UNITAR’s efforts to support "build back better"

How UNITAR adapted its activities to COVID-19 crisis

BUILDING BACK BETTER - NO ONE LEFT BEHIND IN TONGA’S DRR

The UNITAR Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training Programme 5th annual cycle, is currently open for applications from Pacific Small Island Developing States. Read on to learn about the experience of alumni Lu’isa Uai Taunga, an officer for Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office, which is part of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications.

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BUILD BACK BETTER FROM COVID-19 STRENGTHEN TRADE AND FINANCE RESILIENCE OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

COVID-19 has highlighted severe fragilities and inequalities within and among nations. While the impact varies per country or region, LDCs is Sub- Saharan Africa face greater risks of negative impacts of the pandemic due to lack of economic resilience and diversification.

Although the pandemic is considered a public health crisis, it is not the only, and may not even be the gravest challenge the pandemic poses

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IMPROVING THE RESILIENCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO INTEGRATE PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

In line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, SDG 11.B and SDG 3.D, UNITAR in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are offering the e-Learning Course “Resilience of Local Governments: A multi-sectoral approach to integrate public health and disaster risk management” (in English and Spanish) to contribute to strengthening the capacity of local government officials for risk reduction and resilience planning inclusive of health threats management.

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BUILDING BACK BETTER FOR ALL: ACCESSIBLE LEARNING FOR IMPROVING THE RESILIENCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

In the context of increased urbanization, urban risk continues to rise. The vulnerability of cities to disasters is growing especially as poor people settle in high risk urban areas. In parallel, the planning and development of cities has given little consideration to the consequences of hazards such as earthquakes, hydro meteorological risks, and others. The implication of this reality is the need for countries to focus on creating a safer world for urban dwellers and developing a series of innovative approaches to build resilience.

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EMPOWERING YOUNG AFRICAN WOMEN MEDIATORS THROUGH INNOVATIVE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Aware of the challenges related to increasing the representation and participation of women in mediation and peacebuilding processes, UNITAR conducted a pilot project aimed at identifying innovative ways to leverage the digital space in support of women and girls' contributions to peace. The pilot project was particularly designed to investigate the specific mediation and peacebuilding challenges that young African women mediators face in building and sustaining peace in their communities and propose digital solutions that could best support their work.

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IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE AMID THE PANDEMIC – NEW REMOTE HEARINGS TOOLKIT

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the administration of justice in every legal system around the globe, and rendered in-person hearings challenging or impossible, which can significantly undermine access to justice, due process, and civil and human rights. In response, UNITAR and the Justice and Corrections Service of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI/JCS) created a Toolkit on Remote Hearing Decision-Making. The Toolkit will help readers determine whether and how to use audio, videoconferencing, and other technologies to conduct remote hearings when in-person hearings are not feasible.

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UN75 - THE VOICES OF SUSTAINING PEACE: SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AND ONLINE CONFERENCE

To mark the International Day of Peace and the 12th session of its Advisory Board meeting, the Division for Peace has launched a social media campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are continuously innovating capacity-building for peace to overcome the challenges imposed by COVID-19. The campaign is organized in the wider context of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations under the theme “Shaping Peace Together” and will be followed by an interactive online conference on the 16th of October with the participation of our story protagonists. The registration is open to everyone interested.

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YOUTH-LED PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN COLOMBIA - PROJECT ACTIVITIES CONTINUED UNDER COVID-19

Despite the near complete suspension of face-to-face trainings, the UNITAR project team in Colombia, together with its local partners, has carried out five virtual Training of Trainers courses for a total of 291 participants as well as seven virtual multiplication trainings for a total of 1479 participants. As a result, it is expected that the project objectives will be fully achieved despite the ongoing pandemic, through the adaptation of delivery methods, catering to different levels of internet access and including several options for direct communication (video conferencing tool, mobile messaging tool, podcasts and radio programming).

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LEARNING FOR A GREEN RECOVERY E-COURSE SERIES

Over the next 18 months, it is estimated that economic investment into national recovery packages will reach up to US$ 20 trillion. The make-up of these financial decisions will define the shape of our societies, our economies, and our environment for decades to come. We now sit at a “make or break moment” for both humanity and our planet, and the need for informed decision-making to support a green recovery is, therefore, greater than ever.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND LEARNING SOLUTIONS

E-COURSE FOR TRADE AND AGRICULTURE OFFICIALS FROM POST-SOVIET COUNTRIES (IN RUSSIAN)

This course is designed to assist professionals from ministries of agriculture, ministries of economy and other government and related authorities, who are directly involved in the formulation and implementation of trade or agricultural policies in the post-Soviet countries.

NEW ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS IN CONFLICT, PEACE AND SECURITY

UNITAR and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) are happy to announce the launch of 6 new advanced online academic programmes in peace and security that aim to provide learners with academic flexibility depending on their interests and professional needs.

NEW COURSE: ‘CRISIS MANAGEMENT FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS: BASIC SKILLS’

A crisis may be a reoccurring emergency situation common to a specific region (for example, hurricanes or bushfires), or a novel and unprecedented event, for instance, the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, at the core of crisis leadership is the ability to be able to rapidly and innovatively solve problems in real time, and under immense pressure.

