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. All courses build on UNITAR’s wealth of experience in designing and implementing training workshops on diplomacy and multilateral affairs at the country and regional levels.

The Diploma is offered entirely online, and designed for government officials, diplomats, private sector specialists, practitioners in the international arena, or academics. 

Courses

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

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.

Duration and Fees

Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy | Edition 1 - 2025

  • Registration deadline: 9 February 2025
  • Dates: 10 February 2025 - 31 December 2025
  • Fees: 2,600 USD

Apply directly here

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Nikhil Seth on the Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy

Objectives

After completing the Diploma, students should be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, substantive and practical knowledge of the current challenges in international affairs and diplomacy; 
  • Perform in both bilateral and multilateral working environments with increased confidence; 
  • Develop analytical skills and critical thinking; 
  • Advance their career through the acquisition of skills that are highly valued in an international working environment.

Methodology

The Diploma is entirely online. Courses are moderated by senior international experts, and place an emphasis on online discussions and self-paced learning.

The courses will consist of the following components:
(1) Compulsory and optional reading material, intended to teach thebasic concepts and principles of the lesson’s subject-matter;
(2) Multimedia and external links to additional books, articles, documents, and websites related to the lessons; 
(3) Quizzes and case studies; 
(4) Community Discussion Boards;
(5) Collaborative learning tools such as simulation exercises, webinars and chats

Fellowships for nationals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and

The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme offers a few fellowships for nationals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 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

Do you have any further questions?

If you have any inquiries, please contact:

UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy

mdp-elearning@unitar.org

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