The recently-held 2009 UNITAR Regional Training was organized in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thirty eight mid and senior-level government officials, senior advisors to presidents and prime ministers, as well as African Union and UN peace operation staff on the continent took part. Participants engaged in conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation simulations. Case studies examined peacemaking processes in Somalia, Sudan and other regions.

This two-week advanced training programme is organized annually in Ethiopia in order to take advantage of its proximity to the African Union. The programme, now in its eighth year, is tailored specifically to address African conflicts and seek African solutions, utilizing primarily African resource persons including Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General, senior staff of the African Union, and renowned conflict resolution practitioners on the continent.

The UNITAR-IPI Fellowship Programme in Peacemaking and Preventive Diplomacy is now in its sixteenth year. This advanced two-week annual training programme was the first of its kind in the United Nations system. It was also unique in bringing together mid and senior level diplomats, with United Nations and regional organization staff. Scholars, senior UN and regional organization staff and other experienced practitioners serve as resource persons presenting case studies. The training includes a mix of presentations on negotiation and mediation theory, case studies, small group work, and skills practice in conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation through exercises and simulations, followed by debriefing sessions. Co-sponsored with the International Peace Institute in New York, this programme is held near Oslo, Norway.

UNITAR is well-placed to continue to provide this crucial training to build on the capacities of those responsible for the prevention and sustainable resolution of conflict.