The provision of health services is crucial yet can be immensely challenging in times of humanitarian emergencies and crises, which can significantly disrupt the ability of those affected to receive healthcare and result in volatile conditions for medical personnel. The need for care substantially increases, while simultaneously infrastructures weaken and often, when unprepared, these settings additionally face a severe lack of protection for healthcare workers and health facilities. This dire situation not only endangers the lives of patients but also puts healthcare providers at grave risk, hampering their ability to deliver essential services. In such circumstances, healthcare workers often find themselves working in unsafe environments, without proper access to medical supplies, and facing the constant threat of violence or harm. This not only exacerbates the suffering of the affected populations but also deters skilled medical professionals from volunteering or continuing their crucial work in these areas, further deepening the healthcare crisis during humanitarian emergencies and crises. To this end, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Faculty of Law of the University of Groningen Business School (UGBS) have launched a new online Executive Programme on Health Protection, Humanitarian Settings, and International Law.

This Executive Programme offers a roadmap for healthcare provision in emergency settings, equipping participants with the tools needed to navigate challenging emergency situations and the knowledge to better understand the protective international laws in place in such settings.

• Course Fee: 2,450 USD
• Language: English 
• Registration dates:  October - March 2024 
• Programme Dates: 15 April 2024 ­- 14 June 2024 
• To Apply: Please contact UGBS Programme Manager Ms. Selma Bakker at: s.m.bakker@rug.nl 

          *Online applications will open soon

This Executive Programme is open to anyone looking to broaden their knowledge of, and develop their skills in, health protection in humanitarian crisis settings, including, but not limited to:

• Professionals working in the medical, healthcare, science, public health, and related fields who are interested in healthcare and crisis settings; 
• Legal professionals working at the intersect of the legal profession and healthcare provision;  

• Personnel from non-governmental organizations, diplomats, government officials interested in developing their knowledge of policy and development as related to public health, crisis settings, and international law; 
• Students and professionals interested in global health, crisis settings, international health law, as well as other related areas such as policy development, diplomacy, security, economics, and climate change. 

The Programme is comprised of 6 modules given by experts covering Global Health Law, International Humanitarian Law, health protection in humanitarian crises, post-crisis recovery and development policies, mental health considerations and care in crisis settings, and local participation in healthcare planning and provision. 

Trainings provided by UNITAR focus on participants learning through practical examples and assignments related to research or case scenarios. Participants of the Online Executive Programme will undertake skill development workshops such as public speaking, negotiation, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cultural sensitivities as part of the course.

This new online Executive Programme offers a rigorous and innovative opportunity for professionals to gain specialist knowledge of the particularities of health provision in global humanitarian settings. The programme explores both theoretical and practical perspectives, adopting the interdisciplinary approaches necessary for a holistic comprehension of the issues at hand. Participants will benefit from UNITAR’s unique training expertise and pool of international experts, combined with the extensive experience of UGBS’ Faculty of Law.  

By the end of this Executive Programme, participants will be able to:

• Identify international legal frameworks and treaties pertinent to the domain of international health law.
• Recognize international laws related to the provision of healthcare in humanitarian settings;
• Explain policy approaches related to humanitarian medicine post-crisis and in development settings;
• Analyse environmental, societal, and ethical impact of political decisions;
• Examine the current global context and challenges healthcare workers and medical institutions face;
• Identify tensions, differences and conflicts in international contexts;
• Apply new understanding of healthcare and crisis settings in practice.

Fees: The fee for the Online Executive Programme is $2,450.

To Apply: please contact UGBS Programme Manager Ms. Selma Bakker at: s.m.bakker@rug.nl

Online applications will open soon

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has been training diplomats and other key actors in the multilateral system to strengthen their capacities and knowledge in the practice of diplomacy and enabling positive change for 60 years. As the training arm of the United Nations, UNITAR provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations, and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.

Participants who choose UNITAR receive world-class training, and the opportunity to expand the reach of their global networks and increase their career prospects, all whilst learning from practitioners and fellow participants from different cultures and worldviews. Over the past 60 years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both the public and private sectors. With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

University of Groningen Business School (UGBS)  is part of the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and belongs to the 1% of business schools worldwide with both EQUIS and AACSB accreditations. UGBS aims to support management-level professionals in further developing themselves as change leaders. Its’ work is based on a firm conviction that scientific insights are valuable at every stage of a professional career and focuses on both personal growth and professional performance. Learn more at: https://www.rug.nl/business-school/. 

For more information about this Executive Programme, please contact UGBS Programme Manager Selma Bakker: 

 +31 (0) 6 282 16 256  

s.m.bakker@rug.nl