UNITAR Hosts Diploma Ceremony for Spring 2018 Programmes

25 May 2018, New York USA- The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) hosted a joint Spring 2018 Diploma Ceremony for the participants in the International Relations and Global Diplomacy Programme with Collegiate Congress, and the Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation series with Columbia Law School. This closing ceremony was attended by participants and faculty of both programs. The attending faculties from the programs included Dr. Angel Angelov, Dr. Narinder Kakar, Mr. Fernando Luque, Professor Alexandra Carter and Professor Shawn Watts.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Collegiate Congress Chairman Mr. Christo Tomas who thanked UNITAR for the collaboration of the program for the last two semesters. The International Relations and Global Diplomacy Programme provides the rare opportunity to students to develop a global political perspective through a first-hand look at modern statecraft and blends classroom instructions by faculty and United Nation representatives. This year’s spring cohort included 12 students from different backgrounds and experiences.

Professor Alexandra Carter, Director of Columbia Law School Mediation Clinic, congratulated all the participants for their successful completion of the programs as well as acknowledging this year’s Columbia series which included two workshops focused solely on gender equality. This was UNITAR and Columbia Law School’s second year of hosting these types of programmes. She also applauded the participants’ dedication in attending these capacity-building events that aim to “Levelling the Playing Field” and she hopes that these types of events will continue in the long term on a regular basis. Overall, the Columbia series had over 120 participants in the last two months, 97 of which were female and 23 male.

Dr. Narinder Kakar, the Permanent Observer for the United Nations mandated University for Peace, admired UNITAR’s commitment through such programming and joint efforts to promote the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Kakar shared his 50 years of UN experience with the participants as well as giving parting advice reminding everyone to listen, speak up and share their knowledge with each other.

After the welcoming remarks, each certificate was handed over by the faculty members to the participants. Following the remarks, refreshments were served and the space was open for participants to network and reflect on the conclusion of the series as well as discuss upcoming UNITAR programmes.

UNITAR is excited to announce that the International Relations and Global Diplomacy Programme will be offered again for summer 2018 for a duration of three months. The summer students will get the chance to attend Security Council briefings, side events at the UN such as High Level Political Forum, committee meetings, and UNITAR Diplomatic Training programs with UN Diplomats.

Photo Credit: UNITAR NYO.