For close to a decade, UNITAR has provided computer-based skills training for hundreds of diplomats at United Nations Headquarters in New York, and a platform for advancing policy thinking in the field of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D).

The IT capacity development courses are geared towards diplomats with limited experience in information technology usage and applications. Diplomats learn the basic tenants of office productivity that ranges from understanding the components of a computer to how to use Microsoft Office programmes they require for day-to-day support or more complex IT applications, such as databases. To read more about the current course offers, visit our CITE home page.

By building capacities for connectivity, UNITAR provides digital literacy for non-technical beneficiaries, builds the foundation for an enhanced understanding of broader ICT applications and how they can support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (For more information, see WSIS Outcome Documents, UNITAR ICT website, and the MDG Gap Task Force Report 2008). In partnerships with, among other, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation and Global Alliance for ICT and Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNITAR offers a platform for: (1) advancing policy thinking on the potential of ICT in fostering economic development in the follow-up to the World Summits on the Information Society in Geneva 2003 and Tunis 2005; (2) facilitating education and social and cultural development; and (3) providing means and channels for efficient and transparent citizen-government interaction, such as the work carried out through the CIFAL Centre network.


For more information, please visit:
UNITAR Continued IT Education Programme
UNITAR E-governance programme
UNITAR CIFAL Network