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.

31 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan - the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed an agreement with Hiroshima University to collaborate on the implementation of the Programme for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development. The agreement was signed by the President of Hiroshima University Dr. Mitsuo Ochi and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNITAR Executive Director Mr. Nikhil Seth. Hiroshima University was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to implement the programme in cooperation with UNITAR. The programme aims to equip junior and mid-level practitioners in peacebuilding and international development.

24 October 2024, In September, Member States came together to adopt a visionary Pact for the Future aimed at aligning international efforts with contemporary realities and future challenges. Today, on UN Day, the six research and training institutes of the United Nations reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Pact of the Future through specialized knowledge, learning, research and training for the UN system – benefitting the world as a whole.

21 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is running the emergency training programme “Rapid Assistance for Sudan: Promoting Socioeconomic Stability through Institutional Capacity and Livelihood Development”. This initiative aims to address the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises in Sudan by equipping displaced populations with market-relevant skills and promoting entrepreneurship to stimulate economic recovery.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR will participate in the AidEx 2024 exhibition in Geneva, on 23 and 24 October 2024. In this humanitarian aid and disaster relief event, UNITAR’s exhibit is themed “Empowering Changemakers: A Force for Sustainable Future ”. The UNITAR exhibition highlights the impact of training women, youth and professionals in Asia and the Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, African countries, and Ukraine on lifelong practical digital skills, community-based disaster risk reduction, and effective and inclusive leadership to support sustainable and strategic economic growth.

10 October 2024 Nadi, Fiji – On 10 October 2024, the final day of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sea and Human Security regional workshop in Fiji, around 70 agents of change from eight Pacific Island countries presented their group projects, exhibiting their improved skills and collaborative spirits to tackle sea and human security issues.

9 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR wrapped up the first phase of the “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme with the fourth and final virtual classroom on 24 September. For two months, over 200 enthusiastic officials and professionals from 16 Pacific Island countries explored risk assessment, tools, knowledge, and technologies in early warning systems (EWS) through asynchronous online learning.

7 October 2024, Geneva – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly launched the third edition of the online training course "Trade and Food Security for the Near East and North Africa (NENA)", which aims to strengthen government capacity to develop and implement trade policies and negotiate trade agreements. The course will run from 6 October to 2 November 2024, facilitated by experts and delivered in Arabic.