This summer, UNITAR is delighted to deliver two 5-day field visits to Geneva, Switzerland. These will offer participants the chance to fully immerse themselves into International Geneva and thereby gain first-hand experience of the United Nations.  

UNITAR will host most of the programme in the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), right in the heart of International Geneva. It will provide a unique agenda consisting of a nuanced balance between the following elements:

• Expert lectures
• Training workshops
• Private guided tours
• Career development sessions
• Outdoor activities

The purpose is to equip participants with knowledge and skills in diplomacy, empowering them to work more effectively and efficiently in any international environment. It further aspires to offer access to the UN’s institutions and staff to build up networks and gain insights into future career steps.

Participants also have the chance to opt for an Immersion Programme premium package. This includes a 4-weeks preparatory e-Learning course on the UNITAR online platform, implemented in the weeks directly prior to the field visit and thereby setting the stage for their time at the UN.

The course is the same for the July and August editions. It comprises 6 different modules, which can be studied in a self-paced manner and require 6-8 hours of studying per week. It includes weekly reading material, multimedia files as well as moderated discussion boards:

• Module 1: The United Nations
• Module 2: Conference Diplomacy
• Module 3: Negotiation Skills
• Module 4: Cosmopolitan Communication
• Module 5: Sustainable Development
• Module 6: The Art of Speechwriting

For premium package participants, the accommodation in Geneva is included in the fee. UNITAR will provide 6 nights in a reputable mid-range hotel in close proximity to the United Nations institutions (check-in: Sunday before, check-out: Saturday after).

For the first time ever, UNITAR is delighted to offer an UN Immersion Programme entirely online. Hosted on UNITAR's virtual e-Learning platform, it will allow participants who are not able to travel to Geneva for any reason to also gain deep insights into the UN by following:

• Expert webinars
• e-Workshops
• Virtual guided tours
• Online career development sessions
• Live-streamed multilateral conferences

The Online Immersion Programme´s agenda is designed in such a way that the live-components do not exceed 4 hours per day. In addition, these live-components will be scheduled at varying times of the day to enable participants from any time-zone to attend. They will always be recorded and made available on the platform thereafter.

The Immersion Programme is open to everyone with a deep interest in the United Nations. Participants can come from the public or private sector, NGOs, think tanks and academia. University students and participants from an entirely different background are equally welcome to apply.

In order to ensure the highest quality standards, a maximum of 20 participants will be allowed per edition. Slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. At the end of each visit, all participants will receive a UNITAR certificate of completion.

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, UNITAR will assure the programme will entirely conform with up-to-date health safety standards, including social distancing, hygiene measures and contact tracing. The programme's agenda may be subject to modifications in line with the most recent developments in this regard. Kindly note that according to Swiss authorities, travel restrictions for the entire Schengen Area will likely be lifted from 6 July 2020.

In case that due to any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, participants registered for the field visit to Geneva are unable to travel to Switzerland this summer, it is possible for them to attend the United Nations Online Immersion Programme free of charge. In addition, their slot for the field visit to Geneva will be automatically transferred to its next editions in winter or summer 2021, with no additional costs charged.

Register for the July Edition (27 – 31 July 2020):

United Nations Immersion Programme – July Edition

United Nations Immersion Programme – July Edition PREMIUM PACKAGE

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Register for the August Edition (17 – 21 August 2020):

Register at the United Nations Immersion Programme – August Edition

Register at the United Nations Immersion Programme – August Edition PREMIUM PACKAGE

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Register for the Online Edition (17 – 28 August 2019):

United Nations Immersion Programme – Online Edition