E-Learning Course:      12 October – 22 November 2020

Field Visit to Geneva:   23 - 27 November 2020

Humankind is indisputably entering a new digital era. The impact of rapid technological and scientific advances on our lives is so great that World Economic Forum’s founder Klaus Schwab termed this process as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We are the witnesses of the transcendence through new frontiers.

These new frontiers go beyond traditional understanding of every aspect of human activity. Unlike in the past, diplomacy and international affairs can no longer afford to slowly adapt to those changes as their pace demands almost business-like agility to stay abreast and relevant.

Diplomacy 4.0 is UNITAR’s answer to these new challenges. The concept explores the nexus between diplomacy and areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, scientific advancements and other significant issues, paving the way for the next generation of international affairs professionals.

This year, UNITAR is delighted to announce its first ever Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme. Its overarching purpose is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of diplomacy and technology.

The programme consists of two components: a 6-week e-Learning course on the UNITAR online platform, and a 5-day field visit to Geneva, Switzerland. Both components will be implemented directly after one-another.

I) e-Learning course

The e-learning course can be studied in a self-paced manner and requires 6-8 hours of studying per week. It includes weekly reading material, multimedia files as well as discussion boards exchanging views with fellow participants and instructors. 

• Module 1: The Neoteric Diplomat
• Module 2: Digital- and Cyberdiplomacy
• Module 3: Cybersecurity
• Module 4: Artificial Intelligence
• Module 5: Internet Governance
• Module 6: Science Diplomacy

II) 5-Day Field Visit

Directly after the e-Learning course, participants are invited to Geneva for a face-to-face training programme. Hosted in the historic Palais des Nations, UNITAR will provide a unique agenda consisting of the following elements:

• Expert lectures
• Training workshops
• Multilateral conferences
• Private guided tours
• Career development sessions

Through the Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme, participants will also have the opportunity to attend real multilateral conferences on the topic as well as to visit the following Geneva-based organizations:

• United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN)
• World Economic Forum (WEF)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)

Participants also have the chance to opt for the Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme Premium Package. This package includes the combined tuition fee for both the e-Learning course as well as the 5-day field visit to Geneva.

In addition to that, the accommodation in Geneva is also included in the package. UNITAR will provide 6 nights in a reputable mid-range hotel in close proximity to the UN institutions (check-in Sunday, check-out Saturday).

This option is therefore ideal for all participants wishing to get a deep understanding about the topic at hand while investing a minimum amount of time in the logistical tasks involved with preparing the visit to Geneva.

This first edition of the Diplomacy 4.0 Traning Programme is aimed at introducing the concept to the wider public and raising awareness about the upcoming challenges facing diplomats and other international affairs professionals.

For this reason, the programme is mostly geared towards diplomats and foreign ministry officials. These can also include other government officials and participants from the broader diplomatic community, including private sector, civil society and academia.   

In order to ensure the highest quality standards, the registration will be closed after 30 participants. Slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. At the end of the Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme, each participant will be awarded an official UNITAR certificate.

In order to register, kindly visit one of the following links. You will be asked to create your own profile on the UNITAR website and will then be guided through the process. Feel free to contact the organizer in case of any questions.

UNITAR warmly welcomes your participation in the United Nations Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme and looks forward to welcoming you to International Geneva this spring and autumn!

Autumn Edition (October – November 2020):

Register for the Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme – E-Learning Course Only

Register for the Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme – Basic Package (Field Visit Only)

Register for the Diplomacy 4.0 Training Programme – Premium Package (E-Learning Course + Field Visit)