The United Nations System and International Organizations #251104

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the historical origins and theoretical underpinnings of the modern system of international organizations, with a focus on the United Nations.

• Map the complex structure of the UN system, including its six principal organs, specialized agencies, funds, and programs.

• Evaluate the roles and functions of key international organizations in maintaining peace and security, promoting development, protecting human rights, and formulating international law.

• Assess the interactions between the UN, regional organizations (e.g., AU, EU, ASEAN), and non-state actors (NGOs, civil society, private sector).

• Critically examine the major challenges facing international organizations, including issues of legitimacy, reform, funding, and power politics.

• Formulate informed perspectives on the future of multilateralism in addressing global crises.

This course is designed for individuals seeking to understand or work within the framework of global governance:

• Diplomats and Foreign Service Officers

• Government Officials from ministries of foreign affairs, international cooperation, and defense

• Staff of International Organizations (UN, AU, EU, World Bank, IMF, etc.)

• NGO Professionals and Humanitarian Workers

• Journalists covering international affairs

• Academics and Students of International Relations, Political Science, Law, and Development Studies

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public Affairs Managers in multinational corporations

• Anyone with a keen interest in global issues and international cooperation

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a binder containing a copy of the presentation
• slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Day 1: Foundations of Global Governance

• Morning Session: The Evolution of International Cooperation

  • From the Concert of Europe to the League of Nations: Historical Precedents.

  • The Founding of the United Nations: The San Francisco Conference and the UN Charter.

  • Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism in IO.

• Afternoon Session: The UN Charter and Fundamental Principles

  • Purposes and Principles of the UN.

  • Sovereignty vs. Intervention: The Principle of Non-Intervention and R2P (Responsibility to Protect).

  • Case Study: Analyze the tension between sovereignty and human rights in a specific crisis.

Day 2: The Core United Nations: Principal Organs

• Morning Session: The Security Council and Peace & Security

  • Composition, Voting Procedures, and the Veto Power.

  • Tools: Peacekeeping, Sanctions, and Authorizing the Use of Force.

  • The Challenges of SC Reform and Deadlock.

• Afternoon Session: The General Assembly and ECOSOC

  • The UN’s Main Deliberative Body: Resolutions and Budgetary Power.

  • The Economic and Social Council: Coordinating Development and Humanitarian Work.

  • Simulation: Participate in a mock General Assembly debate on a current global issue.

Day 3: The Extended UN Family: Agencies, Programs, and Law

• Morning Session: Specialized Agencies and Funds

  • The Bretton Woods Institutions: The World Bank and IMF.

  • Humanitarian and Development Actors: UNICEF, UNDP, WFP, UNHCR.

  • Technical Agencies: WHO, UNESCO, ILO, FAO.

• Afternoon Session: International Law and Justice

  • The Role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) and other tribunals.

  • Treaty-making and the codification of international law.

Day 4: The UN in Action: Partners and Critical Issues

• Morning Session: Working with Partners

  • Regional Organizations: The AU, EU, ASEAN, OAS, and their collaboration with the UN.

  • The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society.

• Afternoon Session: Addressing 21st Century Challenges

  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Framework for Global Development.

  • Climate Change: The UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

  • Workshop: Develop a project proposal for a UN fund addressing a specific SDG.

Day 5: Critical Perspectives and the Future of Multilateralism

• Morning Session: Reform and Challenges

  • Critiques of the UN System: Bureaucracy, Inefficiency, and Democratic Deficits.

  • The Funding Crisis and Financial Dependence.

  • Power Politics: The Influence of P5 and Major Donors.

• Afternoon Session: Capstone and the Path Forward

  • Capstone Exercise: In groups, develop a reform proposal for a specific aspect of the UN system and present it to a panel.

  • The Future of Multilateralism: Navigating Great Power Competition, Nationalism, and New Technologies.

  • Final Debate: Is the UN system still fit for purpose in the 21st century?

  • Course Recap and Conclusion.