13 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland — On 7 May 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva and the International Law Association (GCC Branch), hosted a High-Level Dialogue on Justice and Capacity-Building in International Law this week at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The event brought together diplomats, legal scholars, and practitioners from around the world to examine how Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can strengthen their legal capacity to engage with and shape international legal processes. Discussions focused on redefining legal empowerment beyond technical training, emphasizing long-term strategic engagement, litigation readiness, and legal diplomacy as essential tools for states to assert their interests and advance justice.

12 May 2025, Chengdu, China – United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Division for Prosperity Director Mihoko Kumamoto concluded a multi-day visit to Chengdu, China, at the invitation of the Prosperity Alliance Chengdu leadership. Prosperity Alliance Chengdu was established in March 2025 to drive sustainable economic development through strategic partnerships, capacity-building programmes and innovative solutions. Ms. Kumamoto’s visit supported the Alliance’s commitment to fostering youth development, sustainable economic innovation and cross-cultural collaboration, aligning with Chengdu’s growing role as a hub for creativity and global exchange.

9 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland. On 17-21 March 2025, a workshop was organized by the UN Country Team in Cameroon with support from UNITAR to build the capacities of UNCT members on systems thinking and strategic foresight. The training aimed to enable UNCT to undertake the work on UN Country Analysis in an innovative manner providing an approach that is more forward-looking, system-based, and people-centered.

8 May 2025, Shenzhen, China – On 11 April 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed a letter of agreement with China (Shenzhen) International Personnel Training Center to inaugurate the UNITAR Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (Greater Bay Area [GBA]). The partnership marks a significant step in advancing the organizations’ common mission to support education, innovation and sustainable development.

7 May 2025, Hainan, China – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) underscored the critical role of youth empowerment and global partnerships in advancing sustainable development at Hainan University for the League of Tropical Universities 2025 Summit (14-15 April 2025). The engagement at Hainan University highlighted UNITAR’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and international cooperation across tropical regions.

Carlos es técnico en monitoreo de químicos en la Gerencia de Monitoreo de Químicos del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales de El Salvador. Su unidad se centra en el desempeño de las funciones administrativas requeridas en virtud de la implementación de convenios internacionales relacionados con la gestión ambientalmente racional de los productos químicos y desechos peligrosos, como los convenios de Rotterdam, Basilea y Estocolmo, por nombrar algunos. La gerencia comenzó a trabajar con la unidad de gestión de productos químicos y desechos del UNITAR por primera vez en 2023 para implementar un sistema globalmente armonizado de etiquetado y clasificación de productos químicos para el país. Hoy, El Salvador cuenta con un decreto para la implementación del Sistema Globalmente Armonizado de Clasificación y Etiquetado de Productos Químicos (SGA) como una herramienta para el establecimiento de una base común y coherente para la comunicación de los peligros de los productos químicos. 

Carlos is a chemical monitoring officer in the Chemicals Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador. His unit focuses on the performance of administrative functions required under the implementation of international conventions related to environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste, such as the Rotterdam, Basel and Stockholm conventions, to name a few. His unit started working with UNITAR chemicals and waste management programme for the first time in 2023 to implement a globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) in the country. Today, El Salvador has a decree for the implementation of the GHS as a tool for establishing a common and coherent basis for the communication of chemical hazards.

2 May 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – The UNITAR Hiroshima Office invites motivated youth in Hiroshima and other places in Asia to apply for the “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures” programme, which will teach young changemakers about the digital mediums where they can create impactful narratives, using AI and other storytelling platforms. The programme will start on 7 June 2025 and run for approximately three months. The application deadline is 31 May 2025 (10 a.m. Japan Standard Time, UTC+9).

28 April 2025, Miami, USA – CIFAL Miami is pleased to announce the 2025 edition of the Disaster Preparedness Seminar. The event will take place on 22 and 23 May 2025 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

28 April 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) opened a call for applications for the “2025 UNITAR Hiroshima Youth Ambassador Programme – Leaders of a New Generation” programme. The programme is for students attending high schools in Hiroshima Prefecture. It aims to deepen their understanding of peacebuilding, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and seeks to cultivate young leaders who can convey messages of peace from Hiroshima to the world. The programme will run from 29 June to 24 August 2025. The application deadline is 30 May 2025, 6 p.m. Japan Standard Time (UTC+9).