Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice (8th edition)

The main component of the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice is a series of 8 workshops, which fall within UNITAR's Core Diplomatic Training (CDT).

The format of the CDT consists of 2-days executive-style training workshops, delivered face-to-face to diplomats and other beneficiaries at major UN locations so that they can perform effectively in a multilateral environment.The workshops take place at the Palais des Nations, Palais Wilson, or another venue in Geneva, Switzerland.

UNITAR has been delivering CDT courses since its inception in 1965 and the courses are traditionally considered the “core” training of the Institute. By definition, CDT implies training that is multilateral in character and offered in a multilateral context. All Member States and the United Nations, collectively, benefit from greater knowledge on how to operate in the multilateral setting and perform effectively and efficiently.

CDT covers training in international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy, and is aimed at enhancing the understanding of the United Nations system and its organs and procedures, strengthening the skills relevant to conferences and negotiations and supporting efforts to build a more effective multilateral system.

UNITAR offers different bands of fees for the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice according to participants’ nationalities (following the World Bank’s ATLAS Country Classification List):

8,000 USD for participants from high-income countries;
5,000 USD for participants from middle-income countries;
3,000 USD for participants from lower-income countries.

Target Audience

The primary target audience for the Executive Diploma is the diplomatic community in Geneva. Other interested participants (staff of international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic academies and foreign service training institutions, as well as academics and private sector professionals) will be considered, and UNITAR will make a selection based on the applications it receives.

Learning Objectives

Each individual workshop will have a specific set of learning objectives, but the learning objectives of the diploma as a whole are as follows:

Develop a critical understanding of contemporary bilateral and multilateral diplomacy challenges;
Demonstrate a comprehensive, substantive and practical knowledge of the United Nations system, Digital Diplomacy, Diplomatic Protocol, Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation, etc;
Critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses related to negotiation skills and techniques, drafting, negotiating and adopting UN resolutions, leadership skills, public speaking and communication;
Produce a research paper that extends beyond the theoretical content of a workshop and relates to participants’ professional work;
Perform efficiently and effectively in both bilateral and multilateral working environments with increased confidence.