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transnational challenges. Hence, I do not envisage any better distance learning solutions. Similarly, UNITAR is adapting,
path to follow than that of multilateralism, harmony, and innovating, and redirecting its whole work to the online
solidarity. sphere. We are rethinking learning methodologies and
learning sharing tools. We are a learning institution which
How is the current crisis affecting the work and overall has been delivering face-to-face knowledge products and
mission of the UN and how is the UN system reacting? services since its establishment in 1963. However, throughout
Like every other diplomatic actor, the UN is far from being the years, we have been developing and operating on a virtual
immune to the crisis. The UN is being severely affected in level too, offering an array of products and services from
the way it conducts diplomacy. Almost all negotiations occur distance. As a result, UNITAR’s work, vision, and mission
face-to-face and they require the have been altered to some extent
use of non-verbal communication “We have time to rethink but not hindered. Overall, I can
to build rapport and trust among proudly say that we have been able
delegates. Therefore, finding a ourselves as individuals to build a high degree of resilience
solution that would replace the thanks to our extensive work and
physical presence at the negotiation and as part of a larger experience.
table is an arduous mission. Having
said that, the UN is managing community called humanity What are the strategies and
to proactively conduct distance solutions being implemented by
diplomacy. The intergovernmental and how we operate within UNITAR?
machinery of the UN is currently As previously mentioned, we
exploring and implementing our planet.” shifted all our work online at
virtual means for conducting the moment. That implies the
business as usual. A plethora of reshaping as well as the actual
online platforms and measures have been tested by the UN replacement of all our face-to-face activities. Specifically, at
governing bodies to conduct their work. In turn, the critical the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy at UNITAR we have
work of the UN is still being conducted by virtual means managed to develop and implement new knowledge products
within the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the and services. We have recently launched five brand-new e-
Economic and Social Council. In fact, the General Assembly workshops, entailing innovative training approaches, on a
has successfully held its fifth Committee, making relevant plethora of topics including leadership in crisis, women’s
decisions regarding the budget, by technological means. leadership, and conducting diplomacy digitally. Moreover,
Moreover, the Council (Security Council, Ed.) has been able we offer two online diplomas on Multilateral Diplomacy
to discuss, inter alia, the issues vis-à-vis Libya, the DRC (the and International Law as well as a master’s programme distance learning solutions will surely be developed in the every family” and “more than ever before in human history,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ed.), and COVID-19; and a certificate on International Development and near future, in cooperation with our partners, to reach out we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face
and the Economic and Social Council has been delivering its Diplomacy in collaboration with the University for Peace. and support all beneficiaries, despite of their capabilities it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United
work in promoting sustainable development. We have also recently launched the Executive Diploma in and location. In turn, we will be able to cut costs, provide Nations.”
I would also like to take the opportunity to commend the Business Leadership and International Affairs with the high-quality affordable products, and have a tangible impact
work of both the World Health Organization and the INCAE Business School. In addition, we provide a wide on climate change by offering more accessible products I would also like to use this opportunity to express sincere and
World Bank. Both entities, in accordance with the recent range of our well-established e-Learning courses, with more without the need to physically move. Hence, we will have profound gratitude to everyone who is relentlessly providing
recommendations of the Secretary-General, are constantly to come, on numerous topics including a focused one on further opportunities to provide ad hoc services to the most help during this strenuous emergency. We will come through
cooperating to help the least developed countries and the informed decision-making during the global pandemic. In vulnerable and to reshape learning methodologies as well as this together and stronger.
most vulnerable societies in facing the challenge. Reaching the upcoming weeks, we will also launch a podcast series, learning sharing tools.
out to the furthest first and leaving no one behind remain in collaboration with prominent practitioners of diplomacy,
high on the agenda of international organisations. free and open for everyone. Lastly, we are also developing Is there anything else you would like to say to the reader?
other products and services to be gradually released in the Overall, I believe that there is a bright side even in this gloomy
COVID-19 is severely impacting learning institutions and upcoming months. crisis. We have time to rethink ourselves as individuals and Mr. Rabih El-Haddad leads the Multilateral Diplomacy
the world of knowledge at large. Specifically, what are the as part of a larger community called humanity and how we Division that encompasses the Multilateral Diplomacy
impacts on UNITAR’s work and vision? Given your experience, it is fair to claim that the crisis operate within our planet. We have time to nurture our inner and International Law Programmes and the Institute’s
We have seen major public and private learning institutions is providing you with an unprecedented opportunity to souls, fostering tolerance, compassion, and empathy. We have New York Office. He plays a key role in supporting the
globally, including world famous universities, moving onto enhance your work and overall mission. How do you see the time to forge fundamental tools for strategic and enlightened UN intergovernmental machinery towards achieving
future work of UNITAR? decision-making, preparing for other crucial challenges such an enlightened and efficient multilateral decision-
UNITAR is the training arm of the United Nations. The current crisis has given us the unique opportunity to as climate change, food security, access to education, and making. In doing so, Mr. El-Haddad works hand in hand
UNITAR’s mission is to develop the individual, institutional, boost our creativity, to explore new avenues, and to expand many more. with Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the UN Governing
and organisational capacities of member states and other our horizons beyond conventional frameworks. We are Bodies Secretariats, ministries in charge of complex and
UN stakeholders. To reach the goal, UNITAR offers high- looking beyond mere adaption, we are aiming for innovation. I would like to borrow the words of the former Secretary- international negotiations as well as academia, think-
quality learning solutions and related knowledge products Not only are we strengthening our resilience levels and General Kofi Annan, that today more than ever powerfully tanks, and the private sector. During his extensive career
and services to enhance decision-making and to support leadership role in providing innovative learning solutions, resonate, to give a glimpse of hope to everyone. He once he has supported major negotiations led by the G77, the
country-level action for overcoming global challenges. but we are also able to deliver online products worldwide said that “knowledge is power. Information is liberating. LDC Group, the African Group, SIDS, and the GCC.
rethinking our capabilities and overcoming limits. Further Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in

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