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In a world facing unprecedented global challenges, the need for informed and capable leaders has never been greater. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) recognizes this urgency and has established its Online Learning and Education services to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive positive change worldwide. 

UNITAR's online academic programmes and open online courses draw on 75 years of the United Nations experience in the field and decades of UNITAR's expertise in training and research. Collaborating with renowned partner universities around the globe, UNITAR has developed a rich academic heritage and a strong applied practice that is now accessible to learners worldwide. 

Importantly, these programmes incorporate the insights and feedback of several generations of learners – individuals who, like you, are dedicated to promoting global peace, security, and development. By becoming part of this cohort, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills and connect with a network of like-minded change-makers, amplifying your impact. 

Why Choose UNITAR Online Learning? 

UNITAR’s approach is guided by four key principles: 

• Availability: Courses designed to reach learners globally, leaving no one behind. 
• Accessibility: Flexible online formats tailored for diverse learners. 
• Acceptability: High-quality content aligning with international standards. 
• Adaptability: Programmes that evolve to meet emerging global needs. 

Anchored in Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), UNITAR's online learning experiences are transformative. They combine theoretical concepts with practical applications, online and offline components, internships, lectures, and peer-to-peer learning. This ensures that the "furthest first" is reached, leaving no one behind – a core tenet of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. 

Excellence in training is a guiding principle for UNITAR, reflected in its mission of providing "knowledge to lead." This is not about UNITAR's leadership but about empowering and advancing your leadership through high-quality educational experiences. 

By joining UNITAR’s global learning community, you’ll gain access to: 

• A network of like-minded leaders and change-makers. 
• Programmes that combine theory with real-world application. 
• Cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. 

This transformative approach, blending expert knowledge and practical skills, will drive the path towards a better tomorrow for all. We are in this together regardless of our differences or unequal starting points. By learning from and with each other, we can be the change we wish to see in the world. 

UNITAR understands the unique challenges professionals face, especially those working in the field. For decades, the institute has been developing distance-learning products and services that combine the convenience of online delivery with the benefits of collaboration, learner engagement, and human interaction. 

There are so many opportunities to learn with us and to support global learning!  

Flagship Master’s Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas: 

• Master in Lifelong Learning in Conflict, Peace and Security
• Master in Electoral Policy and Administration
• Master in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding
• Master in Global Sustainability Leadership

PhD Research Qualifications: 

• Alternative Pedagogies to Change the Higher Education Landscape
• Maritime Security and Port Governance
• Peace Studies and the Economic Dimension of Extractive Industries
• Geoeconomics and Geopolitics: Development in a Shifting Balance of Power Landscape
• The International Political Economy Through the Lens of Geoeconomics and Geopolitics

Other Training Opportunities: 

• Open Online Courses
• Courses for UNVs 

Discover OLEU's expertise through pioneering research and collaborative publications that shape the global discourse. Explore All Publications →

Explore key events organized or supported by OLEU, from international conferences to thematic workshops.  

UNITAR International Research Conference (UIRC):  

• 2024 Edition - “UN 2.0: Our Common Agenda and the Role of Higher Education in Conflict, Peace, and Development” 

• 2023 Inaugural Edition - “Climate Security: Peace and Security Consequences of Climate Change" 

The Online Learning and Education Team partners with leading institutions, research centres, and organizations to drive innovation and sustainable solutions in education, peacebuilding, and development. Through joint research, co-hosted events, and shared platforms, we amplify collective impact and global progress.  

• AI-Focused Digital Cooperation and Partnership Development Initiative 
• Atlantic Centre: Maritime Safety and Security 
• Higher Education and Innovation Partnership (HEIP) and Centre for Education and Development Studies (CEDS) 
• European University of Technology (EUt+) and European Laboratory for Pedagogical Action-Research and Student-Centered Learning (ELaRA) 
• Instituto Nacional de Administração (INA) I.P. 

Explore recorded webinars featuring insightful discussions with our network of experts and partner institutions on pressing global challenges and innovative solutions.  

• Diplomats Without Borders  
• Global Sustainability Leadership  
• Navigating the Complex Field of Conflict, Peace and Security 
   

UNITAR’s online learning programmes are transformative experiences designed to empower individuals and institutions to lead, innovate, and drive positive change. Whether you are an academic institution seeking to co-create advanced degrees, a research partner exploring innovative projects, or an organization aiming to co-host impactful events, we invite you to collaborate with the Online Learning and Education Unit (OLEU). 

Together, we can advance knowledge, foster innovation, and build a more sustainable and inclusive future. Reach out today and join us in shaping a better world through education, research, and partnership. 

Online Learning and Education  

E-mail: elearning.ptp@unitar.org