Training Course for Kuwaiti Diplomats Concluded

18 September, 2017, New York, USA - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) concluded its training course on “Strengthening Skills and Knowledge in Multilateral Diplomacy: Practical Preparation for Security Council membership” for Kuwaiti diplomats with two more sessions on meeting formats, decisions and documents and insights into the Security Council Presidency on 7 and 8 September 2017.

The entire training dedicated to Security Council Membership was delivered to the diplomats by 17 highly distinguished speakers and experts on the topic. The training covered eleven different modules and was conducted in ten half days and two full days over a period of a month.

The last two sessions were led by Ms. Loraine Sievers, Former Chief of the Security Council Secretariat Branch. The first session briefly covered the procedural distinctions between the various meeting formats used by the Council, both formal and informal, with a specific focus on the modalities of briefings and consultations. It also outlined the related procedures with respect to invitations to non-Council Member States or individuals, speaking order, and the different transparency and confidentiality levels. The session continued with a survey of the various formats used by the Council for its outcome documents, with a particular focus on resolutions and presidential statements, as well as notes and letters by the President, press statements, and press elements. The specificity of questions asked by the diplomats demonstrated their eagerness to expand their knowledge and Ms. Sievers gave detailed case studies for clarification.

The last session focused on the Security Council Presidency and Ms. Sievers provided insights and recommendations on how best to prepare. She covered drafting and negotiating the monthly programme of work, and in particular the planning of thematic meetings and answered highly technical questions. An interesting fact learned included that during press conferences, the representative serving as Council President has the option of replying to questions as President, or in his/her national capacity, or both. She also shared information about the differences between conducting formal meetings, and such informal sessions as closed consultations or informal interactive dialogues. Mr. Marco Suazo, Acting-Head of UNITAR New York Office, gave the concluding remarks and mutual thanks and appreciation for the support and the participation of the diplomats were exchanged between him and H.E. Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi.

Photos: Panelists and participants