6 April 2026, New York, USA - On 30 March 2026, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations, convened a timely hybrid briefing for delegates on Multilateralism in Practice. Held in person at UN Headquarters and livestreamed via UN WebTV, the session brought together approximately 480 participants across both in-person and virtual audiences.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, has launched a new online part-time MSc in Sustainable Global Futures aimed at strengthening professionals’ capacities to address complex global sustainability challenges.

The programme focuses on developing interdisciplinary skills aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including policy analysis, strategic foresight, data-informed decision-making and multi-stakeholder collaboration. It combines academic research with practical insights from United Nations practitioners in areas such as climate action, global health, gender equality and energy policy.

Designed for working professionals, the course offers flexible learning and culminates in an applied final project addressing sustainability priorities at local, national or global levels. The initiative reflects UNITAR’s broader commitment to capacity-building and multilateral cooperation in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The strengthened collaboration underscores a shared commitment to equipping young leaders with the competencies required to engage effectively in multilateral processes.

24 February 2026, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR, in partnership with the United Nations Offices at Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi, successfully delivered the online course “Working in a Multilingual Environment” in all six official UN languages. The self-paced course, held in March and September 2025, recorded 2,650 enrolments and over 800 certified participants, strengthening effective multilingual communication across the UN system.

Applications are closing soon for the March 2026 cohort of the Lifelong Learning Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, jointly offered by UNITAR and UOC. Delivered fully online, the programme combines academic rigor and practical expertise to prepare professionals for leadership roles in international affairs.

9 February 2026, New York, USA – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) launched its Online Global Competency Programme, welcoming a group of participants from various regions in China to an immersive virtual experience designed to strengthen their skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and global engagement.

UNITAR successfully delivered the inaugural public edition of its Executive Diploma in Sports Diplomacy in Geneva from 26 to 30 January 2026. Bringing together participants from over 10 countries, the programme explored how sport can serve as a platform for diplomacy, peacebuilding and sustainable development. Through expert-led workshops, high-level discussions and on-site visits, participants gained practical tools to leverage sport as an instrument of international cooperation.

2 February 2026, New York, USA – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) launched the fifth edition of its flagship Global Diplomacy Bootcamp at United Nations Headquarters in New York, welcoming a new cohort of globally minded young leaders for an intensive week of training in multilateral diplomacy.

19 January 2026, New York, USA — On 14 and 15 January 2026, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Office in New York, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), convened the Orientation Course on the Work of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at United Nations Headquarters, as part of activities marking ECOSOC’s 80th anniversary. The two-day course brought together delegates from Member States to strengthen their understanding of ECOSOC’s mandate, working methods, and priorities for the 2026 session.

11 December 2025, Geneva, Switzerland — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), will launch the International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity Building Programme in January 2026 in Beijing. The initiative combines online learning and onsite training to equip senior officials and industry leaders with advanced competencies in digital governance, smart-city transformation, and emerging technologies. All travel and accommodation costs will be fully covered by the programme’s donor.