On May 15, 2009 Mr. Luis Guzmán-Barrón Sobrevilla, Rector of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, and Mr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Director of UNITAR, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out the basis for the collaboration between the two institutions. 

The purpose of this Memorandum is to address the basic understanding of the Parties and to define the general cooperation framework for a mutually beneficial cooperative agreement. This will allow UNITAR and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú to work together offering face-to-face training courses as well as distance-based learning opportunities on themes of common interest, to jointly contribute to addressing the significant training needs in the Ibero-American region.

With a view to attaining the common objectives of both institutions, Mr Luis Guzmán-Barrón Sobrevilla set forth in his presentation that in such an effort, the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú seeks to strengthen their joint courses and projects to enhance the standard of e-Learning courses on International Law, Security, Human Rights and Environmental issues, as well as to hold conferences with experts and to carry out interdisciplinary research in areas of mutual interest.
 

Afterwards, Mr. Jocelyn Fenard, Chief of the Partnership and Resources Mobilization Section, presented the framework of UNITAR’s new strategic plan, as the Institute envisages enhancing its outreach to Latin-American countries. In addition, he mentioned that the conclusion of partnerships and cooperation arrangements with such countries, institutions and regional organizations are vital to the success of these objectives.