16 October 2018, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is kicking off its first ever bottom-up crowdfunding campaign, UNITAR Peace Funder, which enables selected professionals from all regions of the world to enhance their applicable knowledge and technical skills, further consolidating their ability to act as peacebuilders and changemakers. UNITAR Master’s programmes in Conflictology, Electoral Policy and Administration, Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding, and United Nations and the Art of Peace are tailored for professionals working within the framework of international and regional organizations, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The scholars chosen for the UNITAR Peace Funder campaign come from developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, African countries, and post-conflict countries. Many already work in Electoral Administration, lacking the tools and resources necessary to lead change towards transparency and clean electoral policy. Others have developed small organizations in an attempt to reduce the violent and dangerous environments present in their country of conflict but require the information and network these degrees provide. All have one thing in common: they want to make a difference that peace education can help them achieve, but unfortunately cannot afford it alone.

This alternative financing method mainstreams the use of crowdfunding as a bottom-up 
financing method among international organizations. UNITAR aspires to pioneer a more accessible, inclusive and community-based fundraising model, diversifying and democratizing its donor base. Crowdfunding is not merely about generating financing for their degrees – it is a vehicle for awareness raising, a platform for dialogue, a social capital enabler, a mechanism to scale up and expand impactful activities. It is an inspiring illustration of the myriad of ways in which the international community can support peacemakers and peacebuilders everywhere, in line with its long-standing commitment to reaching the furthest first and leaving no one behind.

“Learning is an ongoing process; through this program, I will be able to implement the latest good practices in elections management and monitoring and make a positive contribution to policy-making in my home country, Zimbabwe.” -Antonetta Hamadishe, Scholar of Electoral Policy & Administration.

If you are interested in being a part of the campaign and helping finance accessible education for these scholars, the programme is more than happy to accept new fundraisers, coaches, and ambassadors as well. Be sure to share the news and spread word of UNITAR’s Peace Funder campaign and help us aid with providing important education for our scholars to use to give back to their community. Get more info from our pages below. 
#PeaceFunder #Education4Peace #ChangeMaker

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The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a principal training arm of the United Nations, working in every region of the world. We empower individuals, governments and organizations through knowledge and learning to effectively overcome contemporary global challenges.   UNITAR was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the mandate of enhancing the effectiveness of the work of the United Nations and its Member States. Every year UNITAR’s reach extends to some 55,000 beneficiaries through face-to-face seminars and workshops, e-learning or other training-related events. (www.unitar.org)