UN Photo/Mark Garten.
UN Photo
The International Law of Treaties governs the creation, interpretation, amendment and termination of treaties—core instruments shaping international relations and diplomacy. For professionals working with international organizations, governments, NGOs or in multilateral negotiation contexts, a strong command of treaty law is indispensable.
UNITAR’s Law of Treaties Programme offers two flexible learning modalities:
- Webinar Track → structured e-learning + high-level expert webinar
- Self-Paced Track → fully flexible, 3-month access learning
Both modalities provide a comprehensive understanding of treaty law and grant a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a profound understanding of the key principles governing the Law of Treaties.
- Identify and apply rules related to the conclusion, amendment, interpretation and termination of treaties.
- Analyze judicial decisions involving contemporary treaty practice.
- Use theoretical and practical knowledge to draft treaty texts and engage in treaty negotiations or conferences.
Curriculum Structure
- Basic concepts of the Law of Treaties
- Who can conclude treaties
- Parties vs. third States
- Language, structure, and title of treaties
- Negotiation and drafting
- Phases of the conclusion of treaties
- Reservations
- Depositaries
- Entry into force and application
- Amendment, revision, modification
- Validity and continuance
- Termination and suspension
- Invalidity of treaties
- Legal consequences
- Withdrawal procedures
- Interpretation of treaties
WEBINAR TRACK
This modality combines the full e-learning programme with a live 2-hour Q&A webinar led by a senior expert. Designed for participants seeking interactive engagement and real-time clarification.
Key Features
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Method: E-learning + live webinar
- Workload: ~30 hours
- Fee: USD 400
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Dates
- 2026 Spring Edition: 25 May – 14 June 2026: Webinar Friday 12 June, 10:00 – 12:00, Deadline 17 May 2026. Register here
- 2026 Fall Edition: 02 – 22 November 2026: Webinar Friday 20 November, 10:00 – 12:00 (TBC), Deadline: 25 October 2026. Register here
SELF-PACED TRACK
The Self-Paced Track offers full flexibility, allowing participants to progress independently over a 3-month access period. All materials are available 24/7, and learners may complete the programme according to their schedule.
Key Features
- Duration: 3 months access
- Method: Fully e-learning, no fixed sessions
- Workload: ~30 hours
- Fee: USD 200
- Certificate: UNITAR Certificate of Completion
Dates
- Q1: 5 Jan - 5 April 2026, Deadline 4 Jan 2026. Register here
- Q2: 6 April - 5 July 2026, Deadline 5 April 2026. Register here
- Q3: 6 July - 4 Oct 2026, Deadline 5 July 2026. Register here
- Q4: 5 Oct - 3 Jan 2027, Deadline 4 October 2026. Register here
Methodology
E-Learning Components (Both Tracks)
- Interactive multimedia lessons
- Case studies and applied exercises
- Self-assessment tools
- PDF lesson downloads
- Infographics and explanatory videos
- Access to UNITAR’s Virtual Learning Environment
- Direct pedagogical support
Additional Component – Webinar Track
- A live expert-led Q&A session
- Real-time clarification and discussion of complex treaty issues
Target Audience
This programme is ideal for:
- Government officials
- Diplomats and legal advisers
- Professionals in international organizations
- Judges and lawyers
- NGO representatives
- Academics and postgraduate students
- Anyone working with or exposed to treaty processes