We bridge gaps in knowledge and skills through impactful training, research and innovative learning solutions.

The United Nations Charter, the UN Leadership Framework, and the UN staff regulations and rules underpin our work. Building on this foundation, we embody the United Nations values of inclusion, integrity, humility and humanity. These values are not only guiding principles, but tangible actions we practice daily through rigorous analysis and planning, collaboration, results, adaptation and innovation and learning. Throughout our activities, we remain committed to being impartial, independent, evidence-based and forward-looking.

To deliver on our vision and mission, we are guided by four strategic objectives (SOs): 

SO1  Individuals are empowered with the capacities to advance multilateral diplomacy, public sector performance and the SDGs.

SO2  Institutions in developing countries are strengthened to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, implement the Pact for the Future and respond to national priorities.

SO3 Countries build robust learning ecosystems to meet their learning needs and foster lasting impact.

SO4 The quality and effectiveness of UN capacity-building efforts are enhanced through shared-learning platforms, best practices and research. 

These objectives provide strategic direction, ensure coherence across programmes and operations, and strengthen our ability to generate meaningful change for individuals, institutions, countries and other stakeholder partners and the United Nations.

As a crosscutting objective, UNITAR will promote inclusive empowerment across all four objectives by prioritizing the needs of the countries in special situations, as well as those of women, youth and persons with disabilities, in accordance with the 2030 Agenda principle of Leave No One Behind.

UNITAR will advance its mission and its strategic objectives through five interconnected workstreams that combine learning, knowledge, advisory support and research to build capacities and deliver sustainable impact:

Learning & Skills Development. We deliver multiple learning and skills development opportunities for individuals and groups, including training and professional development, fellowship programmes, executive education, master’s degree programmes and immersion programmes. 

Knowledge Platforms & Systems. We design platforms, systems and tools that scale knowledge, foster collaboration and accelerate the implementation of multilateral agreements and international commitments. 

Collaborative Knowledge Exchanges. We facilitate collaborative learning and knowledge exchanges and related dialogues and engagements, e.g., leadership retreats, scenario labs, executive roundtables, panels and collaborative think tanks. 

Advisory & Institutional Support. We help governments, organizations and other partners build lasting capabilities, including through organizational assessments, tailored training frameworks, curriculum design, certification and long-term accompaniment.

Research and Geospatial Solutions. We conduct applied, policy-oriented and action research—including foresight studies, statistical and geospatial analyses and impact assessments—to generate evidence and insights.