United Nations and Multilateral Diplomacy: Theory and Practice 

• To provide a safe learning environment for all participants in which they can develop and optimize their knowledge and skills relevant to multilateral diplomacy.
• To promote awareness of international affairs by offering a balanced, nuanced and holistic perspective.
• To promote societal engagement by providing a framework for discussion and debate on international issues.
• To apply theoretical insights from International Economics, International Law and International Relations to the practice of multilateral diplomacy

Upon completion of the course, participants will have

• acquired sound knowledge of the United Nations, including its establishment, organs, activities, as well as the behaviour of its member states.
• acquired sound knowledge of the relevant academic fields by studying how the UN operates, in particular regarding international politics, international economics, international law and development studies.
• developed expert knowledge of specific international policy issues to be discussed during HNMUN [C1]in their respective committees.
• acquired the ability to speak confidently and persuasively in public. Students will be able to use their body and voice persuasively, be able to present issues in a clear, structured, and concise way and deliver speeches in a rhetorically skilful manner.
• developed the ability to debate at a high conceptual level at all times. Participants should be able to analyse arguments carefully, be able to respond effectively to opponents' arguments, and be able to frame debates to their advantage.
• acquired negotiation and lobbying skills that enable them to communicate effectively and function cooperatively in order to find constructive solutions to a variety of complex issues. In addition, they will be able to interpret such outcomes from the perspectives of the relevant academic disciplines.
• acquired the ability to reflect critically on their own performance and that of others by knowing how to deliver and receive constructive feedback.
• acquired the ability to cooperate effectively with other participants in the course.

The course has been designed with a specific vision in mind. The United Netherlands (an internationally-oriented, student-run organization) was established by students to create an opportunity to combine theory and practice concerning international affairs. The course is essentially a derivative, logical result of this ambition. The course is also the logical result of the Mission Statement of United Netherlands. Hence, the course aims to combine scholarly knowledge with personal growth and serves as a means to meet the goal of creating 'a platform where talented, motivated and ambitious young people challenge each other to develop their full potential as global citizens'. Thus, the course integrates academic knowledge and negotiating skills; it facilitates and encourages the academic development of participants in international relations and multilateral diplomacy. Specific attributes that will be addressed during the course are the ability to reflect upon one's own performance and that of others; the development of a critical approach to international affairs, and problem-solving skills to find solutions for delicate global challenges.

Please note: the maximum number of participants is 34. Selection is based in part on an interview.