UNESCO/Husniddin Ato
International organizations play an increasingly important role across the international legal order. They operate in virtually all fields of human activity, conclude international treaties, and continuously interact with States and other actors. Their growing normative powers make the Law of International Organizations essential for diplomats, civil servants, legal practitioners, and professionals engaging with multilateral institutions.
UNITAR’s Law of International Organizations Course provides a comprehensive introduction to the creation, functioning, powers, responsibility, and dispute-settlement mechanisms involving international organizations. Participants may choose between two modalities — Webinar Track and Self-paced Track — both leading to a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the definition, creation, structure, and functioning of international organizations.
- Explain the legal personality of international organizations and their interaction with other actors of international law.
- Identify and analyze key issues related to the international responsibility of organizations.
- Differentiate the legal regimes governing dispute settlement involving international organizations.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to professional contexts, including diplomacy, international civil service, NGOs, academia, and legal practice.
Curriculum Structure
- Notion and creation of international organizations
- International organizations and the Law of Treaties
- Legal personality of international organizations
- Structure, powers and organs
- Activities and normative powers
- Responsibility of international organizations
- Legal consequences of internationally wrongful acts
- International organizations before international courts
- Internal tribunals and administrative justice
- Organizations and their representatives before domestic courts
Webinar track
(Instructor-supported format + Live Q&A webinar)
The Webinar Track combines 30 hours of self-study with a 2-hour live Q&A session led by a high-level expert. It is recommended for participants seeking direct engagement and real-time clarification.
Key Features
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Format: E-learning + Live webinar (2 hours)
- Workload: 30 hours
- Fee: USD 400
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Upcoming Editions
- 2027 Spring Edition: 26 April – 16 May 2027: Webinar on Friday 14 May, 10:00 – 12:00 (tbc). Deadline 25 April. Register here
- 2027 Fall Edition: 4 – 24 October 2027: Webinar on Friday 22 October, 10:00 – 12:00 (tbc). Deadline 3 October. Register here
Self-paced Track
(Flexible, autonomous modality — 3 months)
The Self-paced Track offers complete flexibility, allowing participants to complete the course independently within 3 months, at their own rhythm.
Key Features
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Fully self-paced e-learning
- Workload: ~30 hours
- Fee: USD 200
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
- Ideal for: Working professionals needing schedule flexibility
Upcoming Editions
- Q1: 4 Jan - 11 Apr 2027, Deadline 3 Jan 2027. Register here
- Q2: 12 Apr - 4 Jul 2027, Deadline11 April 2027. Register here
- Q3: 5 Jul - 3 Oct 2027, Deadline 4 July 2027. Register here
- Q4: 4 Oct - 2 Jan 2028, Deadline 3 October 2027. Register here
Methodology
Both modalities promote an interactive and practice-oriented learning experience, including:
Webinar Track
- Lessons + live Q&A webinar
- Multimedia resources
- Guided activities
- Self-assessment quizzes
Self-paced Track
- Fully autonomous learning
- PDF lessons available offline
- Case studies and practical scenarios
- Infographics and audiovisual materials
Both modalities are supported by the UNITAR team and delivered through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).