Topic outline

  • Short Courses

    Short Courses for Geneva-based Diplomats - 2020 series


    The UNCTAD secretariat is pleased to announce another series of short courses in 2020 on key international economic issues for delegates from permanent missions to the United Nations Office at Geneva and the World Trade Organization.

    The aim of the courses is to give delegates from permanent missions an opportunity to become better acquainted with topical issues and developments in the international economic agenda as they are reflected in the work of UNCTAD. More detailed information on the content of individual courses may be found below.

    In the first semester, three courses will be provided at Palais des Nations - on 19 March, 23 April, and 08 May 2020 respectively. 

    • Postponed due to coronavirus. New date to be determined. Thursday 19 March 2020, 10 a.m. (Room XXVI) - Investing in the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Diplomats
    • Postponed due to coronavirus. Thursday 23 April 2020, 10 a.m. (Room XXVI) - New Instruments, Approaches and Frameworks in Trade Policy Towards Gender Equality and Women's Economic Empowerment
    • Postponed due to coronavirus. Friday 08 May 2020, 10 a.m. (Room XXVI) - Competition and consumer protection policies for inclusive and sustainable development

    • Thursday 23 April 2020, 10 a.m. (Room XXVI) - New Instruments, Approaches and Frameworks in Trade Policy Towards Gender Equality and Women's Economic Empowerment

      After briefly discussing the channels through which trade impacts women’s economic empowerment and well-being, and the channels through which gender inequality impacts trade performance and competitiveness, the session will walk participants through new instruments, approaches and frameworks in trade policy towards gender equality and women's economic empowerment, including the recent FTAs which contain trade and gender chapters; the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment; and ex-ante and ex-post gender evaluations of trade policy measures. It will also deal with the current backlash against international trade and will try to address its causes and the appropriateness of the responses.


      • Friday 08 May 2020, 10 a.m. (Room XXVI) - Competition and consumer protection policies for inclusive and sustainable development

        The short course will shed light on UNCTAD’s mandate and work in the areas of competition and consumer protection. Additionally, it will address the current challenges in these areas; the role of competition and consumer protection policies for inclusive and sustainable development and the linkages between these two policy areas and their contribution to 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.

        This edition will lead to increased knowledge amongst delegates on UNCTAD’s mandate and work on competition and consumer protection; familiarity with the UN Set on Competition and the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection; the challenges faced in these areas, especially by developing countries and how countries respond; and the relevance of competition and consumer protection to inclusive and sustainable development. Additionally, the edition will zoom on the contribution of competition and consumer protection to the SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth and SDG 10 on reduced inequalities.