13 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland — On 7 May 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva and the International Law Association (GCC Branch), hosted a High-Level Dialogue on Justice and Capacity-Building in International Law this week at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The event brought together diplomats, legal scholars, and practitioners from around the world to examine how Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can strengthen their legal capacity to engage with and shape international legal processes. Discussions focused on redefining legal empowerment beyond technical training, emphasizing long-term strategic engagement, litigation readiness, and legal diplomacy as essential tools for states to assert their interests and advance justice.

12 May 2025, Chengdu, China – United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for Prosperity Director Mihoko Kumamoto concluded a multi-day visit to Chengdu, China, at the invitation of the Prosperity Alliance Chengdu leadership. Prosperity Alliance Chengdu was established in March 2025 to drive sustainable economic development through strategic partnerships, capacity-building programmes and innovative solutions. Ms. Kumamoto’s visit supported the Alliance’s commitment to fostering youth development, sustainable economic innovation and cross-cultural collaboration, aligning with Chengdu’s growing role as a hub for creativity and global exchange.

9 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland. On 17-21 March 2025, a workshop was organized by the UN Country Team in Cameroon with support from UNITAR to build the capacities of UNCT members on systems thinking and strategic foresight. The training aimed to enable UNCT to undertake the work on UN Country Analysis in an innovative manner providing an approach that is more forward-looking, system-based, and people-centered.

8 May 2025, Shenzhen, China – On 11 April 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed a letter of agreement with China (Shenzhen) International Personnel Training Center to inaugurate the UNITAR Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (Greater Bay Area [GBA]). The partnership marks a significant step in advancing the organizations’ common mission to support education, innovation and sustainable development.

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. 

5 May 2025, New York, United States — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office, in collaboration with the International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies (IAA), convened the Global Industry Joint Development Forum on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Under the theme “Global Industrial Collaboration and Innovation Amidst Change”, the Forum served as an important platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, bringing together senior officials, leading scholars, and private sector representatives to advance discourse on sustainable industrial development, innovation, and international cooperation in a rapidly evolving global environment.

2 May, 2025, New York -- On May 1, 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Office in New York organized a dedicated workshop for election officers, welcoming over 70 participants from Member States and UN departments. The session aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the rules, procedures, and digital tools related to elections conducted within the UN system.

2 May 2025, New York, USA — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research Office in New York, in collaboration with Columbia Law School, successfully concluded the Spring 2025 Mediation Skills Training Series at United Nations Headquarters. Led by Professor Alexandra Carter, Director of Columbia Law School’s Mediation Clinic, alongside her students from the Clinic, the three-part series provided delegates with practical training in mediation and conflict resolution, tailored for multilateral diplomacy and international negotiation.

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.