9 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR wrapped up the first phase of the “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme with the fourth and final virtual classroom on 24 September. For two months, over 200 enthusiastic officials and professionals from 16 Pacific Island countries explored risk assessment, tools, knowledge, and technologies in early warning systems (EWS) through asynchronous online learning.

7 October 2024, Geneva – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly launched the third edition of the online training course "Trade and Food Security for the Near East and North Africa (NENA)", which aims to strengthen government capacity to develop and implement trade policies and negotiate trade agreements. The course will run from 6 October to 2 November 2024, facilitated by experts and delivered in Arabic.

03 October 2024, New York, United States – On 02 October 2024, the 2024 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) training series, organized by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office, concluded with the fourth and final module at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This series, entitled “Accelerating Action for the Sustainable Development Goals,” aimed to prepare delegates for the General Assembly’s Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System. Here, we detail the objectives, key topics, and speakers involved in Module 4 of the 2024 QCPR Training Series.

4 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – In August 2024, the UNITAR Future Global Youth Leaders Programme brought around 20 high school students from across China to UNITAR headquarters in Geneva, providing them with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to lead in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. This programme round was completed in partnership with IC Education, a Chinese educational enterprise.

2 October 2024, Praia, Cabo Verde - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Atlantic Centre, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the support of Cabo Verde, are pleased to announce a major forthcoming event called "Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future.", financed by the German Federal Foreign Office. This event will take place in Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde, in collaboration with the European Union, the Atlantic Centre, and the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG).

This story is about one of the two radio programmes that has sparked a wave of environmental consciousness across Zimbabwe, educating its listeners and fostering a nationwide discussion on climate change. Based on interviews with three different individuals—the radio host, an interviewer, and a teacher—the story is explored through their unique perspectives, showcasing how the program has influenced both its creators and educators who engage with it. By providing accessible, engaging content, the show was a vital source of climate change education for a wide audience, from urban centres to remote rural communities. Its ability to spark meaningful dialogue has fostered a nationwide discussion on critical environmental issues, inspiring listeners to become more aware of their impact on the planet and take action in their daily lives.

02 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – Between 9-27 September 2024, 25 senior government officials from the Municipality of Shanghai participated in the ‘Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development Training Programme’. The programme organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL Shanghai, offered a comprehensive platform for senior government officials to deepen their understanding of global trends in science, technology, and sustainable development.

1 October 2024, Nadi, Fiji – On 1 October 2024, The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) welcomed over 70 participants from government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector from 8 Pacific small island countries to the regional workshop for the “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” training programme, in Nadi, Fiji. The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, Tuvalu and Nauru H.E.Rokuichiro MICHII as well as high-level officials from the government of Fiji also attended the opening ceremony.

30 September 2024, New York, USA – In a unique youth-focused event, UNITAR and the United Co-Creation Lab hosted a side event during the United Nations General Assembly to explore how co-creation between youth and global leaders can foster sustainable development and inclusive societies. This event, “Co-Creation for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Youth in Global Dialogue”, marked the official launch of the United Co-Creation Lab, an initiative dedicated to bridging the generational gap and bringing young voices into decision-making processes.

30 September, Geneva, Switzerland - In today's complex financial crime landscape, equipping compliance officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat money laundering and terrorism financing is more crucial than ever. In partnership with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Bogota, the Financial Information and Analysis Unit of Colombia, and the University of Antioquia, we are co-creating a groundbreaking e-learning programme designed to empower 27,000 compliance officers in Colombia.