29 May 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - Held on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2020, this online expert briefing focused on the future of peacekeeping:
- How will peacekeeping respond to likely funding shortages, and to working in environments weakened by the three “I”-s: instability, inequality, and infectious disease?
- How should capacity building initiatives change in order to mitigate some of the challenges identified above, allowing peacekeepers to implement the mandate more safely and efficiently, in line with the A4P framework?
- What is the short, medium, and long-term gendered impact of this crisis on individual peacekeepers’ well-being? What approaches can be used to help them help others?
Organised in the format of an interactive and open-to-all discussion, the briefing features not only the informed insights of the panelists, but also a virtual Q&A session.

9 June 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - In response to the persistent and unprecedented COVID-19 challenge and committed to the promotion of inclusive sustainable development, UNITAR and Solarkiosk have launched a multi-sectoral, multi-partner collaboration to support preparedness and response on the African continent, at the national level. This integrated multi-level public-private partnership aims to provide solar-powered equipment and infrastructure for screening, testing and treatment of the general population with the help of mobile, solar-powered laboratories. The project constitutes a real, practical and feasible solution that will help to tackle the growing COVID-19 risks in Africa, thereby saving thousands of lives.

Trente et un participants francophones, femmes et hommes, de niveau intermédiaire et supérieur, venant des Ministères des Affaires étrangères, des bureaux du Président et d'autres départements gouvernementaux, le personnel des Nations Unies et de l'Union africaine et la société civile ont complété avec succès le programme de formation intensive de l’UNITAR pour l’Afrique francophone. Les participantes et participants sont sortis de la formation avec une sensibilisation accrue à la prévention et à la résolution des conflits par le dialogue politique, ainsi qu'avec des compétences et des connaissances renforcées pour contribuer à une paix durable.

Thirty-one mid and senior level government officials, UN and AU staff, and representatives of civil society completed UNITAR's intensive training programme for French-speaking Africa. Officials left the training with an increased awareness of conflict prevention and resolution through political dialogue, as well as enhanced skills and knowledge to contribute to lasting peace.

In February 2020, UNITAR Division for Peace launched a roster of trainers to consolidate the best expertise and knowledge available globally in the fields of peacekeeping, peacebuilding, crisis management, and conflict transformation. Applications are accepted through the online questionnaire, accessible through the links in the respective vacancy announcements. Vacancy announcements are grouped by thematic areas, with each group being published every two-three weeks.

Using the knowledge gained from the UNITAR Disaster Risk Reduction Training she took part in, Lu'isa Uai Taunga from Tonga worked on incorporating best practices from around the globe and adapting them to her local context.

14 February 2020, New York, USA – On Thursday night, 13 February, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office attended the reception co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Canada in celebration of the completion of the Women in International Security and Cyberspace Fellowship training organized by UNITAR and sponsored by the Australian Government.

13 February 2020, New York, USA – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office welcomed the fourth class of its UNITAR Global Diplomacy Initiative (UGDI), a program dedicated to providing a unique, intimate training experience targeted at students in higher education who study politics, international relations, urban affairs, or related fields. This year’s participants come from diverse backgrounds and represent academia and professional fields. In the UGDI, they will learn from the connections and experience of UN delegates and academics alike.

11 February 2020, Curitiba, Brazil - Science and equal rights between men and women are crucial for the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Presently, less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women.

5-7 February 2020, New York, U.S.A – The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office, organized Women in International Security and Cyberspace Fellowship sponsored by the Australian Government. This three day training was hosted in the United Nations Headquarters in Conference Room E.