminar was organized in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Office in Geneva and the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. The seminar targeted fifteen graduates of the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy and reviewed a number of challenges and opportunities of contemporary intergovernmental negotiations. Case illustrations were made to a number of on-going environmental and trade negotiations.

Introduction to Effective Negotiation

Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Programme in Support of Preparation for Economic Partnership Agreements, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) - PMU Training Module 1
Abuja, Nigeria
28 - 29 September 2004

From September 28th-29th, UNITAR delivered a training workshop on effective negotiation in the framework of the EU-funded Capacity Building Programme in Support of Preparation for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Thirty technical trade experts from ECOWAS member countries participated in the workshop, which was organized by the Programme's Project Management Unit and the ECOWAS Secretariat. Following a general introduction to the fundamental elements of negotiation, the workshop focused on transferring knowledge and skills for effective and systematic preparation. The participants also conducted a multi-party simulation exercise that placed them in a context mirroring the EPA negotiation preparations. Participants debated tariff reductions on certain agricultural and non-agricultural products, as well as non-tariff barriers to trade. The Toronto-based International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty supported UNITAR's participation in the workshop.

 

Seminar on International Negotiation

Syni Programme - City of Lausanne
Geneva, Switzerland
13 - 15 September 2004

Organized at the request of the Syni Programme of Lausanne, this seminar, conducted in French, sought to raise awareness on negotiation in bilateral and multilateral contexts, and development skills for effective negotiation preparation and performance. Thirty participants with various professional backgrounds took part in the three-day event. The training sessions combined concept-learning and skills development.

 

Seminar on International Human Rights Law

United Nations Compensation Commission
Geneva, Switzerland
6 - 7 July 2004

Organized as the second of a series of three workshops for the staff of the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC), this two-day seminar provided the participants with a conceptual and practical overview of human rights law. Lecturers familiarized participants with the origins of human rights law and the major treaties before examining in detail UN human rights protection mechanisms, particularly the treaty bodies and the UN Commission of human rights. Mr. Walter Kälin, Special Rapporteur on Kuwait under Iraqi occupation, highlighted the challenges facing special rapporteurs in the field. The second day was devoted to the question of national implementation of international and regional standards and focused on the discussion of recent developments in human rights law, particularly the role of non-state actors and the conflict between counter-terrorism policies and human rights.

Capacity Building Workshop on Negotiation Skills and Techniques for Government Officials

Department of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia
26 - 30 April 2004

Organized at the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs, this workshop provided participants with an enhanced understanding of the underlying dynamics of bilateral and multilateral negotiation, and refined the trainees' capacity to prepare for, and perform effectively in, such negotiations. Thirty-two participants from various divisions and sectors of the Department took part in the workshop. The workshop began with a one-day session by Ambassador S. Wiryono, who spoke on the fundamentals of negotiation and provided a number of illustrations and lessons learned on negotiations in Southeast Asia based on his distinguished diplomatic career.

Conference Diplomacy, Multilateral Negotiation and Diplomatic Writing

Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
1 - 2 & 7 - 9 April 2004

At the request of and in cooperation with the Institute of Foreign Affairs, UNITAR organized and implemented a workshop on Conference Diplomacy, Multilateral Negotiation and Diplomatic Writing. Twenty-eight officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, commerce, finance, natural resources and the environment, science and technology, social affairs and human security, and culture took part in the five-day workshop. Divided into two segments, the workshop increased the participants' understanding of the dynamics of multilateral negotiations, developed and refined the trainees' capacity to prepare for and perform effectively in such negotiations, and improved their diplomatic writing skills and techniques. The workshop was opened with a practitioners' panel and included presentations from Ambassador Nikhom Tantemsapya and Director Aisorn Pocmontri of the Institute for Foreign Affairs. Over the course of the programme, trainers and participants discussed a number of contemporary negotiations, including preparations regional and bilateral trade agreements. To ensure a coherent programme, the revisited a number of negotiation exercises and videos in the diplomatic writing training segment.

Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation

Institute for International Relations, UNDP Viet Nam and the French Embassy, Hanoi
Hanoi, Viet Nam
22 - 25 March 2004

As part of a three-year UNDP and French-funded "Strengthening Capacities for Multilateral Development Diplomacy" project (VIE/03/007), UNITAR organized and implemented an intensive four-day training workshop on Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation in cooperation with the Institute for International Relations (IIR). Thirty participants took part in the workshop (20 from ministries and state agencies, 7 from IIR faculties and 3 from NGOs). Designed to respond to the results of a needs assessment undertaken in 2003, the workshop sought to provide trainees with an enhanced understanding of multilateral negotiation dynamics and strengthen their skills to prepare for and perform effectively in such negotiations. The training workshop included a multilateral negotiation, which simulated the debates in the WTO TRIPS Council on reconciling the protection of intellectual property rights and access to public health and essential medicines. Over the next year, UNITAR will be working closely with two of IIR's trainers to develop their training capacity in multilateral conference diplomacy and negotiation.

Negotiation Workshops, Central Bank of Venezuela

Department of Human Resources and Office of International Relations, Central Bank of Venezuela Caracas
Caracas, Venezuela
4 - 7 and 9 - 10 February 2004

At the request of and in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources, UNITAR organized and implemented two workshops for the Central Bank of Venezuela. The first workshop, designed in close collaboration with the Bank's Office of International Relations, took place from 4-7 February and focused on multilateral conference diplomacy and negotiation. Twenty-two participants attended the workshop, representing for the most part mid-senior level officials working in various divisions and offices of the Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Planning, the Vice Presidency and the National Assembly. The objectives of the workshop aimed to enhance the participants' knowledge and understanding of multilateral conferences and diplomacy, and increase their capacity to prepare for and perform effectively in, these processes. While the training was general and focused on skills transfer and application, reference was made in discussions and exercises to the negotiations and meetings taking place in the context of the WTO, G24, IMF, etc. From 9-10 February, a second workshop was organized on general negotiation, medi