7 May 2025, Hainan, China – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) underscored the critical role of youth empowerment and global partnerships in advancing sustainable development at Hainan University for the League of Tropical Universities 2025 Summit (14-15 April 2025). The engagement at Hainan University highlighted UNITAR’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and international cooperation across tropical regions.

Carlos es técnico en monitoreo de químicos en la Gerencia de Monitoreo de Químicos del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales de El Salvador. Su unidad se centra en el desempeño de las funciones administrativas requeridas en virtud de la implementación de convenios internacionales relacionados con la gestión ambientalmente racional de los productos químicos y desechos peligrosos, como los convenios de Rotterdam, Basilea y Estocolmo, por nombrar algunos. La gerencia comenzó a trabajar con la unidad de gestión de productos químicos y desechos del UNITAR por primera vez en 2023 para implementar un sistema globalmente armonizado de etiquetado y clasificación de productos químicos para el país. Hoy, El Salvador cuenta con un decreto para la implementación del Sistema Globalmente Armonizado de Clasificación y Etiquetado de Productos Químicos (SGA) como una herramienta para el establecimiento de una base común y coherente para la comunicación de los peligros de los productos químicos. 

Carlos is a chemical monitoring officer in the Chemicals Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador. His unit focuses on the performance of administrative functions required under the implementation of international conventions related to environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste, such as the Rotterdam, Basel and Stockholm conventions, to name a few. His unit started working with UNITAR chemicals and waste management programme for the first time in 2023 to implement a globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) in the country. Today, El Salvador has a decree for the implementation of the GHS as a tool for establishing a common and coherent basis for the communication of chemical hazards.

2 May 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – The UNITAR Hiroshima Office invites motivated youth in Hiroshima and other places in Asia to apply for the “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures” programme, which will teach young changemakers about the digital mediums where they can create impactful narratives, using AI and other storytelling platforms. The programme will start on 7 June 2025 and run for approximately three months. The application deadline is 31 May 2025 (10 a.m. Japan Standard Time, UTC+9).

28 April 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) opened a call for applications for the “2025 UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme – Leaders of a New Generation” programme. The programme is for students attending high schools in Hiroshima Prefecture. It aims to deepen their understanding of peacebuilding, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and seeks to cultivate young leaders who can convey messages of peace from Hiroshima to the world. The programme will run from 29 June to 24 August 2025. The application deadline is 30 May 2025, 6 p.m. Japan Standard Time (UTC+9).

Rawad, a Senior Protection Assistant at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, completed UNITAR’s Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice in 2024. Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR’s Core Diplomatic Training has remained at the forefront of the institute, equipping current and aspiring diplomats with greater knowledge and skills on how to effectively and efficiently operate in any multilateral setting. Seeking to pursue a diplomatic career, Rawad enrolled on the eighth edition of the diploma. 

21 April 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to launch the Global Youth Scholars Development Programme, inviting youth aged 18 to 24 worldwide to explore their role as SDG evaluators. Participants will gain the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to assess the real-world impact of sustainability efforts within their communities and connect local experiences to global goals.

Lauren is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Newcastle. She learned about the UNITAR “She Leads for Peace Summer School” through her former supervisor at work. Initially drawn to the programme to acquire new skills for her future career, she realized that the experience offered much more than she had anticipated, broadening her perspective on women’s leadership in the broader sustaining peace ecosystem.

Cindy is an instructional designer and international trainer. Before joining the “Learning Design and Facilitation Masterclass Series” offered by UNITAR’s Learning Solutions team, she had over six years of engagement with UNITAR as a trainer in topics related to leadership, coaching, communication, and negotiation. Cindy also works full-time as a training and development designer at Unitrade Management Services and is pursuing a degree in instructional design. Clearly, Cindy was not new to the intricacies of training development, however, UNITAR's Masterclass Series provided her with additional skills that have complemented her experience as an instructional designer. 

14 April 2025, Kabul, Afghanistan - The third phase of UNITAR’s “Food and Economic Security through Entrepreneurship Training for Women and Youth in Afghanistan” was held in Kabul from February 22 to 26, 2025, bringing together 80 promising young entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including the private sector, local NGOs and civil society, UN agencies, international organizations, and academia.