During the upcoming year, UNITAR is pleased to deliver its 5-day in-person United Nations Climate Change Study Programme in Geneva. This flagship field visit offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with the global institutions shaping international climate policy and green development, while gaining first-hand exposure to multilateral environmental governance in one of the world's leading centres for climate diplomacy.

Hosted primarily at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), based in Geneva—a global hub for climate governance and sustainable development—the programme provides an immersive learning experience combining climate science, international policy, green economy approaches, and professional development. Participants will interact with United Nations agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and experts working at the forefront of climate action, sustainable finance, innovation, and environmental governance.

Activities include a carefully balanced mix of:

• Expert lectures
• Technical and policy workshops
• Climate governance and UNFCCC briefings
• Interactive simulations and case studies
• Guided institutional visits
• Career insights and networking sessions

The programme is designed to strengthen participants' understanding of global climate governance, green economy policies, and the practical implementation of climate action, while fostering professional networks and providing insight into careers within the United Nations system and related international organizations.

Duration: 5 days

Format: In-person

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Registration details and available editions can be found under Programme Dates.

Expert Lectures

Lectures are delivered by senior experts and practitioners from Geneva-based institutions (with selected international organizations participating remotely where appropriate), which may include:

International Labour Organization (ILO)
Green jobs, skills development, social dialogue, and just transition.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Secretariat
Climate science, adaptation and mitigation pathways, and the science-policy interface.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation for climate action.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Human rights, equity, participation, and climate justice.

Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)
Inclusive green economy policies and sustainable economic transformation.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat (remote where applicable)
The Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Global Stocktake, and international climate negotiations.

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Green Development and Climate Change Programme
Capacity development, climate learning, green transition, and national implementation.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Sustainable investment, green industrial development, and international trade.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Climate mitigation, adaptation, nature-based solutions, sustainable finance, and green economy.

World Health Organization (WHO)
Climate change and public health.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Climate science, weather services, hydrology, climate data, and early warning systems.

Each session lasts approximately 1–2 hours and includes interactive discussion and Q&A.

Guided Tours

Geneva hosts many of the world's leading institutions working on climate change, sustainability, science, and international cooperation. Leveraging its partnerships across International Geneva, UNITAR provides participants with guided visits to key institutions that shape global climate action.

Visits may include:

• The Palais des Nations, headquarters of the United Nations Office at Geneva
• CERN Innovation Programme and sustainability initiatives
• Geneva-based climate innovation and sustainable infrastructure sites
• International organizations and climate cooperation institutions

Career Insights Sessions

Alongside the technical and policy programme, UNITAR offers dedicated 2–3 hour career insights sessions designed to support participants pursuing careers in climate change, sustainable development, and international organizations.

Sessions may include:

• Understanding career opportunities within the United Nations system and international organizations working on climate change and sustainable development
• Guidance on internships, fellowships, and entry-level recruitment pathways
• Practical workshops on UN recruitment processes, competency-based interviews, and assessment exercises
• Personalized guidance on CVs, motivation letters, Personal History Forms (PHPs), Inspira applications, and LinkedIn profiles
• Networking opportunities with UN professionals and programme speakers

The programme is open to all participants interested in advancing their knowledge of green economy, climate change, and sustainable development, including:

• Students and recent graduates
• Young professionals and early-career practitioners
• Government officials and policymakers
• Representatives from international organizations and development agencies
• Private sector professionals, including those working in sustainability, climate finance, ESG, and innovation
• Civil society organizations, NGOs, and community leaders
• Researchers, academics, and think tank representatives
• Anyone with a professional or personal interest in climate action, environmental governance, and the green transition

A maximum of 30 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The delivery of the programme is subject to a minimum enrolment of 20 participants.

Participants who attend at least 75% of the programme, and complete the necessary coursework will receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion

In order to register, kindly click on one of the links under the section "Programme Dates" to bring you to the specific event page. Once there, kindly follow the steps below:

• On the event page, click on "registration". The programme will then be added to your shopping cart.
• Click on the "check out" button.
• Create your own profile on the UNITAR event page and fill out the required sections.
• Review the correctness of all information and choose your preferred payment method: (i) credit card or (ii) bank transfer.
• If you choose credit card, your payment is definite and is completed immediately on the spot.
• If you choose to pay by bank transfer, your payment is not definite yet and could be delayed to a later point in time.
• In either of the two choices, click on Complete Payment. A UNITAR colleague will follow up with you via email thereafter.

Lastly, please note that UNITAR requires a proof of payment to be shared with us. e.g., the proof of transaction from your bank or credit card to confirm your registration.

Have Questions? 

Contact the Programme Team, and Email Us here: stephen.joyce@unitar.org