Governments around the world have been at the forefront in the fight against global crises, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the disruptive nature of the COVID-19 crisis has exposed a deeper level of vulnerability in our communities, by creating unprecedented socio-economic and cultural implications. During the crisis, public servants have been faced with the unparalleled urgency to formulate new ways of thinking, adapt to new realities and prepare for the unknown future.

Due to this urgent need to support Government officials, UNITAR’s Division for People and Social Inclusion is launching its new course on Monday the 2nd of November 2020, entitled: ‘Crisis Management for Public Officials: The Skills Necessary to Effectively Manage a Crisis and Continually Deliver to the People you Serve’ (also known as: ‘Crisis Management for Public Officials: Basic Skills’).

1 October 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR Division for People and Social Inclusion launched ‘Coming Up Next’, a new UNITAR learning podcast, on 1st October. Coming Up Next, in collaboration with the CIFAL Global Network, and the Global Challenges Forum Foundation, is part of the 1M2030 youth initiative. The learning podcast focuses on providing a platform to celebrate and further encourage global youth leadership in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

September 2020 - UN CC:Learn is celebrating the issuance of its 100,000th certificate of course completion. It is a remarkable milestone in its mission to improve climate literacy around the world. But we do not want this achievement to be forgotten in a couple of weeks or months. We want the occasion to be remembered and to have lasting, meaningful impact. That is why we are issuing all UN CC:Learn alumni with the: 100,000 STORIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION CHALLENGE.

28 July 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for People and Awareness Ties have recently signed a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The two partners will work together in the framework of UNITAR’s 1M2030 Initiative (One Million Youth Leaders Beyond 2030).

17 July 2020, Baku, Azerbaijan - The Programme on “Capacity Building in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Industry” was created by UNITAR’s Division for People and its Nigeria Project Office, in partnership with Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), and with the support of the Nigerian Government. The project, launched in 2019, brought 7 young Nigerian students to Baku, Azerbaijan, to pursue Bachelor’s degrees in a 4-year programme at BHOS.

July 2020 - In an interview, Mr. Nikhil Seth, the Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), discusses how education and learning can underpin a green economic recovery from COVID-19—as one that cuts CO2 emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and promotes sustainable economic activities to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

15 July 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) and Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed within the context of UNITAR’s Global Surgery Initiative and the development of the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF).

Join UNITAR’s online certificate on essential professional skills starting 15 September covering approximately 48 hours of online training up until 29 October. The certificate will consist of a series of e-workshops targeted to working professionals and individuals seeking to improve their professional skills.

29 June 2020, Geneva, Switzerland, The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) - Division for People and Barbara Harrison Media Inc. (BHM) have joined forces to produce podcast episodes dedicated to cover a wide variety of topics that both entertain and educate young listeners on sustainable development related topics.

17 June 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - As a first step to future cooperation, UNITAR and the International Ocean Institute (IOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The two institutions formally agreed to seek mutually beneficial cooperation to fulfil their respective missions.