UNITAR
15 April 2025, Victoria, Canada - UNITAR, in partnership with the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada, successfully concluded its third year of the Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op), a professional development learning pathway. The Co-op continues to lead nationally in experiential learning, with this initiative launched in partnership with CIFAL Victoria—a UNITAR-affiliated centre. This international programme serves as a vehicle through which UVic students can acquire valuable work experience. Through this partnership, students can also participate in initiatives that are aligned with and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).
Through the Co-op, UVic students have conducted their professional practices at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva, gaining exposure to development-related projects. Under the guidance of UN professionals, students apply academic and leadership skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation. Through cross-sector partnerships, students engaged directly with a wide range of stakeholders including, governments, businesses, communities and UN organizations on initiatives aligned with the SDGs The International, Indigenous & Accessibility team from the University of Victoria developed this innovative programme which intertwines work-integrated learning, student-led projects to advance the SDGs with cultural intelligence. The team initiated the partnership with CIFAL Victoria to ensure the programme aligned with UNITAR’s Quality Assurance framework and UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development framework. This alignment enabled students to receive a UNITAR certificate (a credential from a UN agency) upon completion of the programme, providing an indication and recognition of their contributions to championing the SDGs with real action.
By embedding the SDGs into co-operative education, this programme not only raises awareness but also empowers and supports students to take concrete actions as change-makers towards these global goals. The programme's impact has inspired a publication and additional opportunities for students. Impressed by the strengths of this program, UNITAR extended its impact by co-publishing the report University of Victoria Co-op Students advance UN SDGs through the Co-operative Education Program with UVic. The publication showcased students’ SDG projects; it was shared across UNITAR’s global network, allowing others to learn from and be inspired by the students’ achievements. The Advancing UN SDGs through Co-operative Education programme has empowered students to become agents of change in their host communities, making a meaningful impact through intentional engagement with the UN SDGs. By fostering youth leadership and integrating the SDGs into their educational journey, this programme is preparing students to be global citizens ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
A recent UVic University of Victoria Co-op student, Ms. Erica Dolman, recounted her experience at UNITAR,
emphasizing the importance to express ideas and express yourself to your colleagues and teams because this is what makes change.
Former UVic Co-op student, Ms. Joy Stalteri reflected on the significance of
“working in a diverse and dynamic environment surrounded by colleagues all over the world who were passionate, kind, and committed to their work was incredibly inspiring”
Both, Ms. Erica Dolman and Ms. Joy Stalteri supported the design of training tools for the UNITAR Breastfeeding Education Initiative, producing microlearning courses aimed at providing practical knowledge on the benefits of breastfeeding, supporting the delivery of learning webinars for nurses world-wide and helping with preparations for training workshops. Through the UNITAR Breastfeeding Education Initiative, students participated in contributing to interconnected SDGs related to the global health field through capacity-building activities, public awareness, and partnership development.
Former Co-op student Mr. Stephen Joyce also highlighted
Joining the UNITAR team has been a empowering experience in which I have obtained invaluable professional growth, mentorship and upskilling.
Talking about The UVic Co-op Programme, in partnership with CIFAL Victoria, Dr. Crystal Tremblay, Director of CIFAL Victoria, Faculty Member of the Department of Geography, University of Victoria, says that it seeks to
Integrate global perspectives and innovative ideas, thereby enriching co-operative students’ skills development and positive impacts for host organizations to progress the SDGs together. In collaboration with UNITAR, these young professionals inspire future generations to explore new ways to advance sustainable development.
Furthermore, Karima Ramji, Associate Director, International, Indigenous and Accessibility, Co-operative Education Program and Career Services, highlighted
Incorporating local contexts in global initiatives creates tangible impacts and the University of Victoria recognizes the value of community participation through the Co-operative Program. Students are able to envision the role of the UN in their communities, infusing global development approaches to local contexts and shaping the change they seek to ignite in their environment. Incorporating local contexts in global initiatives creates tangible impacts and the University of Victoria recognizes the value of community participation through the Co-operative Education Program. Students are able to envision the role of the UN in their communities, infusing global development approaches to local contexts and shaping the change they seek to ignite in their environment
Talking about the program, Dr. Nicole Bates-Eamer, Associate Director of CIFAL Victoria, stressed that,
Students participating in this Co-op Program are empowered and supported to become changemakers, applying their skills in workplaces dedicated to creating meaningful, positive change both locally and globally. Through their experiences at UNITAR, UVic students actively work on pressing global challenges—such as climate action, global health, and social equity—while also gaining professional skills and official academic accreditation.
Ms. Estrella Merlos, Deputy Head of UNITAR’s CIFAL Global Network, said that
The youth of today represent the forthcoming generation of leaders in our ever-evolving world. They are instrumental in boosting the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development forward by mobilizing communities, enhancing awareness, and committing to actionable initiatives. The publications Youth Championing the SDGs - Living with Climate Change" and “Students advance the UN SDGs through the Co-operative Education Program” showcase the extraordinary learning and impact that UVic students have made through their work experiences, and UNITAR is proud to be part of it.
UNITAR
UNITAR is proud to support the University of Victoria’s Co-operative Program as it not only supports Youth as leaders for progressing the SDGs but is also instrumental for the future of work and in promoting intergenerational dialogues, through exposure to cultural and professional exchanges, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead in an increasingly complex world. UNITAR is honoured to be awarded the 2024 ‘Employer of the Year’ by the University of Victoria.