UNITAR and Newcastle University Sign MOU to Advance Training and Academic Collaboration

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.

21 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the University of Arizona, is pleased to announce the launch of the Professional Certificate in Science Policy and Diplomatic Practice.

17 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce its membership in the Advisory Council of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR). As an Advisory Council member, UNITAR joins CSHR’s extensive network dedicated to advancing human rights in sports through multi-stakeholder dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

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.