UNITAR
March 18 2025, New York, United States – UNITAR office in New York, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), launched the first inclusive, free-for-all, certified e-learning course on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the United Nations Secretariat. The Foundational Course on Counter-Terrorism in the UN System is a self-paced online course designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals working, studying, or seeking in-depth expertise on counter-terrorism (CT) and the prevention of violent extremism (PVE). This training provides a comprehensive understanding of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (UN GCTS), relevant Security Council resolutions, international legal frameworks, and human rights standards.
UNITAR
Mr. Mauro Miedico, Director of the United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), mentioned in his keynote statement that as the world is undergoing dramatic transformation over the past decades, the UN and the Member States must
recognize that our approach to these issues must also evolve - moving from isolated security measures to a comprehensive, integrated strategy that not only addresses immediate threats but also tackles the root causes of radicalization and violent extremism.
UNITAR
Mr. Marco Suazo, Head of the UNITAR office in New York, echoed the statement and emphasized that UNITAR, as the dedicated training arm of the United Nations, has consistently set new standards in delivering training through various formats, including in-person, hybrid, and e-learning, to meet the needs of Member States and field diplomats. He highlighted UNITAR’s strong collaboration with UNOCT and affirmed that this partnership will continue to expand, engaging a broader audience and further strengthening the UN’s global counter-terrorism efforts.
The launch event also highlighted the course's development journey, offering insights into the design process, key considerations, and recent updates. This course is designed for UN personnel engaged in CT and PVE-related projects, particularly those in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities, UN country teams, CT focal points in Permanent Missions, and personnel deployed in areas affected by terrorism and violent extremism.
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During the launch event, Ms. Tianyi (Amy) Zhao, Project Lead and Office Manager of UNITAR New York, delivered a live demonstration of the course on the UNITAR learning platform. She also provided step-by-step guidance on account creation and course registration, ensuring participants could seamlessly access this pioneering training initiative.
The event saw participation from delegates representing over 20 countries, who expressed keen interest in the course and actively engaged in discussions about its modules. Their enthusiasm highlighted the global demand for high-quality counter-terrorism training and reaffirmed UNITAR’s leadership in equipping diplomats and policymakers with essential knowledge and skills.