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On this International Women’s Day, I am pleased to announce that I joined the International Gender Champions. Today, we must all answer the call to action to achieve a future where the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls are fully realized. The theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment., serves as a powerful reminder that gender equality is not just a goal—it is a necessity.Gender equality is fundamental to ending violence, ensuring safe and peaceful societies, building strong economies, and achieving sustainable development. A world...
21 April 2021, Abu Dhabi, UAE - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is delighted to announce the signing of a joint agreement between Rabdan Academy, UAE, and UNITAR. The MoU was signed at Rabdan Academy’s campus in Abu Dhabi by Mr. James Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, and Mr. Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR. Both partners stressed the importance of joint training and educational efforts to address the challenges facing the UAE and the wider international community.
“Through this agreem...
8 April 2024 - It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of Mr. Marcel André Boisard, former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and former Executive Director of UNITAR from 1992 to 2007. The news of his departure has deeply saddened us all.
Mr. Boisard was not only a respected leader but also a distinguished figure in the academic, diplomatic and humanitarian realms. He brought wisdom, guidance, and a compassionate spirit to every aspect of his work. His dedication and commitment have left an indelible mark on our Institute and all who had the pr...
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.With over 30 years of experience in sustainable development, policy advocacy, international trade, international rel...
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. Ms. Gyles-McDonnough brings over 30 years of experience in sustainable development, policy advocacy, international trade, and organizational change management. She has held key leadership roles within the United Nations, most recently serving as Director of the Sustainable Dev...
UN Research and Training Institutes Mark UN Day with Renewed Call for Accelerated Action on the SDGs
24 October 2024 - Recognizing the importance of learning and knowledge as key foundations for development, this year six United Nations research and training entities mark UN Day with a renewed call for accelerated action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The entities comprise the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO), the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the United Nations Research Institute for Social Develo...
29 November 2019, Geneva, Switzerland - The Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) concluded its Sixtieth Session, which convened from 28 to 29 November 2019. Key decisions of the session include adoption of the $88 million programme budget for 2020-2021 and the integration into UNITAR of The Defeat-NCD Partnership with a biennial budget of $31 million. The Board encouraged UNITAR to build on The Defeat-NCD Partnership model to consider the eventual integration of other initiatives, such as Global Road Safety Partnership. T...
24 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - In September, Member States came together to adopt a visionary Pact for the Future aimed at aligning international efforts with contemporary realities and future challenges. Today, on UN Day, the six research and training institutes of the United Nations reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Pact of the Future through specialized knowledge, learning, research and training for the UN system – benefitting the world as a whole. The UN research and training organizations include the United Nations Interregional Crime and Ju...
20 October 2023, Geneva, Switzerland – To mark its 60th anniversary, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) launched the 'SDG4Kids' initiative, a series of interactive educational experiences linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at engaging Geneva’s young minds to create positive change for a better future., As part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations, UNITAR is organizing a public photo exhibition in Geneva from 2 to 27 October, displayed on the Rotonde du Quai du Mont-Blanc, illustrating 60 years of history as well as s...
27 May 2021, Geneva, Switzerland and Beijing, China - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Geneva School of Economics and Management of the University of Geneva and the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set global standards for SDG Education and Open Innovation.
The three documents were virtually signed by United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, Mr. Nikhil Seth, the Dean of the Geneva School of Economics and Management of the Univ...