The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations that plays a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of the UN and supporting member states in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Established in 1963, UNITAR has evolved over the past 60 years to become a leading provider of innovative learning solutions and capacity development activities for individuals, organizations, and institutions worldwide.
UNITAR’s mission is to develop capacities to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. The Institute focuses on delivering high-quality learning services that meet internationally recognized standards and contribute to transformative change within organizations and institutions.
The programmatic work of UNITAR is organized under four main pillars:
- Peace
- People
- Planet
- Prosperity
In addition to these pillars, UNITAR has crosscutting programmes that focus on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, fostering multilateral diplomacy, and leveraging technology for evidence-based decision-making.
UNITAR’s activities are primarily aimed at assisting developing countries, with special attention given to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and other vulnerable groups and communities, including those in conflict situations. The Institute covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Supporting capacity for the 2030 Agenda
- Strengthening multilateralism
- Advancing environmental sustainability and green development
- Improving resilience and humanitarian assistance
- Promoting sustainable peace
- Promoting economic development and social inclusion
One of UNITAR’s key strengths is its ability to adapt to changing global needs and priorities. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, spurred a technological shift within the institution, leading to an increased focus on online learning. This transition resulted in an exponential increase in the number of learners reached by UNITAR’s programmes.
In terms of impact, UNITAR has made significant strides in recent years. In 2022 alone, the Institute reached 395,987 individuals worldwide with its training services, with 70 percent actively engaging in activities with specific learning outcomes. UNITAR has also maintained a favorable female-to-male gender ratio of learners for the third time in its history, demonstrating its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Beyond traditional training, UNITAR provides other critical services. The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), for example, delivered over 1,034 maps and related products to partners in various UN agencies and more than 70 countries in 2022. The Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme contributes to valuable research publications, furthering knowledge dissemination on e-waste.
UNITAR’s global reach is facilitated by its network of offices and centers. In addition to its headquarters in Geneva, UNITAR has offices in New York, Hiroshima, and Bonn. The Institute also operates a network of affiliated training centers known as CIFAL centers (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders), which has grown from 14 to 29 centers spanning all continents as of 2022.
Partnerships play a crucial role in UNITAR’s operations. The Institute has strengthened its collaborations with the private sector and academia, leading to networks of universities brought together in coalitions with a focus on multidisciplinary learning. These partnerships have enabled UNITAR to expand its reach and impact significantly.
Looking to the future, UNITAR is committed to continuing its service to constituencies worldwide, with a particular focus on reaching the most distant and remote learners. The Institute plans to prioritize technology, science, and innovation to bolster its key areas of focus. UNITAR will strive to keep learning from the past while resolutely looking forward to the future.
As UNITAR celebrates its 60th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of support, empowering individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge. The Institute firmly believes in the transformative power of training and continuous learning, seeing it as a means to change people’s minds and create positive change in the world.