United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a principal training arm of the UN system working to develop the knowledge, skills and awareness of beneficiaries in developing countries in a range of thematic areas. These include: Peace, Security and Diplomacy, Environment and Climate Change, Governance, and Humanitarian Assistance. UNITAR’s strength derives from its from its expertise in how best to design and deliver training so that new knowledge is captured and retained, and then applied in practice. Our main focus is on the delivery of adult training and professional learning.

UNITAR is playing a lead role in the roll out of the Sustainable Development Goals through the provision of trainings, awareness raising and materials for developing country diplomats, as well as key officials across all branches of government. This, for example, includes related trainings and support on SDG 7 on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

UNITAR is a key partner in the One UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) which is helping countries to put sustainability at the heart of economic policy and practice. PAGE is a direct response to the Rio+20 Declaration – The Future We Want – which calls upon the UN system and all countries to design and implement green policies and strategies.

In the area of climate change UNITAR has a well-established programme helping countries to implement systematic and recurrent trainings for climate responsive planning and budgeting processes. Within the energy sector this helps countries to consider the costs and benefits of alternative measures in greenhouse gas reductions. Training is made available both through distance based (e-learning) and face to face events.