UNITAR is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusivity by equipping current and future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks to thrive in diplomacy and beyond. Ensuring meaningful engagement of participants across all regions, levels, and sectors is essential for inclusive decision-making, sustainable solutions, and policies that reflect diverse perspectives.
In collaboration with leading universities and trusted partners, UNITAR offers master’s programmes, leadership initiatives, and tailored training that address inclusivity and equality across diplomacy, technology, climate, and governance. These programmes are designed to build capacity, raise awareness of cross-cutting issues, and contribute to a more representative and equitable international system.
Gender Dialogue Programme
The relaunched UNITAR Gender Dialogue Programme is a flagship initiative to strengthen inclusive participation and leadership across diplomacy and international affairs. Through a widespread range of activities, UNITAR provides a trusted space for dialogue, capacity development, and cross-sectoral exchange on the evolving role of gender in multilateral contexts.
By fostering collaboration and equipping professionals with future-ready skills, the programme advances more equitable and representative decision-making. This work is anchored in three thematic pillars:
1. Gender Connect: Build a global, supportive community that fosters dialogue, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning for inclusive leadership.
2. Gender in Multilateralism: Strengthen diplomatic and leadership skills through a gender lens, ensuring inclusive participation in decision-making processes.
3. Gender & Innovation: Position UNITAR as a hub for exploring the intersection of gender, technology, and global challenges.
Recent Initiatives
Online Certificate: Women’s Leadership – Make Your Voice Heard
This certificate helps participants strengthen leadership capacity by exploring diverse leadership styles, persuasive communication, negotiation, and strategies to challenge gender stereotypes while cultivating authentic strengths.
- Format: Online (Zoom, interactive workshops)
- Fee: USD 800
- Duration: 4 days (12 hours)
- Language: English
Related initiative: Women’s Leadership Programme >
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Through academic partnerships, UNITAR collaborates with leading universities to deliver gender-focused postgraduate programmes. These degrees combine academic expertise with practical UN training, preparing students to address global challenges in diplomacy, development, and gender equality.
Strategic Influence for Women in Diplomacy
Advancing Women’s Leadership and Influence in Global Diplomacy. Lead with Confidence. Shape Institutions. Drive Change.
Women continue to be underrepresented in senior diplomatic and decision-making roles worldwide. The Women in Diplomacy Programme is a five-day, in-person leadership training in Geneva designed to address this challenge head-on.
Jointly delivered by UNITAR and LSE IDEAS’ Women in Diplomacy Project, this programme brings together cutting-edge research, practical leadership training, and direct engagement with the United Nations system to support mid-career women professionals working in diplomacy and international policy.
Through interactive learning and peer exchange, participants will strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their professional networks, and gain the tools needed to influence decision-making and advance gender equality within their institutions.
Master of Arts in Gender and Development
In partnership with the University for Peace
The Master of Arts in Gender and Development offered by UPEACE, jointly with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), aims to equip students with critical knowledge about gender studies in its intersections with development studies. Gain the skills to advance gender equality with this graduate programme focused on the crucial role of women in diplomacy and development.
Offered both in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format, this programme will allow students to develop the skills required for a successful international career in a variety of fields – diplomacy, development, politics, social work, human resources, human rights, teaching, research, policy institutes/think tanks, and others.
Students will also attend skills development sessions and coaching sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, International and regional organizations, think tanks, academia, human rights organizations, and civil society.
(Hybrid start date; August – USD 19,500/year | Online start date: September – USD 8,700/year)
Previous Collaborations
UNITAR has collaborated with international partners to deliver tailored programmes that advance women’s participation and leadership in global affairs.
The Women's Leadership Programme
Online Certificate on Women's Leadership - Make Your Voice Heard
The Online Certificate on Women’s Leadership equips participants with practical skills to thrive and excel in leadership roles. The programme nurtures self-confidence, sharpens communication, and creates opportunities for mentorship and peer exchange.
Learn More >
UNITAR–IOE Course on Women in Business and Management
This joint course with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) focused on strengthening women’s leadership aspirations within multilateral diplomacy and global business. It provided participants with strategies to overcome gender-specific barriers and build inclusive leadership practices.
Learn More >