Report on the 1st Executive Seminar on International Order, Global Partnerships, and United Nations by Sharmayne Balram (Guyana)

The 1st Executive Seminar on International Order, Global Partnerships, and United Nations for International Diplomats hosted by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany provided a platform for our diverse group of mid-level career diplomats to enhance our awareness, exchange ideas, and develop a critical understanding of the importance of multilateralism - its challenges and prospects, governance and the role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security, promoting sustainable development and protecting human rights. It also explored the importance of global partnerships and multilateralism when navigating the geopolitical landscape to address global issues faced by the international community.

The Seminar highlighted Germany’s role as a policymaker at the regional and global levels. This has enhanced its standing in the global community and has contributed to its ability to influence policies in the multilateral system. The Seminar also facilitated participation in the Berlin Peace Dialogue 2023 and the Climate Security Conference, as well as interactions with parliamentarians, former Ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives of the German Chancellery, international organisations and non-governmental organisations. Participants were also able to visit government offices and United Nations organisations in Hamburg, Bonn and The Hague.

In a global economy marked by complexities and interdependence, the need for a strengthened global governance architecture and global partnerships is increasingly acute. The seminar underscored the importance and value of the United Nations in strengthening global governance and partnerships to address the challenges that transcend our borders, to create the framework for nations to effectively find global solutions to shared problems for a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.

The seminar further provided an opportunity for participants to deliberate and share with German policymakers, diplomats and experts the value of multilateralism in promoting the equal participation of small states and developing countries like ours in the rules-based international system, given the inherent challenges that disproportionately affect us. These discussions highlighted the continued constructive role Germany can play in supporting efforts of small states and developing countries in advancing multilateralism and inclusive global governance, and the strengthening and deepening of partnership with diplomatic partners and regional groupings.

For me, as a participant from Guyana, the seminar provided a platform to share perspectives and foster dialogue with other participants from Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and from Germany on areas of mutual interest and convergence with Guyana’s foreign policy priorities, which include climate and food security, achieving sustainable development and strengthening the role of the United Nations as the main global governance multilateral institution to address global challenges.

In conclusion, I would like to commend the structure, organisation and coordination of the Seminar and extend my sincere appreciation to the Programme Director and Coordinators.