The divergence of views on privacy regulation leads to a lot of complications in the international marketplace, especially when one considers that the volume of personally identifiable information that is exchanged online, a medium that knows no borders. Companies that require personally identifiable information are often left confused about what privacy laws are applicable to them.

According to the World Bank, there are more than 500 million economically active poor individuals in the world operating microenterprises and small businesses, and most of them do not have access to financial services. One of the ways by which their demand for financial services has been met is through the provisions of microcredit.

Secretary-General António Gutteres has emphasized the indispensable role of innovation in policymaking process on November 6, 2017: “From my perspective, what is important is to combine innovation and public policy to make sure that innovation works for the good of humankind.” In today’s world, technology is the driving force for innovation.

Multilateral conferences are one of the most important means to achieve policy objectives and to discuss multilateral issues. Due to the importance of these conferences, the number of government officers and other stakeholders involved in conference processes has increased significantly.

In a time when contracts and loan agreements awarded by government and commercial entities are increasingly complex and involve sophisticated understanding, a firm understanding of contract administration and management and the necessary tools is vital to success. Financial markets are changing continually and new borrowing instruments are being developed.

Public debt is in the large majority of countries one of the most important budget expenditures, and very often the largest one. Democratic government requires that public debt and its medium- and long-term effects be made transparent. This is necessary to help ensure accountability and facilitate a better-informed public debate.

Transparency in public finance is a constant preoccupation of modern administrations and citizenries, as the publicity of public expenditure and borrowing, the uniformisation of national accounts, citizen participation in government decisionmaking, and the introduction of various forms of control of government activity have become the rule rather than the exception in all geographies.

Securing seats or posts in various UN bodies has become a complicated and time-consuming but also important task for many election officers of Permanent Missions. This is particularly true as the Organization’s activities have expanded and more institutions have emerged.

Diplomats and professionals operating in multilateral and international arenas are required to promote dialogue and coordination at early stages in order to deliver effective projects and generate mutual benefits. Diplomacy efforts need to be coordinated and different organisations, governments and other key actors can be significantly engaged in such efforts.

This retreat is designed to equip decision-makers with the skills, knowledge and capacities to take executive

decisions by seizing critical opportunities for change and developing effective leadership to shape

organizations for today and tomorrow. Participants will become aware of the influence they can have on