The Joint EC-UNDP Task Force and International IDEA have currently developed Thematic Workshops in order to further knowledge sharing and learning in specific topic areas. In view of the more general trainings/conferences organized in the area of Effective Electoral Assistance, the need for knowledge sharing in specific areas, such as procurement, the use of ICTs in electoral processes, violence and conflict management, became apparent. The Thematic Workshops are developed within the Train4Dev initiative and in collaboration with International Organization for Migration (IOM), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Organization of American States (OAS) and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The curricula of two Thematic Workshops have been developed so far:  

• The Use of ICTs in Electoral Processes (first oganized in Brussels 30 November - 2 Decembre 2009)
• Elections, Violence and Conflict Prevention (first organized in Barcelona 22-26 March 2010)

The main objectives of the Thematic Workshops are to generate and share knowledge, lessons learned and best practices in specialized topic areas in order to enhance electoral assistance in these areas. The Thematic Workshops target EU/EC and UN/UNDP staff at HQ and field levels, staff of regional/international organizations and partner agencies, members of Electoral Management Bodies, NGOs, practitioners and the academic community. The workshops are delivered by members of the Joint EC-UNDP Task Force on Electoral Assistance and  staff of International IDEA as well as senior electoral experts with extensive headquarter and field experiences of our collaborating partners at IOM, CIDA and OAS.

The Thematic Workshops will later be customized to eLearning Courses. You can read more about eLearning Courses at the JTF eLearning Portal: www.elearning-ec-undp-electoralassistance.org