Executive Diploma Economics, Energy and Development Diplomacy
In a world shaped by geopolitical instability, climate urgency and energy transformation, the ability to design, negotiate and implement sustainable development policies has become a strategic necessity.
The Executive Diploma in Economics, Energy and Development Diplomacy, jointly delivered by Université Paris-Saclay and United Nations Institute for Training and Research - UNITAR, prepares high-level professionals to operate at the intersection of economics, diplomacy and global governance.
Designed for diplomats, civil servants, international organization staff and senior professionals seeking greater impact, this programme combines academic excellence with operational diplomatic expertise. It equips participants with the analytical tools, negotiation skills and strategic vision required to lead in complex multilateral environments and actively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designing and negotiating sustainable development policies in a changing world
Language of instruction : Taught entirely in English
Partner institutions
Université Paris-Saclay
United Nations Institute for Training and Research - UNITAR
Chair of Economics and Law of Resources, Institutions and Societies - CEDRIS
Degree awarded
Joint University Diploma
Master’s Level – Bac+5 Equivalent
Download the Brochure
What makes this programme unique ?
This Executive Diploma offers a rigorous and forward-looking approach to sustainable development diplomacy.
By combining economic analysis, energy governance, geopolitics and multilateral negotiation, the programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges shaping international decision-making today. Participants deepen their understanding of sustainable development while strengthening their capacity to design, negotiate and implement policies in multilateral and institutional contexts.
The programme is delivered through the combined expertise of:
- Université Paris-Saclay, a leading international research university recognized for academic excellence and interdisciplinary innovation.
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research - UNITAR, the official training institute of the United Nations, specialized in multilateral diplomacy and global governance.
- The Chair of Economics and Law of Resources, Institutions and Societies - CEDRIS, contributing advanced research and policy-oriented expertise in energy, resources and institutional governance.
This institutional partnership ensures a learning experience grounded in academic excellence, policy relevance and diplomatic practice. Throughout the programme, participants enhance their analytical capabilities, refine their negotiation skills and develop the strategic perspective required to contribute confidently to international governance processes.
The result is a high-level university diploma that supports professional growth and prepares participants to assume increased responsibilities within international organizations, public institutions and global enterprises.
Immersion Weeks : Paris and Geneva
The two immersion weeks constitute a defining dimension of the Executive Diploma. Designed as high-level institutional experiences, they provide participants with direct exposure to international organizations and multilateral environments.
These immersive components complement the academic curriculum by strengthening institutional understanding, professional engagement and applied diplomatic practice.
Paris Immersion Week
Organized over three days, the Paris Immersion Week offers participants an in-depth introduction to diplomatic and international institutional environments in France.
The programme includes:
- Academic sessions dedicated to the functioning of the United Nations system
- Expert lectures delivered by representatives of international organizations
- Workshops on decision-making and consensus-building in multilateral contexts
- A dedicated workshop on career pathways within the United Nations system
- Institutional visits, including UNESCO and relevant diplomatic bodies
This immersion fosters a deeper understanding of diplomatic practice within European and multilateral frameworks while encouraging direct dialogue with experienced professionals.
Geneva Immersion Week
The Geneva Immersion Week provides participants with structured exposure to the United Nations ecosystem and its specialized agencies.
The programme includes:
- A guided visit of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
- Expert briefings from institutions such as WHO, ILO and UNHCR
- Leadership workshops focused on multilateral engagement
- Sessions on diplomatic protocol and international procedures
- A formal closing ceremony and certificate award
This immersion strengthens participants’ familiarity with the operational realities of international organizations and enhances their confidence within multilateral settings.
Programme content
The Executive Diploma follows a structured and progressive curriculum that integrates economic analysis, energy governance and diplomatic practice.
The programme comprises 16 modules articulated around two complementary academic pillars, ensuring both conceptual rigor and practical application.
