17 March 2026, Brussels, Belgium - Applications are open for the Maritime Cyber Lab 2026, an international expert forum convened by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The event will take place on 27–28 May 2026 at the UN House in Brussels and will bring together policymakers, maritime authorities, industry leaders, cybersecurity experts, financial institutions, and international organisations to exchange practical approaches to strengthening cyber resilience in the maritime sector. The Cyber Lab can be attended in person or online and is free of charge.

19 February 2026, Bonn, Germany - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the EELISA Ethos+Tekhne are co-hosting “EVERYTHING AI,” a two-day international event examining artificial intelligence as a system-wide force shaping governance, institutions, and society. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their application for participation in-person or online. Application links can be found at the bottom of the page.

24 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - On United Nations Day, observed every year on 24 October, the research and training institutes of the United Nations reaffirm their essential role in building an integrated, effective, and future-ready UN system that delivers for people. This day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 — the founding moment of the Organization — and invites reflection on the UN’s enduring mission to promote peace, development, and human rights and how knowledge and learning support that mission.

Rwanda and UNITAR Host Dialogue on Peace, Governance, and the Right to Development at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council
25 September 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - Rwanda and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) convened a high-level side event during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council on “Peace, Governance, and the Right to Development: Lessons Learned from the Great Lakes Region and Beyond.”

5 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - We're pleased to announce that UNITAR has officially joined the Villars Institute and the Global Learning Council as a co-founder of the Global Learning Conference — a powerful partnership united by a shared mission to shape the future of education and lifelong learning.

8 March 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - On this International Women’s Day, I am pleased to announce that I joined the International Gender Champions. Today, we must all answer the call to action to achieve a future where the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls are fully realized. The theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment., serves as a powerful reminder that gender equality is not just a goal—it is a necessity.

22 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce that Michelle Gyles-McDonnough has officially assumed office as its new Executive Director. She succeeds Nikhil Seth of India, whose mandate concluded on 31 January 2025.

16 December 2024, New York, USA - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Michelle Gyles-McDonnough of Jamaica as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). She will officially assume her duties on 22 February 2025, succeeding Nikhil Seth of India, to whom the Secretary-General expressed profound gratitude for his dedication and contributions to the United Nations.

8 November 2024, Vientiane, Lao PDR - The year 2024 was declared by the Secretary-General to be the year of building trust and hope.

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.