Multilateral Diplomacy

Multilateral diplomatic representation is the second of the key functions of the mission in Nairobi. The mission is accredited to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat), two entities of the United Nations which are headquartered in Nairobi.

Malawi's High Commissioner to Kenya is accredited as Malawi's Permanent Representative (PR) to UNEP and UN Habitat.  The PR is assisted in this task by other officers of the mission, usually designated Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) or Assistant Permanent Representative (APR).

In general, the mission undertakes four key functions regarding UNEP and UN Habitat. Representation, ensuring that Malawi's membership of the two bodies is manifest, that Malawi sits at the table!; negotiation, ensuring, reassuring and securing Malawi’s environmental, urbanisation and human settlements interests in UNEP and UN Habitat, respectively, within the context of national policies and priorities; liaison, facilitation and coordination of linkages and relationships between Malawi Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and UNEP and UN Habitat; and lastly monitoring and reporting, in general, on developments  around environmental, urbanisation and human settlements issues, and on UNEP and UN Habitat, in particular.