Japan-funded Shimanami Collective Training Programmes: Progress Report (1)

Pacific Learners Complete Japan Study Tour on Early Warning Systems to Combat Disaster Risks 

Nearly 30 participants from 11 Pacific small island countries completed the second phase of the UNITAR “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme, held in partnership with the Government and People of Japan. The 12-day study tour took participants across Japan from 11 to 22 November 2024. This followed the online phase of the programme. The programme equips participants with skills to implement early warning systems for climate hazards and strengthen Pacific resilience to climate crises. 

Japan-funded Shimanami Collective Training Programmes: Progress Report (2)

Asian and Pacific Leaders Sharpen Skills to Tackle Sea and Human Security: UNITAR Jakarta and Fiji Workshops

UNITAR concluded the second phase of the “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” training programme, supported by the Government and People of Japan, with workshops in Jakarta and Fiji. In the 10-day workshop in Jakarta, around 80 participants from 12 Asian countries showcased their solutions for sea and human security challenges in their communities. The workshop included an urban aquaculture site study tour, mentoring sessions and special lectures on environmental, maritime and food security and the blue economy.  

In Fiji, 70 participants from eight Pacific Island nations attended lectures and study tours to develop localised implementation plans. The workshop featured lectures by experts on sea and human security and study tours to Viseisei and Yako villages. Participants developed localised plans to implement in their communities.  

The final phase of the programme, scheduled for February 2025, will host 50 participants from the second phase to a study tour in Japan. 

Learn more about the workshops in Jakarta and Fiji.

Japan-funded Shimanami Collective Training Programmes: Progress Report (3)

UNITAR Launches 2024 “Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction” Programme 

UNITAR welcomed over 570 participants to the 2024 “Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction” training programme, funded by the Government and People of Japan. The programme aims to advance women’s leadership in mitigating disaster risks. Phase 1 of the programme featured self-paced online learning from September to November 2024. Phase 2, scheduled for March 2025, will invite the 20 top performers to an in-person workshop in Fiji, where they will develop disaster risk reduction plans for their communities. Participants will take their learnings further on Prosperity Unlimited, a UNITAR alumni platform that fosters information exchange. 

Learn more about the disaster risk reduction programme. 

UNITAR Hosts AI Masterclass: Shaping The Future Of Artificial Intelligence For Global Impact 

From 24 to 25 October 2024, UNITAR welcomed 20 government officials from 18 countries to an AI Strategy Masterclass “Leading the AI Revolution – Strategy, Innovation, and Global Impact” in Geneva. On day 1, participants explored AI’s current landscape and the need for nations to upskill their workforces and navigate AI-driven transformations responsibly. Day 2 focused on strategic frameworks and collaborative solutions that can help shape a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable global future. 

UNITAR and FAO Expand Impact of Trade and Food Security Training Across Latin America and Near East and North African Regions 

UNITAR and FAO continue to enhance global policymaking capacity through their collaborative training programmes on trade and food security. The second edition of the “Trade, Food Security, and Nutrition” Spanish training course, held from 6 May to 2 June 2024, empowered 63 Latin American government officials with skills to address agricultural trade challenges and improve food security in the region.  

UNITAR and the FAO also concluded the third edition of the Arabic online training course “Trade and Food Security for the Near East and North Africa”. The free 4-week online course trained 70 individuals from government agencies and the private sector, as well as researchers and students from Arabic-speaking countries. Participants learned how to formulate and implement evidence-based trade policies and negotiate trade agreements – helping them contribute to their countries’ economic growth and transformations. 

Learn more about the programme in Latin America and Near East and North Africa. 

UNITAR Launches Emergency Assistance Programme to Promote Socioeconomic Stability in Sudan 

UNITAR is bringing 300 Sudanese learners together for the “Rapid Assistance for Sudan: Promoting Socioeconomic Stability through Institutional Capacity and Livelihood Development” training programme, offered in both Arabic and English. From August 2024 to February 2025, participants will be trained in digital literacy, entrepreneurship and climate-resilient business practice. The programme focuses on building micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that address food insecurity and poverty and contribute to the socioeconomic recovery of Sudan. Participants will gain lifetime access to a global alumni network through a dedicated digital hub. 

Intergenerational Dialogue for A Sustainable Future: Summit of The Future Side Event 

On 19 September 2024, global leaders gathered at the “Intergenerational Dialogue for a Sustainable Future: Shaping Inclusive Society through Digital Power” side event in New York and online. UNITAR collaborated with the governments of Japan, Ecuador and Monaco to bring together youth advocates, policymakers and experts in panel discussions on strengthening multilateral diplomacy, fostering inclusive economic development and leveraging opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural dialogue. Leaders called for urgent, united action to harness digital technologies for a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

Learn more about the side event and watch the recording.

AI-Driven Sustainable Solutions to Overcome Global Challenges: Event Report 

On 4 September 2024, UNITAR hosted a hands-on workshop and panel discussion highlighting AI-driven sustainable solutions for global challenges. During the workshop, 40 participants learned from experts about the responsible application of AI technologies in livelihood development, climate action, disaster resilience, education, health care, agriculture and capacity-building. Participants also attended a panel session on the role of AI in preventing financial crimes and strengthening societal resilience. 

