2024 Youth Ambassador Asia-Pacific Programme

UNITAR, in partnership with ITS Education Asia, invites young people from the Asia-Pacific to apply for the “2024 Youth Ambassador Asia-Pacific Programme”. The programme will run every Saturday for 8 weeks, from 12 October to 30 November. Focusing on “Local Solutions for Global Challenges: Youth Empowerment and Community Impact”, participants will learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and develop critical thinking skills to address community problems. Youth Ambassadors will envision and develop their ideas through their self-directed capstone projects, which they will present at the end of the programme.

Application deadline: 21 September 2024

Learn more about the Youth Ambassador programme and apply

AI-Driven Sustainable Solutions to Overcome Global Challenges 

UNITAR Division for Prosperity will host a workshop and a panel discussion “AI-Driven Sustainable Solutions – Pioneering Innovations to Overcome Global Challenges” on 4 September 2024 at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva. Through an interactive workshop and a panel discussion, the event will explore the potential of responsible AI use for sustainable development. Prior registration is required for both workshop and panel discussion, to attend in person or access the livestream. Attendees may register for one or both sessions. Both sessions will be in English and is free of charge.

Application deadline: 2 September 2024, 12 p.m. CEST (UTC +2).

Learn more and apply for the workshop and panel discussion 

UNITAR AI Masterclass: Leading the AI Revolution – Strategy, Innovation and Global Impact

UNITAR is calling for applications to the “UNITAR AI Masterclass: Leading the AI Revolution – Strategy, Innovation, and Global Impact” in-person workshop. The programme runs 24-25 October 2024 in Geneva and features results-oriented sessions on “Understanding the Future of AI” and “Adapting and Succeeding in AI”. This programme aims to equip participants with a plan for the future, demystifying and dispelling myths about outdated or false forms of AI. As a prelude to the workshop, a free webinar “The State of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2024” was held on 15 August, attended by approximately 120 participants, who gained a glimpse of the transformative impact of AI and explored its impact on governance, commerce and employment.

Application deadline: 23 September 2024

Learn more about the AI Masterclass and apply.

Sustainable Development: Idea, Process and Goal

Professionals from the public and private sectors, civil society and academia in the finance field are invited to apply to the “Sustainable Development: Idea, Process, and Goal" training programme, to be held online 9 September – 11 October 2024. This 5-week online programme will encourage participants to develop knowledge, competencies and attitudes and advance their understanding of planning and evaluating sustainable development concepts.

Application deadline: 9 September 2024

Learn more about the sustainable development programme and apply.

Blockchain, AI, and Other Digital Technologies: Applications and Implications for Sustainable Development

Innovative entrepreneurs, government representatives and development experts intrigued by the applicability of recent digital technologies are invited to apply to the “Blockchain, AI, and Other Digital Technologies: Applications and Implications for Sustainable Development (2024)” online training programme. During the 4-week course, from 11 November to 13 December 2024, participants will explore different technological innovations and their applications via case studies and practical examples, guided by renowned experts. They will also learn how to assess the potential impact of digital technologies in your areas of interest.

Application deadline: 11 November 2024

Learn more about the AI applications programme and apply.

Bridging the Digital Technology Gap: Connect Africa to the World by Empowering the People for AI Readiness

UNITAR and Microsoft Africa are inviting youth and women from 24 English-speaking African countries  to join the “Bridging the Digital Technology Gap: Connect Africa to the World by Empowering the People for AI Readiness” online training programme, which will run from 26 August to 30 September 2024. The programme aims to enhance their understanding and capacity to apply AI and other emerging technologies in the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

Application deadline: 10 September 2024

Learn more about the Africa digital technology programme and apply.

Negotiating for Conflict and Dispute Resolution

UNITAR presents the “Negotiating for Conflict and Dispute Resolution (2024)” online training programme and invites professionals from academic circles, civil society and other sectors to register for the course. To be held from 23 September to 25 October 2024, the programme features learning modules on negotiation for conflict and dispute resolution. Participants will deepen their understanding of approaches and tools for complex negotiations under conflict situations.

Application deadline: 23 September 2024

Learn more about the conflict resolution programme and apply.

Trade Finance Infrastructure Development

Officials from ministries of trade, finance and economic development are invited to apply to the “Trade Finance Infrastructure Development (2024)” online training programme, to be held from 30 September to 29 November 2024. This 6-week programme aims to develop participants’ insights into and understanding of trade finance, with an emphasis on infrastructure development. Participants will learn about public-private collaboration mechanisms to facilitate the flow of international trade and investment, which fuels growth and economic development.

