20 February 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – John Isidore Laure, a youth advocate from Cotabato City, Philippines, currently serves as a monitoring, evaluation and learning officer at a local non-governmental organization (NGO), where he works with local youth councils (Sangguniang Kabataan) to promote good governance and community development. As a teenager, he co-established an organization to prevent violent extremism and misinformation in his community. This experience shaped his commitment to empowering young people and addressing pressing social issues.

20 February 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – In Kenya, where access to basic technology remains a luxury for many, Betty Mwende advocates for digital literacy and inclusivity. Learning through a UNITAR programme and applying what she learned have helped Betty – a student of applied computer technology and communication coordinator for a non-profit to foster collaboration in the tech industry – develop her project management and digital skills while championing digital literacy for marginalized youth.

Competency-based learning is reshaping education and professional training by making learning more personalized, goal-driven, and impactful. CBL empowers learners to thrive in dynamic, skill-driven environments by focusing on real-world competencies rather than passive knowledge accumulation.

18 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland — On 11 February 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization (APEO) based in Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition security, and climate resilience across Africa’s dryland regions. This collaboration aims to empower women and youth, strengthen agricultural value chains, and enhance environmental sustainability.

17 February 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – a gender and technology lawyer from Nairobi, is creating safer digital spaces for women and girls. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in law, innovation, and technology in the UK, Lilian is the founder of a non-profit organization in Kenya that is committed to raising awareness and providing solutions to combat online harassment and cyberbullying.

17 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce its membership in the Advisory Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR). As an Advisory Council member, UNITAR joins CSHR’s extensive network dedicated to advancing human rights in sports through multi-stakeholder dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

17 February 2025, Geneva Switzerland — On 14 February 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Geneva School of Diplomacy (GSD) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on advancing global leadership, diplomacy and sustainable development education. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen international cooperation, foster knowledge-sharing and equip future leaders with the skills needed to address pressing global challenges.

14 February 2025, Geneva – On 12 February 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. This landmark agreement aims to bolster Nigeria’s anti-money-laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing framework through strategic capacity-building initiatives, research collaborations and policy advisory support.

12 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sovereign Order of Malta at UNITAR’s headquarters in Geneva. This strategic partnership aims to address the global challenge of human trafficking through collaborative efforts over the next five years.

12 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR and RES4CITY Micro-credentials and micro-programmes are available free now: (https://res4city.boostmyskills.eu/), this groundbreaking platform equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable urban transformations. Developed with EU and Swiss Confederation support, by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, with 18 pan-European universities and industry partners, RES4CITY provides micro-credentials on key topics, including renewable energy, sustainable finance, and smart urban solutions, tailored for students, professionals, and policymakers.