28 November 2023, Doha, Qatar - The Training and Continuing Education Center at Lusail University organized a roundtable discussion on "University Contributions to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the State of Qatar." This event was part of the collaboration with CIFAL, a network of training centres affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The discussion witnessed distinguished participation from prominent figures in the field of education and sustainable development. Discussions focused on the crucial role of universities and the challenges faced by students in pursuing sustainable development goals in the modern world.

UNITAR has joined the UN Country Team of Mauritius and Seychelles, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with the countries. The signing ceremonies for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) were held on November 6 and October 24, 2023, for Mauritius and Seychelles, respectively. 

Reaching the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda, the newly established Cooperation Framework outlines the collaborative response of the United Nations. This strategic initiative is designed to lend support to Seychelles and Mauritius, addressing their national priorities and paving the way for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. The framework is centered around the key themes of People, Planet, and Prosperity, and is dedicated to ensuring that No One is Left Behind in the collective pursuit of achieving the SDGs.

8 December 2023, Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Breastfeeding is a central part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is linked to many of the Sustainable Development Goals. Breastfeeding is, for example, a critical aspect in achieving SDG2 and SDG3 — which include ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting health and well-being.

7 December 2023, Hiroshima, Japan – In May 2023, the G7 Summit was held in Hiroshima, Japan, putting the global spotlight on one of UNITAR’s host cities. Ms. Keiko Ogura, a hibakusha (atomic bombing survivor), who has been an invaluable contributor to UNITAR Hiroshima Office’s training programmes, reflected on her meetings with the G7 leaders at the Summit.

6 October 2023, Geneva, Switzerland - Climate change is a global issue that requires targeted, adaptable, and tailored solutions. A solution that works well in one country, may not necessarily work as well in another country or region.  This was evident at the recent Youth Climate Dialogue which brought together high school students from six countries as part of UNITAR’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.

Read on to find out more about the rich and engaging discussions about climate change that took place at Palais des Nations with students from six different countries.

04 December 2023, Dubai, UAE - While it has been clear for some time that climate change education is one of the most fundamental unmet needs of countries bearing the brunt of the crisis, it has proved difficult to unlock to necessary resources to meet that need at scale. For several years the UN CC:Learn programme (supported by Switzerland) has been working in West Africa to better understand the gap and to build a regional approach to strengthening climate literacy at all levels (formal, non-formal, and informal).

04 December 2023, Lusaka, Zambia - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) recently conducted a four-day training at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (ZIDIS) in Lusaka, Zambia, to enhance the skills of Zambian diplomats in Digital and Economic Diplomacy. UNITAR looks forward to continuing the partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia and ZIDIS.

01 December 2023, Geneva, Switzerland - November marked the last series of UN CC:Learn’s Dialogue Spaces of the Year. The Dialogue Spaces are dedicated platforms for UN CC:Learn partner organizations and countries to discuss, co-create ideas, and share experiences to accelerate efforts on climate change education, training, and public awareness. This month, two Dialogue Spaces were held: Learning for Countries and Learning through Youth.

28 November 2023, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR alumna Karmen Chebib is Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit at the Center for Educational Research and Development, Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Lebanon. Through education, she works to dismantle entrenched gender stereotypes that keep women and girls behind.

28 November 2023, Geneva, Switzerland – On 9 November 2023, UNITAR Division for Prosperity held a programme launch and orientation for the Japan-funded training programme “Developing Green Livelihoods for Women and Youth in Africa: Strengthening Food Security, Supporting Climate Resilient Economies”. Through the programme, 150 women and youth participants from Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe with a passion for development will gain skills to support climate-resilient economies. It will run from November 2023 to February 2024 and have online and in-person elements.
Guests of the launch and orientation included government officials, programme partners and participants of the new programme.