The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR’s) Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (MDP) organized an interactive two half days workshop on Mediation and Consensus Building for Efficient Diplomacy on 9 and 10 February in Geneva.

Thousands of official and unofficial, formal and informal meetings take place at the United Nations and its related bodies and agencies. Representatives within the United Nations system as well as from governments and other bodies such as international and non-governmental organizations must be able to operate in a professional manner in such a multilateral environment.

The content of the workshop was designed to meet particular challenges faced by a newly- elected member of the Security Council. As such, the workshop was organized in response to a specific request by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa for training in that area. “Being a Council member, official statements have to be prepared and delivered by our delegation on a daily basis.

From 31 January to 1 February 2011, UNITAR’s Board of Trustees met in Geneva for its 50th regular session.

From 28 February to 25 March 2011, participants from all over the world are invited to attend this four week online course, to be delivered via UNITAR’s e-learning platform. Last year more than 100 participants coming from 54 different countries attended this e-learning course. During the evaluation 91 % of the respondents considered that the course was relevant for their job and that they would recommend it to their colleagues.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR’s) Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (MDP) is pleased to announce a number of new 2011 face-to-face executive training courses. These Geneva-based activities are open to diplomats, UN staff, and senior executives from the private sector. They are therefore not exclusive and open to all interested individuals.

25 January 2011, Geneva, Switzerland.  UNITAR Executive Director, Mr. Carlos Lopes held a high-level meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr.

26 January 2011, Geneva, Switzerland.  UNITAR Executive Director, Mr. Carlos Lopes met with President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Republic last Wednesday, 26 January 2011, when President Fernández was on a visit in Geneva to address UNCTAD member States and observers. The high-level meeting with a number of key Geneva-based individuals from the world of development and finance, including UN leaders, focused on the major commodity, finance and development challenges.

28 January 2011, Geneva, Switzerland.  Dr.

UNITAR is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its e-Learning course on the Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiation, due to start on 21st February, 2011.