Using the Internet as a training medium, UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy brings together participants and trainers in a unique learning environment. All online courses build on UNITAR’s wealth of experience in designing and implementing training workshops in diplomacy and multilateral affairs at the country and regional levels. 

The courses are available in English, French and Spanish and last between two and eight weeks. They place an emphasis on online discussions and self-paced learning which allows students to schedule their learning according to their specific needs, make use of additional resources using the Internet and work from home or office as long as participants have access to a computer with internet connection.

All courses are delivered via UNITAR’s virtual learning platform. This pedagogical tool will help the participant meet the course’s learning objectives through multimedia, optional and required readings, discussion forums, assessment quizzes, and a wealth of other information. Adapted specifically to full-time professionals, participants will learn by absorbing (reading), doing (activities), interacting (socializing), and reflecting (relating to personal experience).

The advantages of online training are many. Participants are able to:

• Schedule and pace their learning according to their specific needs; 
• Make use of additional resources using the internet;
• Work from office or home as long as you have a computer with an internet connection;
• Connect with fellow participants and instructors through the learning portal.

Annually Scheduled Online Courses

Each year, UNITAR's Division for Multilateral Diplomacy provides nearly 15 e-Learning courses for a variety of highly demanded topics. We offer 25% discount for group bookings (10+ participants). 

Customized Courses/Platform/Discussion Boards

Additionally, we design and conduct tailor-made online courses, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), simulation exercises, webinars and discussion boards.

UNITAR is pleased to announce the launch of the Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy!

The Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy offers a unique opportunity for both students wanting to pursue a career in international relations, and professionals working in international and regional organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions, to expand their knowledge on international affairs and strengthen their capacities in the field of multilateral diplomacy.

In order to be awarded the Online Diploma, participants are required to participate and successfully complete 4 out of 6 online courses offered by UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit from November 2023 to May 2024. The e-Learning courses the students can choose from are:

• The Art of Speechwriting (12 Feb 2024 - 3 Mar 2024)
• Diplomacy 4.0 - Beyond the Digital Frontier (8 Apr 2024 - 19 May 2024)
• Overcoming Negotiation Deadlocks (20 May 2024 - 16 Jun 2024)
• United Nations Protocol (20 May 2024 - 16 Jun 2024)
• Public and Cultural Diplomacy (2 Sep 2024 - 13 Oct 2024)
• United Nations Protocol (14 Oct 2024 - 10 Nov 2024)

Current and former UNITAR participants who have successfully completed any of the above mentioned courses can validate their course and upgrade their certification by opting for the Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy!

Applications to the Online Diploma are accepted on a rolling basis. Prospective participants may apply to any of the editions below.

• Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy 2023 - Edition 1
• Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy 2023 - Edition 2

The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme offers a few fellowships for nationals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) according to the list specified by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). There are few e-Learning fellowships available for each course and they will be awarded according to experience and career relevance in the international diplomacy sector, relevant academic background, and level of personal motivation.

If you are not a national of a LDC, we will unfortunately be unable to consider your application for a fellowship.

Application for staff members from the United Nations and other international organizations

Please note that applications from staff members from the United Nations and other international organizations are usually not considered, it may be possible to take the course through funding by the staff training, but you would have to verify directly with the appropriate department within your organization. Some UN agencies, field operations and programmes cover the participation fees of groups for UNITAR courses.

Please read carefully and follow all instructions! Please also note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to apply

If you are a national of a country listed by the UN-OHRLLS, please register online using the online registration form of the course of your interest at https://www.unitar.org/event/full-catalog?programme=69. You will automatically receive an invoice, but as a fellowship candidate, you are not required to make the payment. Please save the invoice for your records. In addition to the online registration form, please email the following to mdp-elearning@unitar.org (please include the name of the course in the subject line):

1. Curriculum Vitae (or short paragraph explaining work / academic experience)
2. Letter of motivation

Please note that you will be notified whether you were selected one week before the beginning of the course. If you are selected, you will be asked to provide the following information:

1. Copy of your passport
2. Employment documentation