Professional Certificate in Science Policy and Diplomatic Practice

The Professional Certificate in Science Policy and Diplomatic Practice will be taught entirely online with both synchronous and asynchronous components. The programme blends the expertise of the existing UArizona Science Policy and Diplomacy course with two high-level modules delivered by UNITAR. The UNITAR modules offer interdisciplinary lessons which concentrate on concepts and practical tools for application in diplomatic realms following the completion of the certificate. The programme utilizes lectures, case studies, interactive sessions, groupwork, and discussions to identify best practices in each subject. The three modules will focus on the following topics:

Module 1: Science Policy and Diplomacy
Module 2: Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Module 3: Diplomatic Communication

This programme bridges the gap between scientific expertise and international decision-making, equipping participants with:

Sciency technical point here, as in iSeek pls
Practical skills in diplomacy and negotiation
Tools for engaging in multilateral cooperation to support international environmental governance
Insights on where science, policy, and global affairs intersect.

Offering this certificate via e-Learning provides the participants with the flexibility to engage in self-paced learning, enabling them to absorb content at their own pace and according to their individual schedules. The online format also allows for the integration of interactive components, such as discussion forums and breakout rooms, that foster peer-to-peer exchange and applied learning. Importantly, the virtual delivery is particularly well-suited for this programme, as the participants are working professionals who may not be able to commit to extended in-person sessions. E-Learning allows them to build knowledge and competencies in a more accessible, time-efficient manner.

Students must receive a passing grade for each respective module to be awarded a Professional Certificate in Science Policy and Diplomatic Practice, jointly awarded by UNITAR and the University of Arizona.

Target Audience

The audience for the Online Professional Certificate in Science Policy and Diplomatic Practice are scientists, engineers, and health professionals intending to join the policy and diplomacy realm. It can also be a first step for policy makers and diplomats who are interested in focusing on science related issues such environmental, water, health, climate, energy and food.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this programme, participants should be able to:

Explain the role of science diplomacy and policy in international relations, including the methods and practices employed by organizations and governments for negotiations, conflict mediation and resolution, and the dissemination of information;
Compare/contrast approaches to science diplomacy and policy, with a focus on how a given approach considers public health, global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
Formulate research-informed questions related to science diplomacy and policy that increase awareness of global issues and elicit conversations that drive toward sustainable solutions;
Develop a science-based solution to a science-based diplomacy issue.