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UNITAR’s Board of Trustees met for its 48th session on 12-13 November in Geneva to review the Institute’s Strategic Plan for 2010 – 2012 and proposed programme budget.   On this occasion, the Institute received much praise for the bold strategic directions set in the new Strategic Plan for 2010 – 2012. The Plan was recognized to be more ambitious and visionary than the 2007 – 2009 Reform Plan which focused primarily on internal reforms. The new vision lays on a move towards more innovative training service delivery and improved resource efficiency by strengthening results-based management and introducing a new, client-focused model of business. Building on achievements to date, pioneering partnership models will be expanded across the Institute, including a cost-recovery scheme to improve financial stability in the long term.   The 2010 – 2012 Strategic Plan results from a bottom-up approach and participatory planning exercise mobilizing the entire Institute’s staff. A results-based matrix with specific actions and performance measures would guide implementation and track progress towards achieving the expected objectives. The new set of priorities draws upon UNITAR’s achievements to date. In the area of governance for example, a significant shift towards e-learning technologies could be observed, such format now representing 48% of the total activities delivered in the sector in 2009. Among the foreseen innovations were mentioned the expansion of activities to meet cutting-edge thematic demands and the number of languages in which courses are offered. The deployment of advanced technologies such as mobile learning platforms could also be envisaged.   Following the first session of the newly established Board's Committee on Finance, the Board also approved the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010 – 2011. Board members commended the outstanding financial results of the Institute, which have been achieved in spite of the financial crisis. Altogether, the 2008 – 2009 budget shows some 36% growth compared to the biennium 2006 – 2007. On the basis of the budget approved by the Board, an 18% budget increase is expected for 2010 – 2011.   A transition for the Board’s chairmanship   The Board elected Ambassador Henri Lopes, current Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to France, as its new Chair. Ambassador Henri Lopes was Assistant Director General for Culture and then, Deputy Director General for Africa at UNESCO for the period from 1981 to 1998. He has been Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo (1973-75). A renowned writer, he also earned the Grand Prix de la Francophonie de l’Académie Française in 1993 for his overall contribution to literature. The Board emphasized that Ambassador Henri Lopes would no doubt be a source of inspiration to them and the Institute at large in the years to come.   Special tribute was also paid to Ambassador Tõnis Nirk, Director General of the European Union Department at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose term as member of the Board and current Chair will expire at the end of 2009. The Executive Director and Board members extended their deep appreciation to Ambassador Nirk, formerly Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN in Geneva, for leading the Board and continuously supporting the Institute during an intense reform period.   To access the final conclusions and recommendations of the Board’s 48th session click here