With only 15% of SDG targets being met and the 2030 Agenda deadline fast approaching, UN leaders face the critical task of advancing sustainable development amidst financial uncertainty, geopolitical complexities, and a host of interlinked crises.

Our five-day flagship programme equips UN leaders with crucial skills to enhance the UN’s value proposition while strengthening trust and mutual respect within the UN Country Team.

Introduction

This United Nations Country Team (UNCT) executive programme hones in on critical areas for UN leaders, namely leveraging the UN Country Team’s comparative advantage, mastering strategic communications, effective negotiation and collaboration, and agile leadership.

Notably, the programme integrates experiential learning, emphasizing teamwork and shared aspiration—the foundations of UNCT success. Participants also benefit from high-impact, personalized media training as part of the course.

Objectives

The UN Country Team Leadership Course has the following objectives:

Knowledge: Equip senior UN Country Team members with the latest updates on UNDS Repositioning, UN Financing, and the 2030 Agenda to enhance their knowledge and enable effective contributions toward sustainable development outcomes.

Skills: Enhance the leadership, negotiation and communication skills of senior UN Country Team members to strengthen both individual and collective capacities within the UNCT for delivering sustainable development results.

Network: Facilitate meaningful peer exchanges regarding the opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainable development objectives at the country level, while expanding participants’ network of experts and leaders across the UN.

Course methodology

During the programme, participants will engage in a blend of lectures and real-life simulations to deepen insights into current UN policy directions and sustainable development trends. Moreover, they will acquire practical skills to seamlessly integrate organizational mandates and national priorities within their UNCT, driving effective progress toward sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda.

UN leaders will undergo targeted training in agile leadership, negotiation techniques, and communication. Tailored peer learning activities unpack political and implementation challenges in complex country contexts, while building participant‘s interagency networks worldwide.

Course contents

Sustainable development vision and principles; the challenges and opportunities of repositioning the UN development system; UNDS reform; UN financing; improving political acumen and leadership skills; strengthening strategic communication and negotiation skills.

Target audience

UN resident coordinators (RC) and RC candidates, country directors and Representatives of UN agencies, funds, and programme

Cost of participation

The course fee of $5,500 covers the following:

  • five days of training, including coffee breaks.
  •  a full day professional media training to handle various kinds of interviews and press conferences effectively.
  • exclusive access to UNSSC's online social learning environment with training and supporting background materials, and the opportunity to stay connected with colleagues.
  • all course materials, resources and contacts.

Participants are expected to cover all travel and lodging costs related to their attendance in the course.