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30 October 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the CIFAL Global Network successfully concluded the Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development Training Programme for Senior Officials, co-developed by UNITAR and CIFAL Shanghai. The programme took place from 13 to 30 October 2025 at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
This high-level capacity-building initiative focused on innovation and sustainable development, aiming to strengthen participants’ expertise in advancing the integration of science, technology, and policy to support inclusive and innovation-driven growth. It gathered senior government officials from the Municipality of Shanghai and related institutions to exchange best practices and enhance their understanding of global trends in innovation, sustainable growth, and multilateral cooperation.
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The sessions were led by experts, including Mr Alex Mejia, Director of the Division for People and Social Development at UNITAR and Head of the CIFAL Global Network, who delivered the opening remarks and reflected on the development journey of CIFAL Shanghai, highlighting the close cooperation between UNITAR and China and extending a warm welcome to the Shanghai delegation. Ms Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Associate Director of the CIFAL Global Network, discussed the role of the digital economy, innovation, and sustainable development in driving inclusive and resilient growth, tracing the evolution of global economic progress from the Agricultural Revolution to the Digital Era.
Mr Luca Dell’Oro from the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) delivered a session on the use of satellite imagery and geospatial technologies to enhance climate and disaster resilience, while Mr Guoyong Liang from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) presented insights on global economic trends and the emerging process of deglobalization, engaging participants in a discussion on Shanghai’s future development in the context of global economic transformation.
The programme also featured a special session delivered by Minister-Counsellor Ms Li Weiwei of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva, who shared valuable insights on China’s multilateral diplomacy and cooperation within the UN system.
Among the high-level participants were Mr Xiao Lin, Director-General of the Development and Reform Commission of Pudong New Area District, Shanghai, along with other senior officials and experts committed to strengthening Shanghai’s position as a global innovation hub.
The closing and graduation ceremony, held on 30 October 2025, was jointly conducted by Minister-Counsellor Ms Li Weiwei and Mr Alex Mejia, with the participation of other UNITAR senior managers. Certificates of Participation were awarded to those who successfully completed the programme, in recognition of their commitment to promoting science, technology, and sustainable development.
This initiative reaffirms UNITAR’s and CIFAL Shanghai’s joint commitment to strengthening international cooperation, innovation, and knowledge-sharing for sustainable development, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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