June 2020 - Many governments, in particular LDCs and SIDS, are increasingly reliant on honorary consuls to serve key functions to support bilateral engagement, citizen support, repatriation efforts, crisis intervention, or foreign direct investment.

To meet the need for a comprehensive and accessible training protocol, UNITAR has developed two training programmes focused on international diplomatic law for honorary consuls that will provide participants with a full range of skills and knowledge pertinent to the post of Honorary Consul. Both programmes include insights into the obligations, privileges, and immunities of honorary consuls under international law, as well as several practical skills necessary to effectively fulfil their duties, yet vary in their concrete focus and duration:

• Executive Diploma on International Law for Honorary Consuls: 20 July to 20 November 2020
• Diplomatic Law and Responsibilities for Honorary Consuls: 20 to 31 July 2020

UNITAR would like to kindly invite key stakeholders to “The role of honorary consuls in times of crisis - UNITAR Virtual Forum on Capacity Development for Honorary Consuls” on 30 June 2020 to launch these two training programmes.

Attendees will gain practical insights regarding training and education programs for current, new and proposed members of the honorary consul corps. Inputs and cooperation received from member states and all stakeholders during the virtual forum will contribute to the progressive development of this important executive diploma. Through training and capacity development, it will encourage a stronger, more effective honorary consul corps.

Register for the course: The role of honorary consuls in times of crisis - UNITAR Virtual Forum on Capacity Development for Honorary Consuls.