UNITAR Launches International Relations & Global Diplomacy Programme with Collegiate Congress

6 October 2017 New York, USA – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office held an official lunch and organized an orientation session for participants and faculty of the International Relations and Global Diplomacy Programme, a joint effort with Collegiate Congress. This programme provides the rare opportunity to develop a global political perspective through a first-hand look at modern statecraft and blends classroom instruction with observation of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Through this method, participants will gain an understanding of global leadership and current global issues.

The session opened with welcome remarks made by Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Acting Head of UNITAR New York Office. The programme’s attending faculty, which included H.E. Mr. Yuriy Sergeyev, H. E. Omar Annakou, Dr. Angel Angelov, Dr. Narinder Kakar, and Mr. Fernando Luque, then each gave a brief overview of their course offerings. H. E. Mr. Sergeyev discussed trends in globalization and how this affects multilateral diplomacy. The discussion then transitioned to topics of peacekeeping and global security, with remarks provided by H. E. Mr. Annakou. In keeping with this topic, Dr. Angelov discussed conflict resolution and the role of regional organizations. Mr. Luque shared his insights on current issues and considerations on the topic of disarmament and non-proliferation. Finally, Dr. Kakar discussed a brief historical background to his two courses: (1) Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and (2) the Sustainable Development Goals.

At the conclusion of these remarks, participants and faculty were encouraged to continue the conversation over a UNITAR-sponsored lunch. Participants took the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences with the faculty on a one-on-one basis. The session closed with a tour of the United Nations. The programme’s courses begin on Friday, 13 October 2017.

Photos: Participants, programme, introductions and orientation for the course on International Relations & Global Diplomacy. UNITAR and Collegiate Congress.