31 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - Florida International University (FIU), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA) proudly announce the ceremonial signing of a trilateral agreement to officially establish CIFAL Miami, a centre for excellence in leadership training and capacity building. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM at FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, CIFAL Miami joins the prestigious network of CIFAL centres worldwide, working under the UNITAR framework to strengthen the capacities of public authorities, civil society leaders, and the private sector. This partnership between UNITAR, OAA, and FIU will enable CIFAL Miami to provide training, strategic learning events, and knowledge exchange programmes, promoting collaboration to address global and local challenges.

31 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan - the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed an agreement with Hiroshima University to collaborate on the implementation of the Programme for Global Human Resource Development for Peacebuilding and Development. The agreement was signed by the President of Hiroshima University Dr. Mitsuo Ochi and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNITAR Executive Director Mr. Nikhil Seth. Hiroshima University was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to implement the programme in cooperation with UNITAR. The programme aims to equip junior and mid-level practitioners in peacebuilding and international development.

26 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of the Certificate on Artificial Intelligence and Professional Skills, further establishing its leadership in providing advanced AI education for global professionals. This two-week intensive online programme brought together a diverse group of participants, all eager to build core competencies in AI and deepen their understanding of AI-driven solutions for diplomacy, strategic planning, communication, and negotiations.

24 October 2024, In September, Member States came together to adopt a visionary Pact for the Future aimed at aligning international efforts with contemporary realities and future challenges. Today, on UN Day, the six research and training institutes of the United Nations reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Pact of the Future through specialized knowledge, learning, research and training for the UN system – benefitting the world as a whole.

21 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is running the emergency training programme “Rapid Assistance for Sudan: Promoting Socioeconomic Stability through Institutional Capacity and Livelihood Development”. This initiative aims to address the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises in Sudan by equipping displaced populations with market-relevant skills and promoting entrepreneurship to stimulate economic recovery.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland. UNIDO, UNITAR and SDSN with support from DLA Piper are organizing a side event “Capabilities 4 the Future Hub” at UNIDO Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum 2024 (MIFP) on 23 October 2024 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The side event will convene the main Champions of the Capabilities 4 the Future Hub and explore how the Hub can offer a space for government agencies, private sector and educational and training institutions to prepare and manage these transitions through participatory dialogue and learning strategies at global, sectoral and national levels enabling them to innovate and create the highest joint returns to prosperity, society and environment for those who participate in inclusive and sustainable Global Value Chains.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and EU Business School Switzerland (EUBS) are pleased to announce the successful commencement of the Master in Digital International Relations and Diplomacy. The first edition of this new and innovative programme kicked off with an introductory workshop led by Dr Elodie Tranchez at the UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva, providing participants with a comprehensive overview of key concepts within the UN System. Students gained real-world insights and explored how these frameworks are applied in international organizations.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR will participate in the AidEx 2024 exhibition in Geneva, on 23 and 24 October 2024. In this humanitarian aid and disaster relief event, UNITAR’s exhibit is themed “Empowering Changemakers: A Force for Sustainable Future ”. The UNITAR exhibition highlights the impact of training women, youth and professionals in Asia and the Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, African countries, and Ukraine on lifelong practical digital skills, community-based disaster risk reduction, and effective and inclusive leadership to support sustainable and strategic economic growth.

16 October 2024, Beijing, China - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Social Impact Investment Foundation (SIIF) have officially signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing, announcing the establishment of the United Nations Global Leadership & ESG Programme.

10 October 2024 Nadi, Fiji – On 10 October 2024, the final day of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sea and Human Security regional workshop in Fiji, around 70 agents of change from eight Pacific Island countries presented their group projects, exhibiting their improved skills and collaborative spirits to tackle sea and human security issues.