12 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sovereign Order of Malta at UNITAR’s headquarters in Geneva. This strategic partnership aims to address the global challenge of human trafficking through collaborative efforts over the next five years.

16 January 2025, New York, USA - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) office in New York, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), hosted an orientation course on the work of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at UN Headquarters in New York for new delegates. With around 125 attendees, the event provided diplomats, UN officials, and key stakeholders with an in-depth understanding of ECOSOC’s crucial role in advancing sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. 

30 December 2024, New York, USA – On 26 November (Virtual) & 9-10 December 2024 the United Nations Institute for Training and Research New York Office, in partnership with Canada, Germany, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, successfully held the Women in International Security and Cyberspace Fellowship at the United Nations Headquarters and the Permanent Mission of Canada. This three-day event provided training and capacity-building opportunities tailored to strengthen technical skills and empower women delegates from developing countries in preparation for the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) discussions on the security of and the use of information and communications technologies.

The grandeur of Carnegie Hall set the stage for around 2,000 attendees last December 17, for an inspiring evening dedicated to peace, sustainable development, and human dignity. The concert titled “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generation,” was held In Celebration of the Work of the 79th United Nations General Assembly and President H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang. Presented by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office (NYO) in collaboration with the International Academy for Arts and Cultural Studies, the event underscored the transformative power of culture and music in fostering global solidarity.

The Global Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) had its Closing Ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters for the Fall 2024 cohort. Hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office (NYO), the event honored the 14 fellows who completed the rigorous program designed to deepen their understanding of the United Nations and global diplomacy.

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.

9 December 2024, Doha, Qatar - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the ADN Group hosted the fourth edition of World Negotiation Day in a new location, Doha, Qatar, in partnership with Doha Forum. The event highlighted the crucial role of negotiation in addressing emerging challenges, while also exploring the impacts of power imbalances, shifting strategic dynamics, time constraints and cultural and communication barriers on bilateral negotiations.

26 November 2024, New York, USA - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office and Columbia Law School have collaborated to deliver another set of impactful series of workshops for this Fall, addressing critical global issues through skill-building and education. The participants encompassed diplomats from the UN Secretariat, industry professionals, non-government organizations, with every session attracting over 100 registrants, benefitting a total of approximately 200 in-person participants. Building on this success, UNITAR NYO and Columbia Law School are collaborating again for a special Mediation and Multilateral Clinic in Spring 2025.

28 November 2024 Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and ADN Group, in partnership with the Doha Forum, are proud to announce the agenda and panelists for the upcoming Doha World Negotiation Day taking place at the Sheraton Grand, in Doha, Qatar on December 9th, 2024 (15:00 – 18:00).

19 November 2024, New York, USA – DiploTools, in partnership with UNITAR Office in New York, recently hosted an event titled Tech Solutions for the Growing Diplomatic Workload. This event highlighted the increasing complexities of diplomacy and the growing need for customized technological solutions to empower delegates, missions, and ministries. By addressing inefficiencies and streamlining bureaucratic processes, DiploTools aims to support diplomats in focusing on the core of their work: fostering international cooperation and dialogue.