4 April 2019, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) successfully hosted a 6-day in-depth workshop in Geneva for students of the International Leaders Professional Diploma Program, from 22 to 29 March 2019.

The workshop took place as part of the series of 8 learning units of the International Leaders Program, which is a unique interdisciplinary professional diploma designed in partnership between the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and UNITAR. It was designed for practicing diplomats, civil servants, graduate students of diplomacy or international relations, and practitioners in other fields who wish to enter the world of diplomacy, foreign policy, and international leadership. It is geared towards those seeking to refresh or expand their knowledge and gain deeper insight through guidance and interaction with practicing diplomats and academics.

The six-day workshop was conducted in Arabic language by three seasoned experts with vast practical experience in Multilateral Diplomacy, and great insight into the social, diplomatic and economic challenges of the modern world. The discussions and training were focused on International Cooperation (Negotiations and Agreements), Diplomacy and International Affairs and also Public Speaking and Dealing with the Media.

Mr. Rabih El Haddad, the Director of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, kicked off the first day with sessions on the intricacies of negotiation, while Mr. Tareq Rasheed, certified International trainer and consultant, and Amb. Amr Aljowaily, Ambassador of Egypt to Serbia, continued during the week to impart Advanced Communication skills, understanding of the UN system and modern practice of Multilateral Diplomacy to the participants.

By the end of the workshop, through discussions and practical exercises, participants had honed their skills in tactful and effective communication, comprehensive approaches to conference diplomacy and productive multilateral negotiations, as well as insights on UN Agencies and public speaking. The workshop was brought to a close by a discussion with the Executive Director of UNITAR, Mr. Nikhil Seth, who received feedback from the participants and shared his own personal experiences in the practice of diplomacy. The participants expressed their delight at the caliber of trainers that were provided, being practitioners in the field themselves.