Effective Negotiation in
Multilateral Conferences
26-27 October
(Module I)
Managing Conferences
and Facilitating Negotiations
28 October 2009
(Module II)
Information Note
Overview
In a multilateral context, effective negotiation skills are critical for managing inter-dependencies,
leveraging power and influencing outcomes. Mastering negotiation tools can therefore assist in securing
beneficial agreements at the international level. Participants of both workshops will receive training
from top negotiation experts on effective skills relevant to negotiating in multilateral conferences. They
will also learn first hand from experienced diplomats and international civil servants who have
successfully negotiated agreements in the peace and security and social and economic spheres. The
workshops are part of the 2009 Negotiation Series. For more info on this Series, please visit
www.unitar.org/ny/skills-strengthening.
Objectives
1) Introductory workshop on Effective Negotiation in Multilateral Conferences, 26-27 October 2009
This workshop’s objective is to help delegates develop negotiation skills to perform effectively in the
international arena. To this end, it will:
Provide an overview over the purposes, products and processes of multilateral conferences;
Review the dynamics, strategies and techniques for producing good negotiated outcomes;
Provide an interactive learning environment that fosters group discussion and experience sharing
among participants;
Illustrate negotiation processes and share the lessons learned of experienced diplomats on effective
strategies and techniques for negotiating at the United Nations.
2) Advanced-level workshop on Managing Conferences and Facilitating Negotiations, 28 October 2009
This workshop aims to equip delegates with the required background knowledge and practical insights
to approach chairing situations with enhanced confidence and the necessary skills set. To this end, it
will:
Provide participants with an appreciation of the role of presiding officers, by exploring both the
procedural role of chairpersons as well as their responsibilities in relation to the substantive
outcome of conferences;
Equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge to enable them to confidently chair the
meetings by covering both formal requirements and insider “tricks of the trade”;
Offer room for peer-to-peer discussion on key challenges when facilitating negotiations or
consultations at the expert level;
Sensitize participants to common chairing and facilitator mistakes, and steer them towards
strategies that have proven successful in this field.
Organization and Methodology
The introductory workshop on Negotiating in Multilateral Conferences will he held over two full days;
the advanced-level Managing Conferences and Chairing Negotiations is a one-day workshop. Certificates
of participation will be issued at the end of each workshop for delegates who attended in full.
The workshops will be co-facilitated by Professor Minh A. Luong, Yale University, and Mr. David Koschel,
UNITAR.
The workshops will follow an interactive, participatory and practice-oriented approach, involving
practical exercises, case studies, interactive lectures, and peer-to-peer learning. The workshop will be
conducted in English.
Target Audience
The workshop is intended for delegates from Permanent Missions in New York. Preference will be given
to applicants from developing and least developed countries. Registration will be limited to 30 persons.
Delegates are invited to register for one or for both workshops. For the advanced-level course, priority
∗ The Negotiation Series is financially supported by the Olof Palme Memorial Fund.
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will be given to participants who previously completed the UNITAR course on “Effective Negotiation in
Multilateral Conferences” or comparable introductory courses on negotiation skills.
Selected participants are requested to regard their participation as a firm commitment. UNITAR reserves
to the right to make the final selection of participants.
Date and Venue
The workshops will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on the following dates:
1) Effective Negotiation in Multilateral Conferences, 26-27 October 2009
Monday, 26 October 2009, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and
Tuesday, 27 October 2009, 9.30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Conference Room tbd)
2) Managing Conferences and Chairing Negotiations, 28 October 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Conference Room tbd)
Registration
Members of the Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations in New York who wish to
participate in one of the workshops are requested to complete the attached nomination form and
return it before Monday 19 October 2009 to the address below. Confirmations will be sent at least five
days prior to the course by email to the address provided on the nomination form. Please refer to Ms.
Tamar Kherlopian (contact as below) should you have any questions with regards to the workshops.
UNITAR
Attn.: Ms. Tamar Kherlopian
One United Nations Plaza, Suite DC1-603
New York, NY 10017-3515
Phone: (212) 963-3021 or 9196
Fax: (212) 963-9686 or 0995
Email: tamar@unitarny.org
www.unitar.org
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