8 April 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - Together with several SIDS countries, UN and regional organizations, UNITAR will welcome SIDS4 conference participants on the occasion of a multi-stakeholder side event highlighting the role of evidence, data and satellite technology for resilient futures in SIDS.

The event will take place on 27 May 2024 from 12:00 to 13:30 AST in Room 6 of the Conference Venue and will provide space for sharing country experiences around one of the five main themes of the Conference: "Leveraging Data and Digital Technologies and Building Effective Institutions for a Resilient Future in SIDS."

8 April 2024 - It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of Mr. Marcel André Boisard, former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and former Executive Director of UNITAR from 1992 to 2007. The news of his departure has deeply saddened us all.

22 March 2024, Suva, Fiji - A Climate Finance Write-Shop held from 5 to 7 March in Suva, Fiji, empowered representatives from Pacific Island nations to secure vital climate finance for their communities. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), the Pacific Community (SPC), and UNOSAT, addressed a critical need for Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing the brunt of climate change. 

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.  

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.

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.

23 February 2024, Dhaka, Bangladesh - In light of Bangladesh's susceptibility to a diverse range of disasters, encompassing floods, cyclones & storm surges, river bank erosion, earthquakes, droughts, salinity intrusion, fires, and tsunamis, strengthening its Geospatial Information System (GIS) capacities is imperative. This empowerment is crucial for enhancing the nation's resilience and preparedness in effectively responding to and managing these multifaceted challenges.

13 February 2024, Vientiane, Lao PDR - On 11-15 December 2023 the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) delivered a five-day training programme, under the ongoing project, “Strengthening Capacities in the Use of Geospatial Information for Improved Resilience in Asia-Pacific and Africa" funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). 

11 February 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - A recent study published in Science reveals an inspiring trend: school-age children in the United States are increasingly drawing women when asked to sketch scientists. Over five decades, the percentage of women depicted in these drawings has risen from less than 1% to an estimated 34% by 2016, reflecting a broader shift towards gender inclusivity in science. This transformation aligns with the growing representation of women in scientific fields, marking a positive trajectory towards gender parity.