11 November 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – On 11 November 2024, nearly 30 officials and professionals from 11 Pacific small island countries embarked on a study tour in Japan as part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme. Over 12 days, the participants will visit Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo, Tsukuba, Kashiwa, and Kasukabe, engaging in expert-led lectures, field visits, and group assignments.

31 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan - the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed an agreement with Hiroshima University to collaborate on the implementation of the Programme for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development. The agreement was signed by the President of Hiroshima University Dr. Mitsuo Ochi and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNITAR Executive Director Mr. Nikhil Seth. Hiroshima University was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to implement the programme in cooperation with UNITAR. The programme aims to equip junior and mid-level practitioners in peacebuilding and international development.

21 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is running the emergency training programme “Rapid Assistance for Sudan: Promoting Socioeconomic Stability through Institutional Capacity and Livelihood Development”. This initiative aims to address the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises in Sudan by equipping displaced populations with market-relevant skills and promoting entrepreneurship to stimulate economic recovery.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR will participate in the AidEx 2024 exhibition in Geneva, on 23 and 24 October 2024. In this humanitarian aid and disaster relief event, UNITAR’s exhibit is themed “Empowering Changemakers: A Force for Sustainable Future ”. The UNITAR exhibition highlights the impact of training women, youth and professionals in Asia and the Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, African countries, and Ukraine on lifelong practical digital skills, community-based disaster risk reduction, and effective and inclusive leadership to support sustainable and strategic economic growth.

10 October 2024 Nadi, Fiji – On 10 October 2024, the final day of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sea and Human Security regional workshop in Fiji, around 70 agents of change from eight Pacific Island countries presented their group projects, exhibiting their improved skills and collaborative spirits to tackle sea and human security issues.

9 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR wrapped up the first phase of the “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme with the fourth and final virtual classroom on 24 September. For two months, over 200 enthusiastic officials and professionals from 16 Pacific Island countries explored risk assessment, tools, knowledge, and technologies in early warning systems (EWS) through asynchronous online learning.

7 October 2024, Geneva – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly launched the third edition of the online training course "Trade and Food Security for the Near East and North Africa (NENA)", which aims to strengthen government capacity to develop and implement trade policies and negotiate trade agreements. The course will run from 6 October to 2 November 2024, facilitated by experts and delivered in Arabic.

4 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – In August 2024, the UNITAR Future Global Youth Leaders Programme brought around 20 high school students from across the world to UNITAR headquarters in Geneva, providing them with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to lead in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. This programme round was completed in partnership with IC Education, a Chinese educational enterprise.

1 October 2024, Nadi, Fiji – On 1 October 2024, The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) welcomed over 70 participants from government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector from 8 Pacific small island countries to the regional workshop for the “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” training programme, in Nadi, Fiji. The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, Tuvalu and Nauru H.E.Rokuichiro MICHII as well as high-level officials from the government of Fiji also attended the opening ceremony.

30 September 2024, New York, USA – In a unique youth-focused event, UNITAR and the United Co-Creation Lab hosted a side event during the United Nations General Assembly to explore how co-creation between youth and global leaders can foster sustainable development and inclusive societies. This event, “Co-Creation for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Youth in Global Dialogue”, marked the official launch of the United Co-Creation Lab, an initiative dedicated to bridging the generational gap and bringing young voices into decision-making processes.