The Online Diploma on the Fundamentals of International Law offers a unique opportunity for both students wanting to pursue a career in international law or international relations, and professionals working in international and regional organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions, to expand their knowledge on the key aspects of international law.

Using internet-based training, UNITAR brings participants and trainers together in a unique virtual learning environment, allowing students follow the three webinar tracks of the Law core courses: International Law, Law of Treaties and Law of International Organisations.

Edition 1: 2 March 2026 - 14 June 2026 - Register now

Edition 2: 31 August 2026 - 22 November 2026 - Register now

The Online Diploma on the Fundamentals of International Law consists of three courses:

International Law – Webinar Track

Dates: 2 – 22 March 2026: Webinar on Friday 20 March, 10:00 – 12:00 (TBC) Geneva time

The subject of international law brings a lot of concepts to mind, from war and settlement of disputes between States, protection of the environment, responsibilities and obligations, to human rights protection between citizens, refugees of different States and corporations. Globalization has forced us to interact with each other, making it essential to have common rules to guide and sustain relationships (of trade, investment, technology, etc.) between individuals and States from different regions and continents. Now, many domestic laws are heavily influenced and shaped by international law. International law provides mandatory principles, norms and rules that regulate the relations between States as well as with other non-State actors, like international organizations and individuals.

This webinar edition of UNITAR's traditional online course offers participants the chance to ask questions to a high-level expert during a Q&A webinar.

Law of International Organizations – Webinar Track

Dates: 20 April – 10 May 2026: Webinar on Friday 8 May, 10:00 – 12:00 (TBC) Geneva time

International organizations are playing an increasingly important role in the international legal order. They are active in virtually all fields of human activity, they regularly conclude international treaties and continuously interact with other actors of international law. Nowadays, they wield growing normative powers. For those working for or dealing with international organizations, a sound understanding of the law of international organizations thus appears indispensable. UNITAR’s self-paced course on the Law of International Organizations is structured in a way to cover the main legal questions related to international organizations, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. In addition, the e-learning methodology used to deliver the Course allows participants the flexibility to combine their learning activities with work responsibilities and to benefit from high-quality training.

This webinar edition of UNITAR's traditional online course offers participants the chance to ask questions to a high-level expert during a Q&A webinar.

Law of Treaties – Webinar Track

Dates: 25 May – 14 June 2026: Webinar Friday 12 June, 10:00 – 12:00 (TBC), Geneva time

The International Law of Treaties is a set of international principles and rules regulating the conclusion procedure of treaties, as well as the issues of operation, amendments and modifications, termination, suspension and invalidity of treaties. For those involved in the drafting, negotiation and conclusion of international treaties, a sound knowledge of the Law of Treaties is indispensable. The efficient implementation and application of international legal norms are impossible without understanding the essentials of the International Law of Treaties. UNITAR’s course on the Law of Treaties is designed to cover both the theoretical and the practical aspects of this subject, starting with the basic notions, sources, subjects, principles, and scope of application of conventions forming the base of the Law of Treaties.

This webinar edition of UNITAR's traditional online course offers participants the chance to ask questions to a high-level expert during a Q&A webinar.

* Each of the three courses included in this Diploma can also be taken individually through UNITAR’s e-learning catalogue. Participants may choose to complete them separately or together as part of the full Online Diploma on the Fundamentals of International Law.

The diploma combines approximately 90 hours of self-paced study with three live 2-hour Q&A webinars taught by high-level experts.

Each module features interactive online lessons, multimedia materials, and downloadable PDFs for offline learning. Contents are practice-oriented and include self-assessment exercises, case studies, and practical examples. Participants are supported throughout by the UNITAR team, with access to additional resources, infographics, and videos.

This diploma is designed for:

• Government officials and diplomats
• International civil servants
• Lawyers, judges, and NGO representatives
• Academics and law students
• Private sector professionals working in international law and international organizations

Course Fee: USD 1,000

Participants who successfully meet the passing requirements at the end of the course will receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.

• Reliable internet connection throughout the course
• Access to UNITAR’s Virtual Learning Environment
• Zoom access for the live Q&A webinars

By the end of the Diploma, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles and sources of international law;
• Explain the role and functioning of international organizations;
• Apply the main rules governing the conclusion, interpretation, and termination of treaties;
• Analyze real-world cases where international legal frameworks are applied.