UNITAR
09 October 2025, Monaco City, Monaco - An important agreement was signed at the Monaco Yacht Show between NAVIGO, the centre for innovation and development in the nautical sector; GIOYA Higher Education Institution, a learning business club for leaders; and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
This partnership marks the launch of a new Executive Programme on Sustainability and Management in the Maritime Sector, designed for managerial and technical professionals aspiring to lead responsibly in a rapidly evolving marine and maritime industry.
The initiative aims to advance sustainable development, innovation, and leadership across the sector by equipping participants with the strategic, technical, and interpersonal skills required to address emerging environmental and operational challenges. Through UNITAR’s expertise, the programme will integrate advanced modules on mediation, communication, and soft skills development, essential competencies for marine leaders committed to driving sustainable transformation and innovation.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Marine Leadership
NAVIGO, currently the largest network of leisure boating companies in Tuscany and one of the leading networks in Europe, serves as a reference point for both member and non-member businesses, institutions, and industry associations. Its mission is to foster innovation, training, and sustainable growth within the marine industry.
NAVIGO has always placed strong emphasis on training. This new programme continues a journey of more than a decade, from ISYL to specialised skills development, reflecting our enduring commitment to human capital and our close collaboration with industry partners.
- Katia Balducci, President of NAVIGO.
GIOYA Higher Education Institution brings its unique approach as a learning business club for leaders, providing flexible accredited university programmes, immersive executive experiences, and access to a prestigious global network across luxury, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and sport leadership. By combining academic excellence with experiential learning, GIOYA helps develop leaders capable of navigating global challenges with creativity and resilience.
Together with NAVIGO, we are continuing a successful path of creating programmes tailored to the real needs of the maritime sector. Our shared goal is to enhance professional growth and sustainability while preparing a new generation of leaders for the future of the marine and maritime industries.
- Francesco Cappè, President of GIOYA.
The partnership is further strengthened by the engagement of UNITAR, the UN’s training arm dedicated to building capacities of individuals, organizations and institutions for sustainable development worldwide. Through its Global Water Academy, UNITAR supports innovation and leadership in the sustainable management of water, marine, and environmental resources.
This collaboration represents an important milestone. Through this partnership, we bring the expertise and values of the United Nations to support a sustainable and innovative marine and maritime sector, advancing knowledge, leadership, and responsible growth.
- Dr Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Director of the UNITAR Global Water Academy, Deputy Director of Division for People and Social Development.
About the Executive Programme
The Executive Leadership Programme in Yachting and Maritime Governance will offer an international, multidisciplinary curriculum combining sustainability frameworks, strategic management, innovation practices, and leadership development. Designed for professionals across both managerial and technical roles, the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of marine leaders to integrate sustainability into business models, governance, and operations.
By linking the experience of NAVIGO and GIOYA with the global vision of UNITAR, the programme represents a new benchmark for training excellence and international cooperation in the marine and maritime sector.