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The course increased the knowledge, awareness and skills base of government officials to prepare for and perform effectively in global and regional conferences. Whether convened within the United Nations system or within regional institutions such as SADC or the AU, multilateral conferences have increasingly become key instruments in building regional and global consensus on important political, security, development, environmental and social issues.

 

This annual course is part of a vibrant collaboration between UNITAR and the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. The Institute has been collaborating closely with the Department since 2004 with the objective of developing capacities in the field of multilateral diplomacy, primarily through the organization of professional, executive-type courses and other training related activities. In the initial stages of this collaboration, UNITAR worked closely with the Multilateral Branch in organizing a first course in 2005 for junior and mid-career diplomats of the Department’s various branches.

 

In 2006, this collaboration continued with the organization of a second course. On this occasion, the Department and UNITAR decided that it was not only important to continue developing knowledge and skills of diplomats in this field, but that it was also important to develop the training capacities of South African diplomatic staff. A strategy and work plan were then elaborated for 2007, which included training-of-trainers, individualized coaching and a study visit to Geneva for four South African diplomatic staff/trainers, with each trainer being assigned specific topics in which to specialize. Two workshops were then scheduled for 2007, and the South African trainers were integrated into the development and delivery of the two courses. This strategy enabled the partnership to evolve from one where UNITAR assumed sole responsibility for training content and delivery, to one where both organizations are now jointly developing, delivering and evaluating training.  

 

 

In cooperation with the Diplomatic Institute of the Sultanate of Oman, UNITAR designed and implemented a Training Course on Effective International Negotiation in Multilateral Conferences. The course targeted Omani diplomats and other government officers that take part in multilateral conferences and negotiations. Using interactive learning tools, the course strengthened skills to provide participants with increased capacities to perform effectively and promote national interests in multilateral conferences.  

 

Marking the fourth year of cooperation with the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of Saudi Arabia, UNITAR designed and implemented a five-day Training Course on International Negotiation. The course introduced the group of junior diplomats to the intricacies of multilateral conferences, negotiations and diplomacy; to formal procedures and decision-making; to effective speaking in conferences; and to the strategies, skills and tactics required for maximizing national objectives. In addition to presentations, group discussions and video activities, a range of simulation exercises on different facets of bilateral and multilateral negotiations enabled the participants to apply skills and techniques to practice.

 

 

At the request of the Kenyan Foreign Service Institute, UNITAR developed and implemented a two-week training workshop to enhance capacities of Kenyan diplomats to prepare for and participate meaningfully in international conferences and negotiations. Thirty-eight junior and mid-career diplomats took part in the workshop, which took place at the Kenya Institute of Administration. Five UNITAR trainers worked with the diplomats over two weeks to impart knowledge and skills in the field of conference diplomacy and negotiations, on topics ranging from preparation, drafting, negotiation, effective interventions, and chairmanship to conference processes and reporting.