DiploNews – Issue 145 – 1 September 2009
Upcoming Study Opportunities with Diplo
Workshops on Language and Influence and on Protocol and Etiquette
The workshops, Language and Influence and Business Protocol and Etiquette, organised by DiploFoundation, will be held consecutively in Malta between 5 and 10 October 2009. Based on a knowledge-sharing methodology, the workshops provide training in language and protocol skills, addressing both inter-personal and cross-cultural issues. The workshops are aimed at business executives and professionals in the private and public sector who wish to improve their social and interpersonal skills when dealing with people from different cultural backgrounds. Due to the practical, personal, hands-on nature of the workshops, only a limited number of participants will be accepted. Applicants may choose to attend one of the two workshops or both. Special rates apply for participants attending both workshops, early bird, or group bookings. Note the application deadline: 18 September 2009.
2010 Master / Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy
You are invited to apply for the popular Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy, offered through the University of Malta. This blended learning programme offers a valuable opportunity for diplomats and other international relations professionals to continue studies while remaining on the job. The application deadline is 15 October. For more information and to apply please see the course webpage.
Last Call for applications: Autumn Courses
You are invited to apply for the online course Development Diplomacy beginning the week of 12 October 2009. This course is available as Diplo Certificate Courses (application deadline 7 September). For further information or to apply visit our courses website.
Last Call for applications: Climate Change Diplomacy
This online course will equip participants to represent and promote the interests of their own countries in the global climate change policy process. In addition, the course will broaden participants’ general understanding of climate change and the global policy response to climate change. Full scholarship support is provided by the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to diplomats, civil servants, and academics from small and developing states involved in climate change policy processes and negotiations. Please see the Diplo Climate Change Diplomacy website for further information and to apply. We are now accepting applications for the course running from 28 September – 4 December 2009. The application deadline is September 7.
Signs of Improvement in US-UN Relations
Susan E. Rice, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, spoke regarding “A New Course in the World, a New Approach at the UN” in a speech at New York University on the 12th of August. The overall message of her speech was that the US needs the UN, on the one hand, to “promote Americas security interests” and, on the other hand, to support US efforts “to craft a better, safer world.” Ambassador Rice’s speech also included specific commitments and proposals. She addressed the issue of US arrears to the organisation and pointed out that the US will meet its current budget contributions as well as clear up past debts. Another central point was a call for a new generation of UN peacekeeping. “We need peacekeeping operations to be planned expertly, deployed quickly, budgeted realistically, equipped seriously, led ably, and ended responsibly.” Part of this strategy is a commitment to contribute “more US military staff officers, military observers, civilian police, and other civilian personnel to UN missions.” A full transcript of the speech can be accessed at the USUN Press Release site.
Green Economy: Seven Misconceptions about Alternative Energy
Discussions about climate change and ways to mitigate its effects are ubiquitous. Similarly, we have heard a lot about green technology and green jobs–not least in the context of tackling the economic crisis. But what do we actually know about alternative sources of energy, such as solar or wind energy? Can those sources of energy help us to replace oil or coal? Is nuclear energy an alternative? An article by Michael Grunwald in the recent issue of Foreign Policy sets out to explain "Seven Myths about Alternative Energy."
Subscribe to Diplo's News
