Multilateral Diplomacy and the 79th Session of the General Assembly
UNITAR
15 August, 2024, Muscat, Oman – On August 11-15, UNITAR office in New York organized a five-day training programme entitled “Multilateral Diplomacy and the 79th Session of the General Assembly: Orientation Programme for the Oman Delegation” at the Omani Diplomatic Academy in Muscat, Oman. Elaborated in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman, this programme aimed to prepare Omani diplomats to contribute to effective multilateralism through active participation in the upcoming 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
Day 1: Opening and Overview of UNGA 79
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The training commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office, who emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the role of the UN in fostering global cooperation. The opening ceremony was also graced by H.E. Dr. Zainab Ali Al Qasmi, Head of, the Diplomatic Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, who highlighted the significance of the training in preparing the Omani delegation for their roles at the UN. Ambassador Hazem Fahmy, former Assistant Foreign Minister for Egypt and Mr. Florian Botto, First Secretary for the Principality of Monaco gave a brief overview of the upcoming events for the 79th UNGA and insights into the dynamics of each committee.
Day 2: Multilateralism & Negotiations
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On the second day, Dr. Rebecca Webber Gaudiosi, former US diplomat to the United Nations delivered an interactive training session with a simulation negotiations exercise. Through simulation exercises, this course gives participants the unique opportunity to practice negotiation techniques and receive feedback to strengthen their negotiation and leadership skills. As a result, Omani diplomats are now better equipped with the knowledge, experience, and confidence necessary for successful bilateral and multilateral negotiations. On the second day, participants additionally had the special opportunity to receive a special intervention from Mr Wannes Lint, who is Secretary for Pact for the Future, during which he laid out the different aspects of preparing for and executing a United Nations programme such as the outcome document for the Summit of the Future.
Day 3: UNGA79 - Peace and Security
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On the third day of training, Dr. Larry Johnson, former Assistant-Secretary General for Legal Affairs, and Mr. Vitorino Mello Oliveira, First Secretary of, the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations, delivered a lecture on the work of the Security Council and 1st Committee. Through the session, participants gained valuable insights into the frameworks that underpin peace and security operations of the UN, an essential area for diplomats engaged in multilateral diplomacy.
Day 4: Sustainable Development and Drafting Resolutions
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The fourth day focused on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with Ambassador Dr Hazem Fahmy leading discussions on the role of the 2nd and 3rd Committees in advancing global sustainability efforts. Ambassador Fahmy’s session continued in the afternoon with an in-depth discussion about different initiatives that contributed to the formulation of today’s Party for the Future.
Day 5: Drafting Resolutions and Rules of Procedure
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The final day focused on practical training in drafting UN Resolutions, guided by experts Mr. Larry D. Johnson and Mr. Vitorino Oliveira. Participants learned the rules, terminology, and procedural aspects of resolution drafting, and gained hands-on experience through exercises that replicate real-life scenarios. The final day of the training involved practical scenarios and case studies, allowing the Omani diplomats to apply the knowledge gained throughout the week.
Conclusion
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The training concluded with a certificate ceremony, during which Mr. Suazo and H.E. Dr. Zainab Ali Al Qasmi both emphasized shared commitments to effective multilateralism and global diplomacy. The Omani diplomats expressed their appreciation for the knowledge and skills gained during the training, which will be instrumental in their contributions to the work of the UN and in advancing Oman’s interests on the global stage.
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