Intercultural competencies are essential for the success of peace missions carried out in diverse socio-cultural environments. This course provides peacekeepers with the necessary tools to go beyond language skills and intervene effectively through their understanding of local cultural, social and organizational dynamics, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in order to enhance their operational effectiveness.
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), with the support of France, have partnered to develop a free, self-paced online course designed for military personnel, police officers and civilians involved in peace missions.
This course is primarily based on lessons learned from missions deployed in Francophone regions: UNIFIL in Lebanon, MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the MSS in Haiti.
It is open to all peacekeepers wishing to strengthen their cultural awareness, their ability to build trust, resolve conflicts and promote sustainable peace in complex environments.
The course will be available soon, sign up here to receive updates and be among the first to access it!
UN Photos
UN Photos
UN Photos
Key Focus Areas:
UN/Pasqual Gorriz
- Cultural Adaptability: Develop skills to understand the socio-cultural and historical contexts of host countries, enabling effective and respectful interaction with local communities and authorities.
- Gender and Intersectionality: Integrate gender-sensitive and intersectional approaches, promoting inclusion and equity in interactions.
- Skill Building for Complex Environments: Master essential skills such as active listening, empathy, intercultural communication (both verbal and non-verbal), and effective collaboration within multicultural teams
Enhance your impact on the ground with Lexicopaix and Lexikozé, free offline interactive dictionaries designed for uniformed personnel to improve their French and Haitian Creole skills in peacekeeping missions. Developed jointly by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and CAVILAM-Alliance Française.