6 December 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – On 27 November 2024, the online phase of the UNITAR “Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction” training programme was brought to a successful close. Over three months, participants from the Pacific Islands and Asia learned about climate and disaster resilience, risks management and challenges in the Asian and Pacific regions. Around 130 participants joined the closing webinar of the online training phase.

5 December 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will hold a side event during UNCCD 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) Global Advocacy Dialogue Series: “Cultivating Prosperity: Agriculture Partnerships for Sustainable Development”, on 7 December 2024 (6-7:30 p.m.) in Riyadh. The high-stakes dialogue will bring together key stakeholders to chart the course for transformative agricultural partnerships and innovative financial solutions that will shape the future of sustainable farming.

29 November 2024 Geneva, Switzerland - On 13 November 2024, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the University of Wolverhampton signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through programmes, research and innovation centers. This partnership will foster innovative education models, cutting-edge research, and meaningful international cooperation to advance SDG progress across sectors.

28 November 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - Responsible AI governance is essential to maximize the benefits of digital technologies and leave no one behind – this was the message highlighted at the UNITAR AI Strategy Master Class “Leading the AI Revolution – Strategy, Innovation, and Global Impact”, held for diplomatic representatives in Geneva on 24-25 October 2024 at the Palais des Nations.

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.

22 November 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – On 22 November 2024, 29 changemakers from 11 Pacific small island countries completed the second phase of the UNITAR “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” programme, which brought them to Japan to learn about early warning system tools and approaches to reduce disaster risks. The programme is financially supported by the Government and People of Japan.

UNITAR, in partnership with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, the Financial Information and Analysis Unit (UIAF) of Colombia, and University of Antioquia, launched the Multidimensional Training Platform (PEM, for its acronym in Spanish) to strengthen Colombia’s fight against financial crime. The PEM was unveiled in the capital city of Colombia, bringing together representatives from all four partner institutions, as well as local supervisors and compliance officers. This cutting-edge platform will equip over 22,000 professionals with the skills and knowledge to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

15 November 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for Prosperity co-hosted with China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment a side event to the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (11 to 22 November 2024, Baku, Azerbaijan). The COP 29 side event on 11 November, “Public Participation Supporting the Construction of a Beautiful China”, focused on youth and public participation for climate action and was hosted at the China Pavilion. Director Mihoko Kumamoto delivered an opening speech and led a partnership signing.

11 November 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – On 11 November 2024, nearly 30 officials and professionals from 11 Pacific small island countries embarked on a study tour in Japan as part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme. Over 12 days, the participants will visit Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo, Tsukuba, Kashiwa, and Kasukabe, engaging in expert-led lectures, field visits, and group assignments.

6 November 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The UNITAR AI Strategy Masterclass “Leading the AI Revolution – Strategy, Innovation, and Global Impact” took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 24-25 October 2024, bringing together 20 global policymakers, high-ranking officials and diplomats from 18 countries. Led by AI expert Mr. Vedant Ahluwalia, the event offered strategic insights on responsibly harnessing AI’s potential to address economic development, disarmament, and social progress.