The Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy offers a unique opportunity for students wanting to pursue a career in international relations, 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 e-Learning courses are built on UNITAR’s wealth of experience in designing and implementing training workshops on diplomacy and multilateral affairs. We offer a 25% discount for group bookings (10+). Please don't hesitate to contact mdp-elearning@unitar.org for further information.
The Diploma is offered entirely online, and is designed for a wide range of professionals including government officials, diplomats, private sector specialists, practitioners in the international arena, academics, and other stakeholders.
STRUCTURE
In order to be awarded the Online Diploma, participants are required to successfully complete 4 out of the following e-Learning courses offered by UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, as well as submit a valid research paper before the final deadline. The e-Learning courses the students can choose from are:
- Public and Cultural Diplomacy in a Multipolar World (7 September – 18 October 2026)
- Climate Change Diplomacy: Advanced Negotiation Skills and Strategies (14 September – 11 October 2026)
- The Art of Speechwriting - Fall Edition (12 October – 1 November 2026)
- United Nations Protocol - Fall Edition (12 October – 8 November 2026)
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Developing Cultural Awareness, Competences and Skills (2 November – 29 November 2026)
- VUCA Diplomacy (16 November – 13 December 2026)
- Art of Speechwriting - Spring Edition 2027 (8 February – 28 February 2027)
- United Nations Protocol - Spring Edition 2027 (10 May – 6 June 2027)
- Overcoming Negotiation Deadlocks - 2027 (10 May – 6 June 2027)
- Diplomacy 4.0 - Beyond the Digital Frontier - 2027 (31 May – 11 July 2027)
At the end of each of the above e-Learning course, participants can receive a UNITAR certificate of completion.
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. This requires the submission of a valid research paper within the deadline of the Online Diploma. Guidance on this is provided once enrolled, or upon request.
Key Dates
Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy 2026 Edition 2
- Registration deadline: 7 September 2026
- Dates: 7 September 2026 – 31 July 2027
- Fees: 2,600 USD
Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy 2027 Edition 1
- Registration deadline: 8 February 2027
- Dates: 8 February 2027 – 31 December 2027
- Fees: 2,600 USD
Former 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 moderators selected by UNITAR are experts in the relevant fields of multilateral diplomacy and regularly teach within the framework of UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy.
The courses will consist of the following components:
(1) Compulsory and optional reading material, intended to teach the basic 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