Application deadline: 6 September 2024

Learn more about the trade finance infrastructure programme and apply.

Trade and Food Security 

UNITAR has opened the call for applications for the “Trade and Food Security” online training programme (Arabic language only). The course is for representatives of government organizations and those involved in designing and implementing agricultural policies in Arabic-speaking countries. The programme runs from 6 October to 2 November 2024 and explores the nexus between trade and food security concepts with practical regional experiences.

Application deadline: 6 September 2024

Learn more about the trade and food security programme (Arabic) and apply.

Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons: Study Tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Youth Leader Fund participants completed a week-long study tour to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan so they can learn about and share the cities’ lessons with the world and bring about positive change. The 49 youth from 37 countries visited atomic bombing memorial sites and discuss the tragedies with hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombings. The youth leaders organized a youth conference on nuclear disarmament on 30 August 2024.  Funded by the Government of Japan and managed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the Youth Leader Fund provides a platform for future leaders to share their thoughts and ideas for disarmament towards a nuclear-weapon-free world. The programme launched in December 2023 with 100 young people. UNITAR served as the implementing partner for the study tour.

2024 UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme: Leaders for a New Era

Twenty-nine Hiroshima students joined the 2024 UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme. Hosted from 30 June to December 2024 by UNITAR and UNITAR Association with support from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, the programme aims to deepen the students’ understanding of nuclear disarmament and peacebuilding and prepare them to become change-makers and spread the message of peace from Hiroshima to the world. The Youth Ambassadors will develop concrete action plans and exchange views and conduct discussions with other youth from around the world.

UNITAR at Shanghai Climate Week 2024: Prosperity Alliance Launched

UNITAR participated in Shanghai Climate Week 2024 from 22 to 24 April. The event aimed to share global insights and explore strategies to address climate change, and promote green information and sustainable economic development for cities and industries. UNITAR Executive Director Nikhil Seth delivered virtual remarks emphasizing the importance of cooperation between UNITAR and the Shanghai Climate Week. UNITAR also took part in forums on collaborative climate actions for future cities and communities through sustainable development and prosperity.

UNITAR and UIAF Offer E-Learning to Combat Financial Crime in Colombia

On 3 June 2024, UNITAR launched an e-learning programme for government officials and institutions in Colombia to combat financial crime. The programme was developed with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section of the US Embassy, the Financial Information and Analysis Unit of Colombia (UIAF), and the University of Antioquia. The launch event welcomed 400 delegates from the Egmont Group, international partners and observers, who joined anticorruption and international affairs experts in a round-table discussion. In the first phase of the e-learning programme, UNITAR aims to reach 20,000 compliance officers across Colombia, contributing to a safer, more prosperous future for all.

BADEA-UNITAR Programme on Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Offered to 200 Participants from Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

From 20 to 28 May, BADEA and UNITAR offered a training on climate-resilient livelihood development to over 200 women and youth from Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The programme helped participants apply smart, sustainable agricultural practices to their business models and enterprises to improve livelihood opportunities and contribute to economic diversification and employment. Participants developed road maps to launch their sustainable, scalable business models and enterprises that can enhance individual and community welfare over the long term.

Inaugural Webinar of Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security

On 20 June 2024, 917 professionals from Asia and Pacific Island countries joined UNITAR’s inaugural webinar for the “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” programme. The programme, offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Government and the People of Japan, aims to equip government officials and activists with skills, knowledge and capacity to enhance and stabilize climate, economic stability, food security and maritime security. The programme runs from June 2024 to February 2025 and is divided into three phases. 

EmpowerASEAN: Youth Leadership Programme in the ASEAN Region Launches

Twenty-seven youth from ASEAN joined the “EmpowerASEAN: Youth Leadership Programme in the ASEAN Region”, run by UNITAR and Indonesia Youth Diplomacy over 8-15 June 2024. The participants completed in self-paced online learning on EdApp and joined a hackathon. Divided into groups, they developed and pitched ideas to provide educational resources for underprivileged communities. The winning pitch was for an initiative to enhance digital literacy through access to digital educational resources for youth and young adults in East Timor. All five members of the winning team will receive complimentary mentoring sessions from UNITAR.

“Dialogue With World Leaders and Future Makers Towards a World Without Nuclear Weapons” Panel Discussion 2024

On the 79th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, 6 August 2024, UNITAR held a panel discussion “Dialogue with World Leaders and Future Makers Towards a World without Nuclear Weapons” in partnership with the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, the Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace, and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. World leaders exchanged creative ideas with youth and discussed efforts to raise public awareness on nuclear issues and work towards a nuclear-weapons-free world. The event was held in English and Japanese and livestreamed.

