24 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – Newcastle University and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a cooperative framework for joint training and academic initiatives. The agreement was signed digitally by Professor Chris Whitehead, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global at Newcastle University and Mr Nikhil Seth, in his capacity as Executive Director of UNITAR at the time.  

The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions by pooling expertise and expanding opportunities in areas such as, but not limited to, UN-focused academic programmes, study visits, online learning, and capacity-building initiatives. As part of this partnership, Newcastle University’s School of Modern Languages and UNITAR are exploring the possibility of a joint Master’s programme, which would integrate academic study and professional education with practical insights into language communication, global governance and diplomacy.

In addition, the proposed joint postgraduate programme outlines plans for a Geneva-based study element and work experience opportunities in multiple global destinations, enabling Newcastle University students to gain first-hand knowledge of the United Nations system. Plans also include training workshops on topics related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, global governance, and diplomatic skills. The collaboration will also explore opportunities to develop and expand e-learning offerings to a wider audience.

By combining Newcastle University’s academic strengths with UNITAR’s expertise in multilateral diplomacy and training, this partnership seeks to enhance professional development opportunities for students and practitioners alike that may open more global career development pathways in both the private sector and the UN system.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the work of the United Nations and its Member States in the fields of peace and security and in the promotion of economic and social development. UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy positions itself as a cross-cutting Division within the Institute, in order to support countries in strengthening national institutions for capacity-building at all levels, and fostering the participation of Member States in global governance, thus contributing to the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. Due to its nature, the focus of the Division extends over a wide range of policy domains and training topics, including the preparation for key assignments within the United Nations System, environmental and climate change diplomacy, economic diplomacy, human rights diplomacy, frontier diplomacy, international law, and other related topics. In doing so, it focuses predominantly on capacities and skills-development activities, such as diplomatic report writing, public speaking, media relations and negotiation techniques, and public and digital diplomacy, among many others.

Newcastle University, UK, is a thriving international community of more than 28,000 students from over 130 countries worldwide.  As a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities in the UK, Newcastle has a world-class reputation for research excellence in the fields of medicine, science and engineering, social sciences and the humanities.  Its academics are sharply focused on responding to the major challenges facing society today. Research and teaching are world-leading in areas as diverse as health, culture, technology and the environment. Newcastle is committed to providing students with excellent, research-led teaching delivered by dedicated and passionate teachers. Newcastle University is ranked 129th in the QS World Ranking 2025 and joint 157th in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025. Newcastle University is Top 100 in the world for sustainable development in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.