CONFÉRENCE DES NATIONS UNIES SUR
LE COMMERCE ET LE DÉVELOPPEMENT
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE
ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
UNCTAD/DTL/KTCD/MISC/2009/1
(09/39ams)
NOTIFICATION
Short courses on key international economic issues
for delegates from permanent missions in Geneva
First semester 2009
Following the successful series of short courses held in 2007 and 2008, the UNCTAD
secretariat is pleased to announce that a series of short courses on key international economic
issues for delegates and staff from permanent missions in Geneva will take place in the first half
of 2009.
The aim is to give permanent missions an opportunity to take part in a shorter, more
focused version of the regional three-week course that deals with key issues on the international
economic agenda. Delegates attending the courses will become better acquainted with the most
topical issues in the main areas of UNCTAD’s work. More detailed information on the content
and schedule of individual courses can be found in the attached programme.
The secretariat has planned three courses, to be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Palais
des Nations on Friday, 3 April (Room XXVI); Friday, 24 April (Room IX); and Tuesday, 9 June
(Room XXI).
The courses will be delivered in English, with simultaneous interpretation into French and
Spanish.
The secretariat invites permanent missions to nominate delegates who follow matters
pertaining to UNCTAD or WTO in Geneva to attend one or all of the courses, using the attached
application form, which should be submitted at least one week before the date of the course.
Courses will begin promptly at 10 a.m. to allow sufficient time for debate after the presentations.
Any queries about the programme should be addressed to:
Ms. Vlasta Macku; e-mail: vlasta.macku@unctad.org; tel: 022 917 6227; or
Mr. Mohan Panicker; e-mail: mohan.panicker@unctad.org; tel: 022 917 2561.
(signed)
Supachai Panitchpakdi
Secretary-General of UNCTAD
11 March 2009
Short courses on key international economic issues
First semester 2009
Programme
3 April 2009
Financial crisis: causes, consequences and possible ways out
Faced with the disastrous effects of the financial crisis, developed countries have adopted
short-term measures that focus on limiting its direct impact on the real economy. However,
the indirect, long-term effects, which could lead to a prolonged downturn or even a depression
of the global economy, must be tackled urgently as well. The first session of the course will
provide an insight into the causes of the financial crisis, its current consequences, and the
potential future threats that it poses – for the whole world, and for developing countries in
particular. The second session will then outline policy options at the country level, in
particular in developed countries, that could provide the necessary policy stimuli to counter
the looming recession. It will also examine current international initiatives and suggest
possible international responses to the financial crisis.
Delivered by: Division on Globalization and Development Strategies
24 April 2009
Bridging the technology gap
The “technology gap” between rich and poorer nations is still a major barrier to economic
growth and improved social welfare in many developing countries. This course is intended to
outline the most pressing policy issues that need to be addressed, so that technology can be put
to work to meet critical development goals. The course will first consider the complex ways in
which technologies flow from the international and the national level down to the level of
enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and farms. A clear distinction
will be made between technology transfers that simply increase production capacity, and those
that help build local innovative capacity. The second half of the course will focus on the
related policy implications, and the need to put science, technology and innovation policies at
the heart of national development strategies.
Delivered by: Division on Technology and Logistics
9 June 2009
Investment promotion
Diplomats, in particular those from countries that have no overseas offices dedicated to
investment promotion, can make an important contribution to investment promotion by
liaising with investors abroad. The challenge is how to connect their work with national
efforts to attract foreign investment, which are often led by investment promotion agencies.
The course will provide an overview of investment promotion strategies and techniques, and
give insights into investors’ decision-making processes. It will also cover practices and tools
that can be used by diplomats for image-building, for supporting an investor targeting
programme, and for investor aftercare.
Delivered by: Division on Investment and Enterprise
Short courses on key international economic issues
First semester 2009
REGISTRATION FORM
(please print or type)
Surname: __________________________ First name: ___________________________
Middle initial: _____________________________________
Gender (F/M): __________
Job title:
________________________________________________________________________
Permanent mission (country):
________________________________________________________________________
Postal address:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Tel.: _____________________________ Fax: __________________________________
E-mail address:
________________________________________________________________________
I would like to register for the following courses (please tick those that interest you):
□ 3 April 2009: Financial crisis: causes, consequences and possible ways out
□ 24 April 2009: Bridging the technology gap
□ 9 June 2009: Investment promotion
I would like to receive reminders prior to each course (tick the appropriate box):
□ by phone
□ by e-mail
□ by fax
□ no reminders
Registration forms should be sent to:
Ms. Vlasta Macku
Chief, Policy Capacity-Building Section
Division on Technology and Logistics
Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10
Fax: +41 (0) 22 917 00 50
E-mail: vlasta.macku@unctad.org