Together, these modules provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of international policy environments and the institutional dynamics shaping sustainable development. The curriculum is aligned with selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting its strong connection to the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Université Paris-Saclay Modules
11 modules • 85 hours
Module 1 Introduction to Econometrics and Data Analysis
Module 2 Development Theory and Policy (North/South)
Module 3 Energy Economics
Module 4 Climate Change and Development
Module 5 Geopolitical Analysis of Conflicts in Environmental and Development Studies
Module 6 Energy Transition, Climate and Territories
Mdoule 7 Theoretical and Practical Issues in Natural Resource Management
Mdoule 8 Corruption and Security
Module 9 Geopolitics of Natural Resources and Energy Security
Module 10 Climate Justice and Energy Inequalities
Module 11 The United Nations System: Functioning and Missions
UNITAR Modules
5 modules • 40 hours
Module 12 Techniques of Negotiation and Conference Diplomacy for Sustainable Development
Module 13 Public Speaking and Media Relations
Module 14 Diplomatic Report Writing for Sustainable Development
Module 15 Diplomacy in a VUCA World (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity)
Module 16 Artificial Intelligence and Diplomacy
The Executive Diploma aims to provide participants with a comprehensive and structured understanding of the economic, geopolitical and institutional dimensions of sustainable development.
The programme is designed to:
- Develop a solid foundation in economic analysis applied to public policy and sustainable development
- Strengthen understanding of global governance mechanisms and the functioning of the United Nations system
- Enhance the capacity to analyse geopolitical dynamics related to energy, climate and natural resources
- Build advanced competencies in multilateral negotiation and diplomatic practice
- Integrate scientific, technological and environmental considerations into policy decision-making
- Foster strategic thinking in complex international environments
Through this academic framework, participants acquire the analytical perspective and professional readiness required to contribute effectively to international institutions and policy processes.
Throughout the programme, participants develop a set of advanced analytical, strategic and diplomatic competencies aligned with the requirements of international institutions.
The Executive Diploma enables participants to:
- Conduct economic and policy analysis using quantitative and qualitative tools
- Interpret data and assess public policy instruments in sustainable development contexts
- Analyse geopolitical dynamics related to energy, climate and natural resources
- Apply multilateral negotiation techniques in structured diplomatic settings
- Draft diplomatic documents and policy briefs in accordance with international standards
- Communicate effectively in institutional and intercultural environments
- Integrate environmental, technological and governance considerations into strategic decision-making
These competencies strengthen participants’ ability to operate confidently within multilateral, public and international professional environments.
This Executive Diploma is designed for professionals and graduates seeking to strengthen their expertise in economic and development diplomacy within international contexts.
The programme is intended for:
- Diplomats and civil servants working in national or international institutions
- Staff members of international organizations (United Nations, European Union, World Bank, and related agencies)
- Professionals in NGOs, think tanks and policy advisory institutions
- Consultants and managers involved in sustainability, ESG and governance issues
- Recent graduates (Bachelor +4 or equivalent) in economics, law, international relations, political science, energy or environmental studies
The diploma is particularly suited to individuals aspiring to assume responsibilities in multilateral environments and to contribute actively to international governance and sustainable development processes.
The Executive Diploma is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Each module contributes to one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring strong coherence with contemporary international policy priorities.
The programme particularly engages with the following SDGs:
- SDG 1 – No Poverty
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Through this alignment, the programme reinforces its contribution to sustainable governance, climate diplomacy, energy transition and multilateral cooperation.
Prerequisites
The Executive Diploma is designed for candidates with a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in international governance, sustainable development and diplomacy.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree (minimum four years of higher education – Bac+4 or equivalent)
or - A Bachelor’s degree (Bac+3 or equivalent) combined with significant professional experience
As the programme is delivered entirely in English, a strong command of English is required.
Application Procedures
Applications are reviewed on the basis of a complete file. Candidates are invited to submit:
- Application based on a file (CV, cover letter, professional project)
- Submission by email before the specified deadline
- Selection based on application review and interview if required
Applications are assessed by the academic committee. An interview may be conducted when necessary to evaluate the candidate’s profile and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Career Perspectives
Graduates of the Executive Diploma are prepared to contribute to decision-making processes within international and multilateral environments.
The programme supports professional development in areas such as:
- International organizations and United Nations agencies
- National ministries and diplomatic services
- International NGOs and policy institutions
- Sustainability, energy and climate governance roles
- Strategic advisory and global policy analysis
By strengthening analytical capacity, diplomatic expertise and institutional understanding, the diploma enhances participants’ positioning within international career pathways.
Applications are now open for the next cohort.
Contacts
Administrative contact for managing registrations
du.diplomacy@universite-paris-saclay.fr
Contact regarding accessibility for people with disabilities
handicap.cfadftlv@universite-paris-saclay.fr
Educational contacts who can provide information about the program
Stéphane Goutte : stephane.goutte@uvsq.fr