March 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR is pleased to partner with the York University to establish the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) within the premises of the University in Toronto, Canada.
As one of the 20 training centres for government authorities around the world established by UNITAR and its partners, “CIFAL York” will provide a range of learning opportunities and facilitate knowledge sharing between public servants and leaders of the Western Hemisphere to strengthening their capacities, improving the decision-making process and encouraging sustainable development. The capacity development activities of the Centre will focus on diversity and inclusion, health, entrepreneurship and economic development, and in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals in academic institutions.
Created in 1959, York is Canada's third largest university – with over 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 11 faculties - and is a global leader in interdisciplinary teaching and research committed to the public good. York hosts 25 innovative and collaborative research centres, with strengths in vision and space sciences, history and refugee studies, health, the environment, climate change, sustainability and digital media. York University has established its reputation worldwide with 280 international partnerships and nearly 9,000 international students from178 countries.
York University’s outsized reputation made it an obvious choice when UNITAR, started thinking of partnering with an academic institution in Canada to share knowledge and best practices. Academic institutions as one of UNITAR’s most indispensable allies, without whom we cannot hope to achieve the 2030 Agenda”, highlighted Mr. Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR.
“Governments and citizens are faced by a series of challenges – from the climate crisis to inequality to rapid technological change – that are beyond the ability of any single actor to address. Universities have a crucial role to play in bringing governments and the international community together with experts and educators to develop solutions and train a new generation of global leaders,” said Rhonda L. Lenton, President & Vice-Chancellor of York University. “We are proud to host CIFAL York as part of our commitment to building a more sustainable, just and prosperous world.”