7 March Nadi, Fiji – On 7 March 2025, the UNITAR “Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme 2024” concluded with the end of a five-day intensive workshop in Fiji. The workshop brought together 17 professionals from 11 Pacific Island and Asian countries, committed to advancing women’s leadership in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and strengthening disaster resilience in their communities. They were selected from over 130 participants who completed the first phase of the programme.

05 March 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has joined the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) AI Skills Coalition, reinforcing its commitment to equipping professionals in multilateral diplomacy with the necessary AI knowledge and skills to navigate today’s digital landscape.

The Developing Essential Digital Skills for Women and Youth in Africa, aimed to equip participants with critical digital, entrepreneurial, and professional skills to enhance employability and economic resilience. Supported by the Government of Japan and technical partners IBM and Microsoft East Africa, the initiative attracted over 7,000 participants from 24 African countries, with 70% being women and 92% under 35 years old. The three-phase programme combined foundational training, hackathons, and leadership development, enabling many participants to apply their knowledge in professional settings and entrepreneurial ventures. A follow-up survey revealed that 83% of participants utilized their newly acquired skills, with significant impacts on business growth, workplace efficiency, and project development. While the programme was well received, participants suggested improvements in engagement, certification processes, and access to networking opportunities.

25 February 2025, Marrakech, Morocco – In the framework of the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, UNITAR in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and FIA Foundation hosted the face-to-face training workshop for FIA Club Members and government officials from Latin America and the Caribbean.

25 February 2025, Geneva - Destina Mensah wants to bring good nutrition to more people while preserving Ghana’s rich culinary heritage. Inspired by Tom Brown, a traditional breakfast meal cherished in Ghana, Destina launched a business that provides healthy food options and bridges the gap between modern living and cultural identity. A 2023 UNITAR digital skills and entrepreneurship programme helped her define her vision and bring her idea to life.

UNITAR and Newcastle University Sign MOU to Advance Training and Academic Collaboration

22 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce that Michelle Gyles-McDonnough has officially assumed office as its new Executive Director. She succeeds Nikhil Seth of India, whose mandate concluded on 31 January 2025.

21 February 2025, Tokyo, Japan – Fifty agents of change from 18 Asia-Pacific countries graduated from the UNITAR “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” training programme on 21 February 2025.

20 February 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – John Ladu Simon Jacob is on a mission to transform agriculture in South Sudan. As a managing director of an agricultural enterprise, John is tackling one of his country’s greatest challenges: food insecurity. His vision is to reduce South Sudan’s reliance on food imports and build a self-sufficient agricultural system. The UNITAR Great Ideas Space for South Sudan 2023: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Training for Food Security programme helped John gain more skills and confidence to turn his vision into action.

21 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the University of Arizona, is pleased to announce the launch of the Professional Certificate in Science Policy and Diplomatic Practice.