Effective Participation in Multilateral Conferences
Governments and increasingly other actors such as international and non-governmental organizations use multilateral conferences as a means to achieve important policy objectives. As the number of conferences and meetings has risen considerably over the past twenty years, the number of government officers and other stakeholders involved in conference processes has also increased significantly. While diplomats remain at the centre of diplomacy, government officials assigned to line ministries and agencies, as well as staff of intergovernmental organizations and NGOs, are increasingly finding themselves in the role of the multilateral conference delegate. This course will help diplomats enhance their performance as a conference delegate, and as a result contribute to the overall efficiency and productiveness of conferences.
After this course the participant will be able to:
- Identify how conferences unfold;
- Name the rules of procedure and their value in advancing delegates' objectives;
- Explain the importance of informal consultations;
- Identify how to prepare for multilateral conferences.
The course will include a study of multilateral conferences and their main functions, outcomes, and the role of delegates in achieving collective and national purposes. An examination of formal and informal processes will reinforce an understanding of the mechanics of the conference structure. Next, participants will explore the nature and dynamics of international negotiation in the multilateral conference setting.
The course is designed to be interactive and participatory, including various pedagogical tools to enable the participants to function effectively and efficiently in multilateral conferences.
This course is open to members of Permanent Missions and delegates of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other government officials, representatives of international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations. Senior managers from the private sector are equally invited to benefit from this unique course.
The course will take place from 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00, at the International Environment House (IEH), Chemin des Anémones 11-13, 1219 Châtelaine. The course will be conducted in English.