Watch the recording

2024 NPT Preparatory Committee Side Event: Advancing the Global Agenda of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World

On 24 July 2024, UNITAR, in partnership with the prefectural governments of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Government of Austria, organized a side event to the Second Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). “Advancing the Global Agenda of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World” brought together diplomats, experts and youth in the field of nuclear disarmament for a discussion on the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons, sustainable peace and disarmament, and the role of youth in achieving global peace. UNITAR also held a panel exhibition featuring over 10 years of its Hiroshima nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation training programme.

Watch the recording

UNITAR Executive Director Meets China Global Television Network Leadership

UNITAR and China Global Television Network met in Beijing on 18 June to discuss how the two organizations can leverage their complementary capabilities to foster greater public understanding of global issues. UNITAR Executive Director Nikhil Seth and Deputy Editor-in-Chief Fan Yun of China Central Radio and Television Station emphasized their mutual commitment to explore joint initiatives, events and educational programmes to promote sustainable development, economic growth and international cooperation.

UNITAR Executive Director Visits Japan

UNITAR Executive Director Nikhil Seth visited Japan in August 2024 and met with government officials, parliamentarians, and members of the academe from Japan, accompanied by Division for Prosperity Director Mihoko Kumamoto and Hiroshima Office Head Chisa Mikami. Highlights include :

• 5 August: Lecture to the Hiroshima’s business executives. Mr. Seth conducted a lecture to the members of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Hiroshima on practical and innovative ways to engage young people and leaders in Hiroshima and around the world in promoting sustainable peace and development for all. 
• 6 August: 
  • Peace Memorial Ceremony. This was the first time the Executive Director Seth attended the ceremony commemorating the Hiroshima atomic bombing and he was deeply moved.
  • A courtesy visit to the mayor of Hiroshima City. The Executive Director extended UNITAR’s appreciation for the city’s continued support to our programmes and reaffirmed UNITAR’s commitment to disseminating the message of peace and prosperity through our training programmes.
  • Meeting with the Governor of Hiroshima Mr. Hidehiko Yuzaki. After their participation as panelists at the August 6 event, Mr. Seth expressed his gratitude for the ongoing collaboration and support to UNITAR’s training programmes for learners in Hiroshima and across the world. 
• 8 August: A courtesy visit to Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. The Executive Director shared updates on our initiatives, discussed future collaborations and expressed our gratitude for the lasting partnership and support of the Government of Japan.
  • The Executive Director also met with UNITAR Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Dai Tamesue, where both parties affirmed our shared vision of promoting peace and friendship through sports. 
• 9 August: Meeting with Ambassador Kazuhiko Nakamura. The UNITAR delegation met with the Director-General/Assistant Minister for Global Issues at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for our second annual policy dialogue.

UNITAR extends its deepest gratitude to the Government and People of Japan for their generous and longstanding support that allows us to deliver high-quality training programmes for sustainable peace and development.

IC Education: Leadership Programme for Chinese Youth

On 10 May 2024, UNITAR and IC Education signed a letter of agreement to jointly implement a youth leadership programme for high school students in China that would deepen their understanding of global issues and motivate action for the SDGs. Participants will gain foundational knowledge about SDGs, enhance their skills in research design, project development and presentation, and engage with academics, experts and peers from China and other countries. 

Prosperity Alliance in Beijing and Shanghai to Promote Sustainable Development and Global Cooperation

In June 2024, UNITAR inaugurated the Prosperity Alliance centres in Beijing and Shanghai to strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources and promote innovation and cooperation to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development and global cooperation. The Beijing centre was launched with Huacai Wentou (Beijing) Cultural Technology Co., Ltd., and the National Institute for Development and Governance at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), while the Prosperity Alliance Shanghai will be established with Shanghai Climate Week.

Tsinghua University: Advance Sustainable Development

On 18 June 2024, UNITAR and Tsinghua University’s School of Journalism and Communication signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on innovative educational programmes that will foster global cooperation and accelerate sustainable development. This partnership will harness the two parties’ expertise and resources in youth development, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), entrepreneurship and leadership empowerment.

Cushman & Wakefield: Business and ESG

UNITAR and Cushman & Wakefield signed a memorandum of understanding on 20 June 2024 to advance shared areas of interest, including business facilitation, ESG development, international communication and leadership empowerment. In the signing ceremony, Director of UNITAR Division for Prosperity Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto and Chief Executive Officer of Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield Mr. Jinquan Zhao underscored the high level of commitment from both parties.