The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in cooperation with UNESCWA, is organizing a training workshop for the diplomatic community based in Beirut entitled “Conference Diplomacy” from 21 to 23 June 2006 at the United Nations House, Riadh El Solh Square.

The workshop, which opens at 11:00 am on Wednesday, aims to familiarize participants with the underlying concepts and notions of Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiation especially that the nature and complexity of conferences and meetings often present considerable challenges for delegates to advance their national interests and draw maximum benefits from the exchange of information and cooperation which generally flow from such conferences.

The workshop will be opened by Ms. Mervat Tallawy, UNESCWA Executive Secretary, and Mr. Marcel A. Boisard, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR.

Participants in the workshop include diplomats from the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies of Bahrain, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine (in Jordan), Romania, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, as well as Fujairah Free Zone Authority in the United Arab Emirates.

The workshop will cover topics such as conflict and co-operation in international diplomacy, technical and practical foundations of multilateral conferences and negotiations, and rules of procedure. Other themes include cross-cultural communication, group decision-making, and the roles and functions of secretariats and chairmen.