In a world of rapid change and complex challenges, governments are increasingly recognizing the need to think ahead, plan better, and work together. The Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade of Seychelles realized the potential of strategic foresight and systems thinking for adopting a more integrated approach to strategic planning. What started as a collaboration between the government of Seychelles, the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) for Mauritius and Seychelles in 2022, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and UNITAR, is gradually evolving into a way of working for the Ministry.

8 July 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - On 12 June 2025, UNITAR took part in UN 2.0 week, hosting an online side event entitled, “Towards foresight and system-based approaches in UN country work”. The side event provided an opportunity for UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in Seychelles and Cameroon to share their recent experiences, having embraced these innovative methods either in building capacities of governments or in developing UN Country Analysis as a foundation for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs). Among the speakers who gave their insights were Ms. Elizabeth Agathine, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, and Mr. Issa Sanogo, UN Resident Coordinator for Cameroon.

Climate change negotiations represent a crucial dimension of 21st-century diplomacy and global governance. As negotiations become increasingly complex due to the variety of stakeholders, competing national interests, and evolving scientific findings, there is a growing demand for practical knowledge and skills. Many negotiators face challenges navigating the negotiation process at climate forums, especially ahead of major events such as the Conference of the Parties (COPs).

8 July 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Shanghai (CIFAL Shanghai), successfully held another edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Youth Empowerment Seminar for Change-makers on 2–3 July 2025 at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva.

4 July 2025 - Geneva, Switzerland - The new Climate 101, inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, is now available with 27 key climate change terms, from mitigation and adaptation to carbon markets and a just transition. Read on to find out more about this fun and interactive resource.

Climate change has challenged traditional livelihood strategies, such as agriculture and pastoralism, requiring alternative, resilient livelihood options. To develop capacities that can face these new realities, the UNITAR Division for Prosperity organized the “Developing green livelihoods for women and youth in Africa: Strengthening food security, supporting climate resilient economies” programme. This Impact Story reveals that the programme was useful to participants' needs and that the majority were able to use what they had learned, including participants who started the implementation of their business ideas or project proposals.

2 July 2025, Bonn, Germany - UN CC:Learn was present at this year’s UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 (SB62) to engage with key stakeholders in the climate change space and take part in ACE-related activities.

2 July 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – On 30 June 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) launched the fifth cycle of its Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) online training programme, “Gender Empowerment Now!” for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

1 July 2025, Hiroshima, Japan — A group of passionate alumni from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Early Warning System (EWS) training programme is turning learning into action in the Solomon Islands.

1 July 2025, Hiroshima, Japan - For seven years, Mariya Asagi from Japan worked in educational and humanitarian NGOs in Afghanistan, Laos, and Myanmar. Motivated by her goal of joining the United Nations, she participated in the Primary Course of The Programme for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development in early 2025, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and held online and in Hiroshima and Tokyo, Japan, in January and February 2025.