The 49th UNCTAD Regional Course for the region of Eastern Europe concluded in the Republic of North Macedonia with resounding success, equipping participants with the newest knowledge and tools in economic policymaking, which are primarily based on the expertise and policy analysis work of the UNCTAD secretariat.
The two-week intensive programme, organized by the Division on Technology and Logistics, UNCTAD,focused on enhancing participants' understanding of economic development, trade policies, investment strategies, science, technologyand innovation (STI), and sustainable development goals.
The P166 programme, established by UNCTAD member States at the tenth session of the UNCTAD Ministerial Conference, provides a unique opportunity for mid-level government officials from developing countries to gain insights into the intricacies of global economic dynamics and their implications for emerging economies. With a rich blend of interactive workshops, expert lectures, and simulation exercises, the course provides a comprehensive platform for participants to bolster their capabilities and foster international cooperation.
Participants from various countries lauded the 49th UNCTAD Regional Course for its relevance and practicality in addressing real-world challenges.
"I think this course provides huge opportunity for public sector employees to learn a lot about different dynamics of international trade, FDI, SMEs, and etc. and later on implement their learnings in their work."
Majid Mirzayev
Digital economy specialist
Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan
"I believe that the course is very useful not only in terms of obtaining the necessary knowledge, but also in terms of exchanging experience with foreign colleagues, it is also a great opportunity to communicate with experts and get their professional opinion."
Yana Vasilenka
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
The course delved into three modules and covered a diverse array of topics, ranging from trade facilitation, enterprise development to STI and digital economy.
Participants from eight countries in the region, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, engaged in robust discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, enriching their understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the ever-evolving global trade landscape.
The course underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among nations, fostering an environment of mutual learning and growth, especially in the current context of global economic challenges and regional conflicts.
The UNCTAD secretariat is pleased to announce that the next regional course on key issues on the international economic agenda, which is designed for countries of Eastern Europe, will be hosted by the Faculty of Economics, Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia. The course will be held from 3 to 14 July 2023.
The course will focus on the links between trade, investment, finance and development, including in the context of international trade negotiations. Its aims are as follows:
- To enhance understanding of the relationship between these areas and their link to country development strategies;
- To provide participants with knowledge and skills that will prepare them for trade negotiations, as well as to design and implement trade and development policies. These tools are designed to meet the needs and interests of their countries.
The syllabus will draw on the perspective of UNCTAD, its analytical work and lessons learned from its technical cooperation activities and will be enriched by the competence and expertise of representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Experts from North Macedonia will share national experiences in promoting and managing trade, investment, finance and development, among other topics.
The course is aimed primarily at mid-level government officers in ministries and institutions dealing with trade, investment, finance, technology and development issues who are involved in the formulation and implementation of national trade and development policies. Depending on the availability of places, other applicants, such as university academics, may be considered.
The course will be given in English.
In the interest of efficiency, the application process is divided into two parts. First, UNCTAD member States from countries of Eastern Europe are invited to present, by 18 April 2023, the names and email addresses of qualified candidates to the secretariat through their permanent missions in Geneva. Second, these candidates will be contacted by the secretariat to complete an application online; the application process must be completed by 25 April 2023. It is therefore advisable that this information be submitted as soon as possible. Member States of successful candidates will be notified of the decision of UNCTAD following the selection committee meeting to be held on 2 May 2023.
Member States are encouraged to nominate more than one candidate per country. The selection committee will take into consideration all applications, provided that the candidates meet the eligibility criteria.
