22 December 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – Eight Hiroshima Youth Ambassadors took their first steps as next-generation leaders aiming to abolish nuclear weapons and realize lasting peace as they completed the 2024 United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme. The Youth Ambassadors presented their action plans for peace at the closing ceremony, held on 22 December 2024 in Hiroshima City.

19 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – UNITAR successfully concluded the XXI Annual Steering Committee of the CIFAL Global Network, which took place from 10th to 12th December 2024 in Al Majmaah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Co organized by CIFAL Saudi Arabia and Majmaah University, the event brought together representatives from over 30 countries to review the network’s achievements in 2024 and outline priorities for 2025.

17 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - On the 9th December 2024, the launch of the “Expert in Human Rights Programme” took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This special event was attended by several local and international officials, most of whom are engaged in human rights issues.

During the 50th Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT) Working Groups and Plenary Meetings, UNITAR and UIAF presented the AML/CFT/CFP initiative to more than 100 delegates from 18 GAFILAT member states and observers. This innovative project holds the potential to serve as a model for other countries.

11 December 2024, Geneva, Switwerland - The Global Surgery Foundation and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) are pleased to announce the launch of "Navigating the Global Surgery Ecosystem", an educational series hosted on SURGhub. This series is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to engage effectively in the complex and evolving global surgery landscape. By addressing the unique challenges of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the series empowers participants to drive meaningful, lasting change in their local and global communities.

11 December 2024 – The 2024 Youth Ambassador Asia-Pacific Programme concluded on 30 November 2024 with participants showcasing their creative proposals for projects that address local issues and create global impact. Guided by UNITAR and partner ITS Education Asia, 26 young changemakers from Afghanistan, Hong Kong, India, Japan and the Philippines completed the 8-week training programme.

11 December 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – On 7 December 2024, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) hosted a high-level side event to the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) , focusing on transformative agricultural partnerships and innovative financial solutions.

9 December 2024, Doha, Qatar - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the ADN Group hosted the fourth edition of World Negotiation Day in a new location, Doha, Qatar, in partnership with Doha Forum. The event highlighted the crucial role of negotiation in addressing emerging challenges, while also exploring the impacts of power imbalances, shifting strategic dynamics, time constraints and cultural and communication barriers on bilateral negotiations.

6 December 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – On 27 November 2024, the online phase of the UNITAR “Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction” training programme was brought to a successful close. Over three months, participants from the Pacific Islands and Asia learned about climate and disaster resilience, risks management and challenges in the Asian and Pacific regions. Around 130 participants joined the closing webinar of the online training phase.

26 November 2024, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom – In partnership with the University of Surrey, UNITAR has launched CIFAL Surrey, the newest addition to the CIFAL Global Network. Hosted by the University of Surrey's Institute for Sustainability, CIFAL Surrey will focus on key areas such as Urban Governance and Planning, Economic Development, Social Inclusion, and Environmental Sustainability. The official launch event took place in Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.