24 July 2025, Paris, France - On 12 July 2025, the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) took part in the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. In collaboration with the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST), UNOSAT co-hosted a thematic session titled: Digital Technologies for Sustainable Development of World Heritage Sites. This collaboration was part of a broader effort to promote the use of digital tools and geospatial technologies in support of UNESCO’s mission to safeguard World Heritage.

The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), part of UNITAR, delivers satellite analysis, training, and capacity development to UN entities and Member States. We leverage geospatial technologies to support humanitarian response, sustainable development, and resilience building worldwide. Through satellite analysis and targeted training initiatives, UNOSAT empowers UN entities and Member States to leverage geospatial technologies for evidence-based decision making. The project “Strengthening Capacities in the Use of Geospatial Information for Improved Resilience in Asia-Pacific and Africa”, implemented between 2021-2024 with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), supported eight countries across Asia-Pacific and Africa in strengthening their geospatial capabilities to address development challenges. The following case study from Bhutan demonstrates the transformative impact of this initiative.

July 2025 - Lebanon is facing a growing risk of food insecurity due to the conflict that began in October 2023, which threatens the country's agricultural land and assets. This geospatial assessment aims to analyze changes in agricultural land during the baseline period from October 2019 to 7 October 2023, compared with October 2024.

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.

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.

Since October 2023, UNOSAT and FAO have collaborated to assess the impact of the crisis on agriculture in the Gaza Strip. Using satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, they monitored damage to cropland and greenhouses, essential for food security. By December 2024, 75% of Gaza’s cropland was severely affected, with over 5,600 greenhouses damaged or destroyed. This data has been crucial for FAO’s food security assessments, humanitarian coordination, and targeted interventions to support farmers. The partnership also led to methodological improvements, enhancing decision-making and resource allocation.

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.

28 February 2025, Lviv, Ukraine – In a significant step toward safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural and natural heritage, UNOSAT and UNESCO hosted an advanced training session in Lviv from 25-28 February 2025. With a focus on satellite imagery-based damage assessment and environmental monitoring, Ukrainian heritage professionals and archaeologists honed their skills in geospatial technologies. Through hands-on exercises and open-source platforms, participants learned to document and monitor invaluable heritage sites—empowering them to make a real impact in their daily work. This training is part of an ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine’s capacity to preserve its rich cultural legacy and natural heritage in the face of ongoing challenges.

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.