25 April 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - A side event “New approaches to ensure needs based and sustainable statistical training” held before the opening of the 56th session of the UN Statistical Commission has been an opportunity to discuss the work of the Global Network of Institutions for Statistical Training (GIST) in supporting National Statistical Offices to adopt country-owned, innovative and sustainable approaches to capacity-building. Four countries have shared their experiences, including Kenya, Morocco, Seychelles that used the STAT tool developed by GIST in 2024, and Ghana that was among the first pilot countries of the STAT process together with Colombia in 2023. This exchange has demonstrated the usefulness of the methodology developed by GIST that empowers NSOs to adopt more strategic approaches to developing their capacities.

25 April 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR and UNESCO, in collaboration with a group of universities, have launched a new initiative “Leaders in Higher Education Alliance and Programme – For Accelerating Sustainability Transformations” (LEAP-FAST) aimed at creating a movement of committed sustainability leaders in higher education to advance deep transformations and enable HEIs to fulfil their potential with regards to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the key components of the initiative is the LEAP-FAST Certificate Programme, which officially launched on 23 March 2025 in academic partnership with Majmaah University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Rawad, a Senior Protection Assistant at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, completed UNITAR’s Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice in 2024. Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR’s Core Diplomatic Training has remained at the forefront of the institute, equipping current and aspiring diplomats with greater knowledge and skills on how to effectively and efficiently operate in any multilateral setting. Seeking to pursue a diplomatic career, Rawad enrolled on the eighth edition of the diploma. 

22 April 2025, Malaga, Spain – The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Malaga, Spain (CIFAL Malaga), announces the release of its 2024 Annual Report (Memoria Anual CIFAL Málaga).

21 April 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to launch the Global Youth Scholars Development Programme, inviting youth aged 18 to 24 worldwide to explore their role as SDG evaluators. Participants will gain the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to assess the real-world impact of sustainability efforts within their communities and connect local experiences to global goals.

22 April 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research is joining forces with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) to support the growing demand for global emergency response capabilities and promote sustainable development.

16 March 2025, Victoria, Canada – The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in Victoria, Canada (CIFAL Victoria), is pleased to announce the publication of its 2024 Annual Report. This report provides an overview of CIFAL Victoria’s growth and impact during its third year of operations.

16 March 2025, Victoria, Canada - CIFAL Victoria, a member of the CIFAL Global Network, is excited to announce the launch of its new Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Climate Science. This programme, grounded in the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), is designed to equip students with the critical knowledge and skills necessary to address the pressing challenges of climate change. This is the first programme on North America's West Coast to receive UNITAR-CIFAL accreditation for delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDGS).

Lauren is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Newcastle. She learned about the UNITAR “She Leads for Peace Summer School” through her former supervisor at work. Initially drawn to the programme to acquire new skills for her future career, she realized that the experience offered much more than she had anticipated, broadening her perspective on women’s leadership in the broader sustaining peace ecosystem.

Cindy is an instructional designer and international trainer. Before joining the “Learning Design and Facilitation Masterclass Series” offered by UNITAR’s Learning Solutions team, she had over six years of engagement with UNITAR as a trainer in topics related to leadership, coaching, communication, and negotiation. Cindy also works full-time as a training and development designer at Unitrade Management Services and is pursuing a degree in instructional design. Clearly, Cindy was not new to the intricacies of training development, however, UNITAR's Masterclass Series provided her with additional skills that have complemented her experience as an instructional designer.