- On 12 November 2024, UNITAR signed a memorandum of understanding with United Co-Creation Lab to develop and implement evidence-based methods for ethical co-creation across generations and cultures.
- This agreement follows the successful launch of the United Co-Creation Lab during the Summit of the Future Action Days in New York, where youth leaders and global policymakers discussed the potential of co-creation in shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.
- UNITAR and the United Co-Creation Lab will develop case studies and real-time collaborations between youth and decision makers.
- United Co-Creation Lab will develop research-based methods and processes for ethical co-creation that are culturally sensitive and adaptable to diverse contexts.
- UNITAR will lead the development and implementation of a training of trainers programme, scaling it to be included across their wider network of universities and partners.
UNITAR
22 November 2024, Geneva/New York – On 12 November 2024, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Co-Creation Lab formalized their partnership through a comprehensive memorandum of understanding, in a significant move towards inclusive global governance. The two entities already collaborated on a side event to the Summit of the Future Action Days, held on 20 September 2024 in New York, where the United Co-Creation Lab was launched and youth leaders and global policymakers discussed the potential of co-creation in shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.
The collaboration aims to revolutionize how young people and global leaders can work together to address pressing world challenges. Co-creation, grounded on human rights principles, is an ethically driven innovation and informal learning process that fosters engagement, democratic understanding, and equality across generations and cultures. It enhances innovation to further everyone’s creative world citizenship.
Intergenerational and intercultural co-creation is particularly powerful in fostering innovation and democratic engagement because it focuses on solving real-world problems that no single generation can solve on its own. Moreover, these processes ensure that all participants, regardless of age or background, are treated as equals. Embracing this diversity amplifies innovation, leading to outcomes that are more impactful and inclusive.
Under the new agreement, both organizations will develop and implement evidence-based methods for ethical co-creation across generations and cultures. United Co-Creation Lab will take the lead in developing research-based methodologies and creating an Open Source Toolbox, while UNITAR will spearhead the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) programme implementation.
This partnership exemplifies UNITAR's commitment to innovative approaches in capacity-building and decision-making. By bringing together young voices with experienced leaders, we're creating a powerful platform for developing sustainable solutions to global challenges. And we will build on the call heard most recently during the Summit of the Future to meaningfully engage with the young generation." —Mr. Nikhil Seth, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR
Areas of collaboration
UNITAR
The memorandum of understanding outlines several areas of collaboration.
United Co-Creation Lab will lead:
- The development of research-based methods and processes for ethical co-creation, ensuring that these methods are culturally sensitive and adaptable to diverse contexts.
- The creation of an Open-Source Toolbox, a resource containing research articles, best practices and case studies showcasing successful co-creation projects. This toolbox will be freely accessible, promoting the widespread adoption of these innovative techniques.
- The research and evaluation component, including desk research on playful learning, the development of impact assessment frameworks, and follow-up research. This rigorous approach will ensure the programme's effectiveness and inform its future development.
UNITAR, in collaboration with United Co-Creation Lab, will lead:
- The development and implementation of a training of trainers programme. This includes designing a comprehensive curriculum, creating online and in-person training modules, and developing guidelines specifically for politicians and decision makers.
- The scaling up of the training of trainers programme, ensuring its reach extends to diverse communities globally. This involves identifying implementation sites, developing rollout strategies and establishing a certification process for trained facilitators.
A key focus of the partnership is the development of case studies and real-time collaborations between youth and decision makers. These practical applications will not only provide valuable learning experiences but also contribute to evidence-based research, further refining the co-creation methodologies. The initial thematic areas of work include education, sustainability, equality and democracy, reflecting the partners' commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
This partnership represents a significant step towards ensuring that young voices are not just heard but are actively involved in shaping global solutions." — Ms. Charlotte Sahl-Madsen, President of United Co-Creation Lab
This collaboration between UNITAR and United Co-Creation Lab signifies a crucial step towards fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering youth as active agents of change. By combining their expertise and resources, the two organizations aim to create a lasting impact on global communities, promoting a more sustainable and equitable future for all. This partnership exemplifies the power of intergenerational collaboration and its potential to unlock innovative solutions for a better tomorrow.
ABOUT UNITED CO-CREATION LAB
The United Co-Creation Lab brings together youth and decision-makers from around the world to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow. Through its advisory board and network of young leaders, the Lab is committed to fostering dialogue and co-creation between generations for lasting positive impact.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2023, UNITAR trained over 540,000 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 https://unitar.org.