Orientation Course for the New Delegates of Permanent Missions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York

7 - 8 April 2015, New York, United States – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York office carried out an orientation course for the new members of Permanent Missions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The course aimed at explaining the role and functions of various UN departments and providing an opportunity for participants to obtain basic and practical information as well as building the network with the UN diplomatic community. The course involved presentations from experts with long-term experience in various UN organs.

After the introductory remarks by Yvonne Lodico (Head, UNITAR New York Office), Dr. Boyan Nedialkov Belev (Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Bulgaria to the United Nations) provided an overview of the functions of a permanent mission, challenges for the diplomatic community, and the role of a diplomat in a multilateral setting. After the presentation of Mr. Larry Johnson (Former Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs) explaining the role and functions of the UN as a whole and its principal organs, the representatives of various UN bodies were introduced, presenting their respective departments and work.

Officials from the various UN principal organs gave concise presentations.  These were made from inter alia Security Council Affairs, Department of Political Affairs, including the Sanctions committee, Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs,  Disarmament and Peace Affairs Branch, General Assembly Secretariat at UN explained the role and functions of the General Assembly. In addition, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General enlightened the delegates with the preparation of his office’s work.

In terms of delivering a meeting at the UN, the delegates heard presentations from the Meetings Management Section, during which they learned about the calendar of meetings on the website, UN Journal, policies and practices of the meetings.  Also in terms of knowledge management and information technology, the delegates received a briefing from the Office of Information and Communications Technology.  They also received an update on UMOJA.

In terms of impact of the UN diplomatic community in New York, the delegates learned that the diplomatic community contributes more than $3 billion to the New York City economy.  They also learned about the status of the Capital Master Plan, including the historical dialogue between the UN and New York City as well as about renovation and security.

Finally, Mr. James Donovan (Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the United States to the UN) and his team gave an overview of the services the Host Country Affairs provides for diplomats. The delegates had many queries and concerns about the US Mission, including visa support services, registration and accreditation, diplomatic parking, legal services, and employment authorization programme for the family member of diplomats. 

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