4 March 2009
Background
Training in multilateral negotiations as part of UNITAR’s Core Diplomatic Training has been at the heart of the Institute’s activities since its inception in 1965. Since then, the training need in the area of negotiation skills and techniques has not diminished, on the contrary. Various factors explain this trend: The issues at stake in international negotiations have become increasingly complex in substance, climate change being only one example. Secondly, the global nature of the problems at hand urges for multilateral action, be it in the area of peace and security, development or environmental issues. Finally, new issues create new alliances, thus leading to cleavages and coalitions that are more volatile than, for example, traditional North-South patterns.
Programme
These new challenges require States to increase their negotiation capacity, which creates a particular challenge for developing and least developed countries, as they often do not have the resources to field adequately staffed delegations to multilateral conferences and meetings. To support diplomats in “leveling the playing field” with their wealthier counterparts, UNITAR, in cooperation with and with the generous support of the Olof Palme Memorial Fund offers introductory and, as of 2009, advanced level negotiation courses, the latter with modules that will focus on real-life simulations in the context of selected negotiation areas, including environmental negotiations, negotiating international peace and security, and advanced modules on effective mediating and chairing negotiations.
Upcoming
In 2009, the first courses will be on “Effective negotiation in multilateral conferences”, offered in English on 30 and 31 March and in French on 2 and 3 April. Participants will be introduced into the key concepts of negotiating by an experienced trainer, benefit of shared insights of some of the most reputable negotiators in and around the UN, and practice their skills in hands-on simulation exercises.
Further information links:
• UNITAR 2009 Negotiation Series website
• UNITAR 2009 Negotiation Series at UN Headquarters – information note
• Diplomatic training activities at UN Headquarters in New York
• Training in multilateral diplomacy at other UN locations and in cities hosting the UN regional commissions.