The Core Diplomatic Training is a set of practice-oriented workshops provided to diplomats and other beneficiaries at major United Nations locations so that they can perform more effectively in a multilateral environment. Participants who attend 10 workshops will be awarded with the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice. In exceptional cases, participants may also have the opportunity to attend a minimum of 8 workshops, or 6 workshops and 2 e-learning courses.  

Face-to-face learning delivered through highly interactive executive style trainings. The average duration of a Core Diplomatic Training course is two days. Courses are held in English.

UNITAR has been delivering Core Diplomatic Training courses since its inception in 1965 and the courses are traditionally considered the “core” training of the Institute. The nature of the training is “on the UN for the UN by the UN”. 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.

United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, New York and Vienna as well as at UN Offices in the host cities of UN regional economic commissions (Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Nairobi, Roma, Santiago de Chile).

Drawing on UNITAR’s experience of training leaders for over 50 years, the Core Diplomatic Training provides participants with a practical understanding of diplomatic know-how. It equips candidates with the skills and knowledge they need to perform outstandingly and deliver the best results possible.

Junior to senior level diplomats and other government officials, representatives or experts working in the UN System. University students, academics, staff of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector companies.

Each workshop has a price of 1000 USD per participant. Fees for the whole Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice have the following prices:

• Full fee: 8000 USD
• Middle-Income Countries (according to the World Bank Atlas Method): 5000 USD
• Low-Income Countries (according to the World Bank Atlas Method): 3000 USD

Please find information on fellowship opportunities here.

• Screening Phase – Prior to the beginning of the series, participants will receive individual guidance and a pre-assessment from UNITAR experts.
• 10 Training Workshops – one each month, taking place in Geneva.
• Seminar Series – which will aim to cover current and compelling issues in the international arena, with particular attention to the SDGs and Agenda 2030.
• Reporting Stage - At the end of the programme, attendees will be further evaluated in order to assess their learning margins after the completion of the trainings.

In order to complete the diploma, candidates are required to submit a research paper on a topic of their choice that has been covered in the course or on another topic related to multilateral diplomacy. Candidates will receive guidance from UNITAR experts and must provide a more in‐depth analysis and argumentation on their chosen theme.

The Executive Diploma allows diplomats and other key actors in the multilateral system to expand the reach of their global network. The professionals who join the Diploma are incredibly diverse, both in terms of competences and expertise.