UNITAR Hosts Leadership Programmes to Equip Chinese Students for a Sustainable Future 

In July 2024, 20 students from China joined the Youth Leadership and Global Challenges Seminar in Geneva, which focused on climate change, sustainable development, global health and social innovation. The seminar, organized by UNITAR in collaboration with Shanghai Creative Twin Cities and Curidaosity, led participants through interactive sessions, expert lectures and tours of the Palais des Nations. 

UNITAR also hosted 20 high school students from across China at UNITAR headquarters through the 2024 Future Global Youth Leaders Programme, in collaboration with IC Education. In the intensive, in-person experience in August 2024, which followed an introductory online learning phase, the students deepened their understanding of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and SDGs, practised diplomacy and negotiation skills in UN conference debates, and showcased their innovative solutions to local SDG-related challenges.  

Learn more about the visit in July 2024 and August 2024 

UNITAR at Aidex 2024 Exhibition: Showcasing Livelihood Development Training Impact 

From 23 to 24 October 2024, UNITAR participated in AidEx 2024, a humanitarian aid and disaster relief event in Geneva. UNITAR hosted a booth showcasing the impact of UNITAR training programmes in Asia and Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, African countries, and Ukraine, including programmes in entrepreneurship, digital skills, disaster risk reduction, leadership and inclusion. The exhibition highlighted how UNITAR’s programmes equip women, youth and professionals to pursue sustainable and strategic economic growth. 

Digital Reskilling for Ukrainian Women Evacuees: Empowering Careers and Recovery 

Iryna Markina (Left) and Viktoria Podvoiska (Right) completed the “2023 Bolstering Livelihood: Digital Reskilling for Ukrainian Women Evacuees in Poland” programme. As the head of a sales department, Iryna has been working in Poland remotely since evacuating there. Recognising the importance of updated IT skills, she enrolled in the UNITAR programme and learned data analysis and geographic information systems. Viktoria’s life changed drastically due to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. In the programme, Viktoria focused on geographic information systems so that when she returns to Kyiv, she can use those skills to help rebuild Ukraine. 

Changing the System from Within: Women’s Empowerment in the Iraqi Public Health System 

Alia Abbas is the director of the Community Development Division in the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Through the UNITAR Gender Equality and Women Empowerment programme, she learned how to more effectively manage her team and will share what she learned with her colleagues to enhance the impact of their programmes. 

Thai Diplomat in Focus: Navigating Nuclear Disarmament, Negotiation and Networking 

Diplomat Aiyarat Kosakul from Thailand is an alumnus of the UNITAR Hiroshima Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Training Programme. The programme provided him with a fundamental understanding of nuclear disarmament and a broader perspective on the issue. 

Women Leaders Improve Disaster Preparedness in Tonga

Luisa Taunga (Left) and Lavinia Taumoepeau-Latu (Right) are both alumni of the UNITAR “Women’s Leadership and Disaster Risk Reduction” programme. Lavinia is the first safety and protection cluster coordinator for Tonga. The disaster risk reduction principles Lavinia learned through UNITAR continue to be the foundation for her work in disaster management. Luisa serves as Assistant Secretary of Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office, focusing on disaster preparedness and response. During the study tour in Japan, she was inspired by how students are trained to prepare for disasters. 

Promoting Afghan Women’s Livelihoods Through Fashion

Fahima completed the “Great Ideas Space 2023 Programme for Afghanistan: Food Security and Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation”. She is excited to apply what she learned about marketing and branding to build her business and empower women and youth in her community. 

Getting Youth Involved Again in Nuclear Disarmament

Research fellow and PhD student Franco Escobar completed the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) programme, a United Nations Office for Disarmament (UNODA) programme for which UNITAR is an implementing partner. Franco believes that more youth need to be involved in nuclear disarmament efforts. He is developing the first youth archive to document stories of nuclear disarmament activities by young people. 

Navigating Disaster Management in Indonesia and Tokelaunga 

Jewel Luti Leao Tuitama (Left), a manager in Tokelau’s National Disaster Management Unit, and Fega Ayu Pangestika (Right), a disaster management analyst in Indonesia, are both alumni of the UNITAR “Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction” programme. Fega, with a focus on the psychological effects of disaster, has used the programme’s insights to further her work on gender equality in disaster management. Meanwhile, Jewel, a top-performing participant, plans to apply her training to foster a culture of resilience in Tokelau’s community, continuing her leadership in disaster preparedness and response. 

Enhancing Healthcare Access: Developing a Medical Services Platform for Iraq

Basma Mohammed Jasim is an alumna of the “Great Ideas Space 2023: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Promoting Health Security and Economic Development in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon”. The UNITAR programme taught her skills in entrepreneurship, project management and sustainability, which she will use to develop a telehealth platform that provides medical services and consultation in Iraq. 

Empowering Communities Through Digital Literacy in Rwanda and Uganda 

Denis Opio (Left) and Emmanuel Mutabazi (Right) participated in the “Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa”. Emmanuel, a youth leader in Rwanda, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide by offering inclusive training programmes, primarily aimed at communities with limited access to digital resources. Denis, a monitoring and evaluation assistant from Uganda, has fulfilled his vision of creating an IT hub for his community, furthering access to digital skills and opportunities.