Green Diplomacy
Multilateral diplomacy is undergoing a fundamental transformation. All spheres of diplomacy, from disarmament, to human rights, trade, nuclear non-proliferation, macro-economics and development cooperation, are now struggling to adapt to the new generation of global environmental sustainability challenges. This course will address the challenges and opportunities for elevating environmental considerations into the key spheres of multilateral diplomacy. Specifically it will examine the environmental implications in multilateral negotiations and policy processes related to: human rights and humanitarian affairs; peace and security; trade and investment; global economic recovery; and development cooperation.
This course aims to support the overall integration of environmental considerations into key diplomacy tracks by considering the substantive issues in question, understanding the gaps in existing policy frameworks and ongoing multilateral negotiations, and equipping negotiators with concrete tools and resources for advancing their environmental priorities in these respective decision-making processes.
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Comprehend the linkages between environmental sustainability and international diplomacy
- Appreciate the political challenges that often frustrate efforts to internalize environmental sustainability concerns into multilateral diplomacy
- Develop concrete solutions for integrating environmental sustainability challenges into the key multilateral diplomacy negotiation tracks.
The course will be conducted in English over a period of six weeks. The course will be delivered online and will allow the participant to work at his or her own pace, supported by multimedia, lesson materials, optional and required readings, discussion forums, negotiation simulation exercises, assessment quizzes, and a wealth of other information.
The moderators will include the following persons: Mr. Mark Halle, Director of IISD's Trade & Investment program, Mme Cecile Molinier, Director of UNDP Office in Geneva, and Ms. Johannah Bernstein, International Environmental Lawyer and advisor to national governments and international organizations.
The course is designed for mid to senior-level government officials in foreign and line ministries preparing for and/or taking part in international negotiations on issues related to trade and investment, macro-economics, environment, human rights, the Millennium Development Goals, peace and security, humanitarian issues. The course is equally relevant for representatives of inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations. It also targets entry-level and mid-career diplomats working in multilateral settings. Private sector specialists and students whose work or studies are related to this subject are also encouraged to apply.
The course participation fee is 800 USD. Participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are eligible to apply for a fellowship. Please contact the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme for more details. Registration will be closed as soon as the course is full and