OPENING
22 July 2024, New York, United States - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) kicked off the Global Diplomacy Bootcamp at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This immersive programme aims to introduce participants to the UN system, enhance their understanding of international negotiations, and develop their skills for global leadership.
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Day One: Introduction to UN System and Negotiations
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The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from H.E. Mr. Marco Suazo, Acting Head of UNITAR New York Office, who emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation of global leaders through hands-on experience and expert guidance.
The first session, titled "UN101," was facilitated by Dr. Angel Angelov, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in New York. This introductory module provided an in-depth overview of the UN system. Dr. Angelov outlined the main players within the UN, dividing them into states and groups. He covered the 193-member states, observer states, and entities, as well as regional and political groups, such as the African Union, the EU, and the G77.
In the second part of the session, Dr. Angelov detailed the functions and working methods of the principal organs of the UN, including the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice. Participants gained insights into the historical context and current dynamics of these bodies, guided by Dr. Angelov's extensive diplomatic experience.
The afternoon was dedicated to a negotiation exercise focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on international security. Dr. Beyza Unal, Head of the Science and Technology Unit at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, facilitated this interactive session. Dr. Unal introduced the topic by discussing the role of AI in the military domain and ongoing multilateral initiatives. Participants then engaged in a practical exercise, drafting a potential resolution on AI and its implications for international peace and security.
Day Two: Multilateral Diplomacy and Negotiations
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23 July 2024, New York, United States - The second day commenced with a session on "Multilateral Diplomacy and Negotiations," led by Dr. Jimena Leiva-Roesch, Director at the International Peace Institute. This session delved into the complexities of multilateral negotiations, particularly within the context of the United Nations. Dr. Leiva-Roesch shared her expertise on the procedures and progression of negotiations, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership and communication.
Day Three: Climate Change and Negotiations
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24 July 2024, New York, United States - Wednesday morning was dedicated to a crucial negotiation exercise on climate change, again led by Dr. Jimena Leiva-Roesch. Participants received an overview of the key issues in climate negotiations, including finance, mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. They then engaged in a simulation exercise, practising their negotiation skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges and the international efforts to address them. This session provided valuable insights into the priorities of different countries and blocs in the climate talks and enhanced participants' confidence in negotiating complex environmental issues.
Day Four: Summit of the Future
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25 July 2024, New York, United States - On Thursday, the morning session focused on the "Summit of the Future," a negotiation exercise led by Dr. Jimena Leiva-Roesch. Participants explored the upcoming Summit of the Future, examining the processes of drafting and reaching resolutions. This hands-on exercise provided a vivid experience of high-level negotiations and strategies to minimize conflicts through effective leadership and negotiation skills. They learned about the challenges and intricacies of preparing for major international summits and the importance of collaboration and compromise.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring individuals from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), where participants engaged in face-to-face conversations, gaining valuable insights into their roles and responsibilities. The day ended with tours of the UN Headquarters, offering participants an inside look at the UN's operations and facilities.
Day Five: Diverse Leadership
26 July 2024, New York, United States - Friday’s sessions focused on "Diverse Leadership" and were led by Ms. Michelle Ceres-Clarke. This session aimed to help participants understand the nuances of interpersonal skills within diplomacy and international relations. Participants learned best practices for effective communication, negotiation, and leadership, enhancing their personal branding. They explored the importance of soft skills, such as empathy, active listening, and adaptability, in building successful careers in international diplomacy.
The afternoon featured a "Face-to-Face with Ambassadors" panel discussion, moderated by H.E. Mr. Marco A. Suazo. The panel included representatives from various critical levels of the UN diplomatic community, who answered questions about their roles, effective communication, and best practices for socializing within and beyond the UN community. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where participants had the chance to ask direct questions and gain deeper insights from experienced diplomats.
CLOSING
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