The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a principal training arm of the United Nations, working in every region of the world. We empower individuals, governments and organizations through knowledge and learning to effectively overcome contemporary global challenges. UNITAR was established in 1963 by the General Assembly of the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the UN through appropriate training and research. Read more.

UNITAR’s mission is to develop capacities to enhance global decision-making and to support country-level action for shaping a better future. The Institute: designs and delivers innovative training to address needs of individuals, organizations and institutions; facilitates knowledge and experience-sharing through networked and innovative processes; conducts research on and pilots innovative learning strategies, approaches and methodologies; and advises and supports governments, UN and other partners with technology-based knowledge-related services. Read more.

• To carry out a wide range of training programmes in the field of peace and security as well as social, environment and economic development.
• To carry out result-oriented research, in particular, research on and for training and to develop pedagogical materials including distance learning training packages, workbooks, as well as software and video training packs.
• To establish and strengthen cooperation with other inter-governmental organizations, faculties and academic institutions, in particular for the development of research and training activities.
• To conduct training programmes in multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation for diplomats accredited to the United Nations and national officials involved in work related to United Nations activities.

Read our Statute (PDF)

UNITAR’s headquarters are located in Geneva (Switzerland). Two out-posted offices have been established in New York (USA) and Hiroshima (Japan) to strengthen skills of beneficiaries through programme development and delivery of regional activities. Read more.

UNITAR is headed by an Executive Director and governed by a Board of Trustees. Members of the Board of Trustees are appointed “ad personam” by the United Nations Secretary-General, bringing their important point of view from governments, foundations, academics and private business. Appointed by the UN Secretary-General, the Executive Director reports directly to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

UN Resolutions and other official documents are available in the Resolutions and Other Reports section of the website. Information on the main areas of work is available under respective sections of the website.

UNITAR organizes training in the form of workshops, seminars and fellowships where participants, mostly professionals from developing countries, learn from each other and share their experiences and the common issues they are facing. This can be done through face-to-face events as well as online courses.

Depending on the topic and format, our courses give right to different levels of recognition, ranging from a certificate of participation to certificates of completion and diplomas or certificates recognized by academic institutions.

UNITAR offers different types of training and courses, some of which are open to the public and others are limited to specific target audiences such as diplomats or civil servants. Please note on the event description you're interested in if you are eligible under the criteria. UNITAR also offers a number of free online courses that can be taken by anyone, anywhere in the world.

UNITAR conducts its activities all over the world.  Depending on the type of event, training activities can be organized in-country at strategic locations or through e-learning sessions. Many activities conducted under the Social Development Programme are organized through the CIFAL Global network, a network of affiliated training centres.