29 June 2025, Hiroshima, Japan - Twenty-four (24) youth in high schools from Hiroshima prefecture gathered at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima Office on 29 June 2025 for the launch of the 2025 “UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme: Leaders for a New Era”.

In March 2025, two consecutive earthquakes—measuring 7.7 and 6.7 magnitude — struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction. In the worst-affected areas, the earthquakes left 6.3 million people in urgent need of assistance and protection. Prior to the disaster, 4.3 million people were already in need in these areas. The earthquake pushed an additional 2 million people into crisis.

24 June 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations Office in Geneva, successfully concluded a high-level four-day workshop on public policy for social development.

24 June 2025, Shenzhen, China – UNITAR Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (Greater Bay Area [GBA]) held its inaugural meeting to begin its work in deepening international cooperation and advancing sustainable innovation. It follows the signing of the letter of agreement between UNITAR and Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (GBA) on 11 April 2025. The inaugural meeting focused on aligning the Alliance’s mission, vision, core objectives and strategic workplan with UNITAR’s mandate.

23 June 2025, New York, USA - Just steps from the United Nations Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, UNITAR’s “Safe Driving is Cool” mural stands at the corner of Tunnel Exit Street and E 39th Street. This 5,200 square feet public artwork is a reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.6, which aims to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030.

20 June 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - In observance of global efforts to address rising water stress and the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the UNITAR Global Water Academy, the Global Water and Sanitation Centre, and CIFAL Bangkok at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) co-hosted a virtual event titled ‘Streams of Change: Water Scarcity Solutions - Managing Drought Risks’. The session brought together experts in climate resilience, drought mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and water infrastructure to explore practical and technological responses to global water scarcity.

19 June 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – Jacques Dembele is a Monitoring and Evaluation officer at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guinea-Bissau, where he works to promote democracy, health, economic development and climate change. He joined the Primary Course of the Program for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development to further his skills for a career in international organizations.

Charles Osei-Mensah served as Minister Plenipotentiary, Counter-Terrorism at the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations when he applied to the Programme: “My decision to participate in the UNITAR Fellowship Programme in Peacemaking and Preventive Diplomacy was motivated by both my professional background and my aspirations to contribute to global peace efforts. With a solid foundation in counterterrorism, I have developed valuable insights into the complexities of security threats, conflict prevention, and fostering cooperation among various actors. I recognized that participating in this programme would present an unparalleled opportunity to deepen my understanding of peacemaking and preventive diplomacy.

17 June 2025, Victoria, Canada - The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in Victoria, hosted by the University of Victoria, is dedicated to advancing knowledge and capacity in key thematic areas, including oceans, climate and sustainability; innovation and entrepreneurship; decolonisation and Indigenous knowledge; and global health and well-being.

16 June 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Best Diplomats have established a strategic partnership aimed at promoting sustainable development, advancing diplomatic practices, and providing high-quality educational experiences for young professionals around the world.