21 March 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - To promote cooperation between member states and between member states and international and regional organizations on conflict prevention and response, UNITAR, the African Union, the World Bank Group, in collaboration with the Colombian Permanent Mission to the UN, organized a side event to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, titled Building Bridges for Peace. An exchange of experiences on DDR and its linkages with human rights, early warning, and conflict prevention between Colombia and African Contexts, that took place on 11 March 2024 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was organized in the framework of the UK FCDO-funded joint African Union, United Nations and World Bank programme “Strengthening Operational Linkages between Early Warning and Conflict Response (2023-2025)”.

19 March 2024, Derby, United Kingdom - Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023,  the University of Derby recently hosted the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The two-day visit started with a presentation on hostage negotiation in Afghanistan, highlighting the role of intergovernmental agencies and local leaders in safeguarding civilians. This was followed by a networking session with MSc Intelligence, Security and Disaster Management students, and staff from across the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences (BLSS).

15 March 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - To celebrate International Women’s Day, UNOSAT hosted on 8 March 2024 a powerful webinar aiming at promoting gender equality by inspiring young women to pursue careers in GIS. Let us have a look back on the insightful discussions and fruitful advice given to young women desiring to commit to a career in this industry during this special event.  

7 March 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR Hiroshima Office will relocate its office to the following address effective 11 March 2024. The new facility will continue to be located close to the historic Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, offering a view of these symbols of resilience, rebirth, and hope that inspire learners worldwide. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support of our efforts!

5 March 2024, Nairobi, Kenya – Twenty-five participants from 24 sub-Saharan African countries will join the third and final phase of the “Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa: Enhancing Employment Opportunities and Livelihood Development in the Digital Economy” training programme in Nairobi (6-7 March 2024). Participants will take part in in-person workshops and receive expert insights from industry practitioners.

5 March 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) inaugurates the UNOSAT Knowledge Hub—an innovative platform facilitating connections among stakeholders, including past associates, participants, and UNOSAT trainers. This hub is meticulously crafted to invigorate and enhance expertise in Geospatial Information Technology through a diverse range of learning resources and courses.

4 March 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR Division for Prosperity will hold the final session of the “2023 Cycle Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme for World Tsunami Awareness Day” from 5 to 11 March 2024 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Twenty exceptional learners have been selected from over 200 participants of the programme’s first phase to join the session in Tonga, where they will go on study tours and present what they learned.

28 February 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - An innovative training course on using satellite imagery as evidence in international judicial proceedings has been launched by UNITAR-UNOSAT, the Asser Institute, the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) and IUSTICOM. Legal professionals working with international justice organizations are the first beneficiaries of the course concerning technical and legal requirements of using satellite images as evidence in court.

27 February 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - In 2023, UNOSAT faced challenges and achieved milestones. Our mapping team was activated for complex emergencies over 107 times in 60 countries worldwide and provided 634 products and services. Across the globe, our emergency mapping service has provided life-saving information to devastated areas affected by conflicts and disasters triggered by natural hazards.

27 February 2024, Geneva, Switzerland ― UNITAR recently signed a new partnership agreement with the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), a non-profit organization based in Rwanda, for a collaborative project on value-based healthcare (VBHC).