As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, we are facing a myriad of global challenges from pandemics and proxy wars to climate change and humanitarian disasters--all of which require cross-border, multilateral solutions. What makes for a successful multilateral negotiation? What role do diplomats play, and what are their responsibilities? How has diplomacy changed during the pandemic? Seasoned negotiators and authors Rebecca Webber Gaudiosi of the US, Jimena Leiva-Roesch of Guatemala, and Ye-Min Wu of Singapore will walk us through their lessons learned in a webinar on November 10th.

In addition to the webinar, WFPG members can apply for a small, interactive negotiations workshop and simulation. This competitive program is designed to give current and aspiring diplomats practical experience in how multilateral negotiations work. Preference will be given to young professionals, graduate students, and mid-career members interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy and/or multilateral negotiations. Applications are open to current WFPG members, as well as Robertson Foundation for Government Fellows and Fellowship Alumna.

There is no fee to participate, but participants MUST commit to attend and actively participate in both of the following sessions:

Part I: Webinar and Breakout Session | November 10th, 1:00 to 2:00 PM ET
Part II: Negotiations Simulation | November 17th, 1:00 to 2:15 PM ET

APPLY

Applications must be received no later than October 28th and early applications are encouraged. Applicants will be notified whether or not they were accepted before November 1st.

Not a member? Learn more and join the WFPG!

This program is offered with the support of the Robertson Foundation for Government.

The speakers co-authored Negotiating at the United Nations (Routledge, 2019) after negotiating together at the UN for years. They teach courses and workshops based on their book and experiences. Read their recent blog post on virtual diplomacy here. All three are participating in their personal capacities.

A scientist turned diplomat, Dr. Rebecca E. Webber Gaudiosi represented the United States at the UN from 2006 to 2014. She was responsible for US engagement with over twenty-five environment-related multilateral organizations and agreements and also led on sustainable development issues at the UN General Assembly, including Rio+20. Dr. Gaudiosi has also worked with several UN specialized agencies and on bilateral environment and science issues.

From 2009 to 2015, Jimena Leiva-Roesch was at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the UN in New York. She was the lead negotiator on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), playing a key role in defining the SDGs. She was also part of Guatemala's Security Council team from 2012-13, when her country served as a non-permanent Council member. Ms. Leiva-Roesch is currently a Senior Fellow with the International Peace Institute where she leads a global study on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Ye-Min Wu has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore for over a decade. While at the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the UN in New York, she chaired UN negotiations and represented the Group of 77 and China in negotiations on sustainable development issues. She was also involved in climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC. Ms. Wu is currently Singapore’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization.