As global challenges and the political climate grow more complex, collaboration between United Nations entities is more essential than ever for strengthening governance, increasing institutional resilience, and enhancing the UN system’s ability to deliver on its objectives. To this end, the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have partnered to offer joint Master’s and Certificate Programmes designed to equip the next generation of international affairs professionals, including diplomats, policymakers, NGO workers, and legal practitioners. Covering key fields such as international law, diplomacy, development, and gender studies, these programmes combine UPEACE’s academic expertise with UNITAR’s executive-style training.

Established in 2020, this partnership reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering collaboration within the UN system. Through this initiative, UPEACE and UNITAR provide participants with both a strong theoretical foundation and practical insights into multilateral processes. Taught by United Nations staff, diplomats, practitioners, and academics, the programmes offer direct engagement with international institutions, ensuring that graduates are prepared to navigate real-world challenges in their professional careers. By expanding access to education and strengthening professional capacity in international affairs, this partnership supports global efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals’ commitment to inclusive, quality education.

The collaboration offers several Master’s degrees alongside Certificate Programmes, including:

• Master of Arts in Gender and Development
• Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy
• Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy
• Master of Arts in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes

UNITAR also hosts annual immersive field visits to Geneva and The Hague, providing students with firsthand exposure to international legal frameworks and diplomatic processes, deepening their practical understanding of global governance.

In an effort to make educational initiatives like this more inclusively available, the UPEACE-UNITAR partnership has extended its impact through innovative projects. One such initiative, the "Art for Peace" Collection, was developed as a creative means to support access to education and promote peace. This NFT collection, launched in a 2023 collaboration with Costa Rican artist Gussa, featured 5,000 digital art pieces celebrating peace and hope. The proceeds from the collection directly funded a fellowship programme benefiting candidates from Least Developed Countries and

Small Island Developing States, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development and global governance. Recognised for its innovative approach, the initiative was selected as a finalist in the "Peace" category of the SDG Digital GameChangers Award, organised by the International Telecommunication Union.

By combining academic excellence, practical training, and creative innovation, the UPEACE-UNITAR partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in strengthening global governance and advancing sustainable development. In an era of increasing geopolitical complexity, partnerships such as these are vital to ensuring that international institutions remain responsive, resilient, and equipped to meet global challenges.