2017 UNITAR Diploma Ceremony: Collegiate Congress Program and Columbia Law School Series

12 December 2017, New York, U.S.A. - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) hosted a joint 2017 Diploma Ceremony for participants of two fall courses and series: the International Relations and Global Diplomacy Program with Collegiate Congress, and the Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation series with Columbia Law School. The participants from both programmes hailed from various regions of the globe:  the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

The event was hosted in the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore. UNITAR Head of  New York Office, Mr. Marco A. Suazo delivered the opening remarks, thanking and congratulating the participants for their successful completion of the programs. He was joined by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore to the UN H.E. Mr. Joseph Teo, and Collegiate Congress Chairman Mr. Christo Tomas, who echoed his sentiments. The Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Sweden, H.E. Ms. Irina Schoulgin Nyoni, later delivered the keynote address for the ceremony, thanking UNITAR for the delivery of successful results, having trained 462 individuals for the training courses supported by the Swedish Mission in 2017. Of the 462, 287 were women, 175 were men, and 241 were from G77 countries, fulfilling the overall objective of “levelling the playing field” at the UN across all member states.

Following the remarks and the address, certificates were handed to participants in attendance. Participants also had an opportunity to express their gratitude to UNITAR, the Permanent Mission of Sweden, and Collegiate Congress. Looking forward, Mr. Thomas of Collegiate Congress expressed his hope to continue the partnership with UNITAR in order to open the doors of the UN system to capable and competent students pursuing the field of international affairs and diplomacy. H.E. Ms. Nyoni also communicated her gratitude for having been able to witness first-hand the positive impact and the product of the support provided by her mission, as well as the work of UNITAR with the diplomatic community in New York.

Mr. Suazo delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the effectiveness and efficiency of both programmes, and UNITAR’s dedication to continue supporting capacity-building efforts for the UN’s diplomatic core in the spirit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Following the remarks, refreshments were served and a space was opened for participants to discuss and reflect on the conclusion of the programmes and series. 

Photos: Participants and organizers of the ceremony