- On 7 June, UNITAR launched the 5-month hybrid training programme “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling”.
- Motivated youths from Hiroshima Prefecture and Asia joined the programme.
- This programme introduces concepts and ethics of AI use and trains the youth on using AI tools for digital storytelling.
- By the end of this programme, participants will be able to use basic AI tools with an understanding of their role in digital storytelling and advancing the SDGs.
- The programme will be run by the UNITAR Hiroshima Office, powered by Microsoft, and with financial support from Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima.
UNITAR
16 June 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – On 7 June, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has launched the 5-month hybrid training programme “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI/Digital Storytelling” programme with an online opening ceremony where motivated youth from Hiroshima Prefecture, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, and Vietnam joined. The SDGs and Digital Futures programme will train the youth, aged 15 to 28, to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and storytelling in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme will run in three phases, including an in-person study visit to Hiroshima. By the end, the participants will know how to use basic AI tools, understand the role of AI and technology in digital storytelling and have created a digital story of their own in a multimedia format. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their work at a large, hybrid international event in October 2025. The programme will be run by the UNITAR Hiroshima Office, powered by Microsoft, and with financial support from Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima.
The programme began online with words of encouragement from Chisa Mikami, Head of the UNITAR Hiroshima Office.
Through this five-month journey, young leaders in Hiroshima and across Asia will explore how narratives, when powered by emerging technologies, can break down barriers, raise awareness and drive meaningful action towards the SDGs. Whether it’s climate action, gender equality or inclusive education, we believe that stories have the power to shift mindsets and mobilize movements.
Phase 1 – Online Session
Phase 1 of the programme kicked off online on 7 June with an orientation to the programme and a brief introduction to UNITAR and the SDGs. Over the next few weeks, the participants will join a series of online sessions to learn fundamental concepts and ethics of AI use and its connection to the SDGs. They will be introduced to generative AI and practice creating art and digital stories through an online practicum. By the end of the first phase, each participant will present their own digitized story.
Webinars will feature speakers such as Professor Hidenori Watanave (University of Tokyo), Ms. Aiko Shimizu and Mr. Shota Miyazaki (Microsoft), AI film director Mr. Alan Xiao, and Web GIS (geographical information systems) technology development company Eukarya Inc., who will help deepen participants’ understanding of the use of generative AI.
August In-Person Workshop in Hiroshima
After the online phase, selected participants will meet in Hiroshima in August for study tours to local private sector and workshops with speakers such as the founding director of the Hiroshima Office and co-founder of Green Legacy Hiroshima (GLH), Dr. Nassrine Azimi, and the Director, Education Industry Lead at Microsoft Japan, Mr. Shota Miyazaki. The participants will be mentored and present their concepts for feedback and further development. This session will not only deepen the participants’ learnings from Phase 1 but also allow them to network with peers to exchange new ideas and broaden their experiences.
Phase 3 – International event
The final phase will be participation in a large, hybrid international event in October 2025. The event will be held in Hiroshima, with participants from abroad joining online. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their digitized story, which they have developed throughout the whole programme. This phase will allow participants to gain experience in public presentation and reflect on their learning journey. The event will conclude with a graduation ceremony and closing remarks.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2024, UNITAR trained approximately 550,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at www.unitar.org