NEW UN CC:LEARN KNOWLEDGE SHARING PLATFORM

The UN CC:Learn Knowledge Sharing Platform has been completely revamped. The newly launched website broadens its focus to reach a large and varied audience interested in climate change learning, cementing UN CC:Learn commitment to creating the best user experience for all.

YOUTH AND PEACEBUILDING OPEN ONLINE COURSE IN En AND Fr

Our groundbreaking MOOC on Youth and Peacebuilding with two dedicated tracks for young changemakers and their counterparts is now available in French as well! The course targets young motivated peacebuilders and those working to support them in their efforts to create peaceful change in their communities.

“THE NEGOTIATION ARENA”, THE NEW PODCAST SERIES OF UNITAR

Each episode, hosted by the Director of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, will bring you into the negotiation arena, the stage where world-famous experts virtually gather to share ideas and to provide listeners with their unique experiences and exceptional insights.

UN CC:LEARN’S 100K CHALLENGE: 100,000 STORIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION

UN CC:Learn is celebrating the issuance of its 100,000th certificate of course completion. It is a remarkable milestone in its mission to improve climate literacy around the world. But we do not want this achievement to be forgotten in a couple of weeks or months. We want the occasion to be remembered and to have lasting, meaningful impact.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND THE 2030 AGENDA: A PRACTICAL GUIDE

UNDESA – UNITAR have developed a new practical guide which includes key elements about how to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the implementation and follow-up of the 2030 Agenda. The practical guide is available in English, French and Spanish.

THE INTERNATIONAL LAW PROGRAMME LAUNCHES ITS SECOND ROUND OF EXECUTIVE DIPLOMAS

International law is pushing frontiers both on earth, outer space and in the digital realm. Explore these cutting-edge legal topics together with high-level international experts.

NEW INCLUSIVE EVENTS GUIDE

UNITAR’s learning solutions team has developed a set of tips that will help trainers, facilitators and organizations mainstream inclusivity across all aspects of event design and implementation to make online (and offline) events more inclusive, effective and impactful.

NEW MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND DIPLOMACY AT ESA BUSINESS SCHOOL BEIRUT

ESA and UNITAR are pleased to announce the launch of the new programme “Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy” at the ESA Business School in Beirut, Lebanon. The programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge in the field of international affairs and who are interested in careers in diplomacy.

AUTUMN EDITION OF THE ONLINE DIPLOMA IN MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY

The Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy offers a unique opportunity for both students wanting to pursue a career in international relations, and professionals working in international and regional organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions, to expand their knowledge on international affairs and strengthen their capacities in the field of multilateral diplomacy.

PARTNERSHIPS

WPDI AND UNITAR JOIN FORCES TO STRENGTHEN THE CAPACITY OF WPDI YOUTHS TO BRING POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION TO THEIR COMMUNITIES

Last August, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) signed a partnership agreement with UNITAR to review and enhance the curriculum WPDI uses to train their Youth Peacemakers to become leaders and trainers. Building on the wide expertise and experience of UNITAR, this collaboration will increase the capacity of WPDI Peacemakers to disseminate knowledge and skills in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, notably in South Sudan, South Africa, and Uganda.

UNITAR SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH HEIP PARIS

UNITAR is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Paris School of Advanced International and Political Studies (Hautes Études Internationales et Politiques – HEIP Paris). The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding outlines the scope of future collaboration that will include the establishment of a Master's degree and a research centre in various thematic areas such as conflict prevention, peace development and the rule of law, in Paris and North Africa.

STAND UP FOR ROAD SAFETY – SAY IT WITH AN EMOJI

UNITAR is pleased to present the Emoji Campaign “Stand Up for Road Safety” developed with the support of BP and the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) to promote respect of traffic rules and good road safety behaviour by all road users.

In the current global context, it is a good time to remind the public about the importance of road safety to save lives and reduce injuries. By using Emojis, the “Stand Up for Road Safety” Campaign aims to encourage -in a fun way - good and responsible behaviour to reduce road risks.

COLLABORATION WITH KIDSOR ON BUILDING CAPACITY FOR PEDIATRIC SURGERY

UNITAR and Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed within the context of UNITAR’s Global Surgery Initiative and the development of the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF).

KidsOR is a charity which aims to improve the quality of children’s medical procedures. It works to install operating rooms and deliver local surgeons’ medical equipment in order to save children’s lives in regions where children are denied access to safe surgery.

UNITAR SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH COLLEGIUM CIVITAS

Collegium Civitas has become the first Polish university to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The MoU outlines the scope of prospective collaboration that includes: training and degree programmes in various thematic fields such as sustainable development, international security and the rule of law.

UNITAR & PARTNERS CO-HOST LAUNCH OF THE 'WORLD'S UNIVERSITIES WITH REAL IMPACT' (WURI) RANKING

On 11 June 2020, UNITAR participated in the launch of a new system for university ranking, the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI). The launch event was co-hosted in partnership with three other institutions: the Institute for Policy and Strategy on National Competitiveness (IPSNC) of South Korea, the Hanseatic League of Universities and the Franklin University of Switzerland.

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