What is UNITAR?

UNITAR is an autonomous body within the United Nations which was established in 1965 to enhance the effectiveness of the UN through appropriate training and research. UNITAR is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director. The Institute is supported by voluntary contributions from governments, inter-governmental organizations, foundations and other non-governmental sources.

What are UNITAR's main objectives?

UNITAR has the following principal functions :

• To conduct training programmes in multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation for diplomats accredited to the United Nations and national officials involved in work related to United Nations activities.
  
  
• To carry out a wide range of training programmes in the field of social and economic development (trianing in the field of environmental management has become the fastest growing sector of UNITAR's work).
  
  
• To carry out result-oriented research, in particular, research on and for training and to develop pedagogical materials including distance learning training packages, work books, as well as software and video training packages.
  
  
• To establish and strengthen cooperation with faculties and academic institutions, in particular for the development of research on and for training.
  
  

How is UNITAR organized?

UNITAR consists of two offices: Headquarters in Geneva and a Liaison Office in New York. Training programmes are organized at both offices as well as at country and regional level over five continents. Through its partnerships with a host of organizations within and outside the UN system, UNITAR links its training and capacity building activities with the substantive expertise of other institutions.

Who is eligible for UNITAR training?

UNITAR reaches out to the following target groups:

• Diplomatic Personnel
• Agencies and Institutions of UN Member States
• Universities, Public Interest Groups and the Private Sector
  
  

How is UNITAR financed?

UNITAR gets no funds from the regular budget of the United Nations. Financial support is entirely by way of voluntary contributions from governments, agencies, foundations and individual donors. The Institute's basic revenue for operating expenses is gathered in its 'General Fund' which is made up of voluntary contributions specifically to this fund together with 'programme support costs' or overheads from its programme funds (known as Special Purpose Grants). For more details, please click on Resource Mobilization.

Does UNITAR provide scholarships/financial assistance?

Unfortunately, UNITAR is not in a position to provide any assistance, financial or otherwise to individuals seeking sponsorship for studies or any other purpose.

Does UNITAR have an annual report, or a document describing activities and financial aspects?

UNITAR submits a Report of Activities to the General Assembly on a biennial basis. The latest report is available in PDF format on this site. A brochure for more general information is also produced every two years and is available to be consulted under UNITAR Reports and Documentation.

Where is UNITAR located?

UNITAR Headquarters Street Address:

International Environment House
Chemin des Anemones 11 -13
CH-1219 Chatelaine
GENEVA SWITZERLAND

Postal Address:

UNITAR Palais des Nations
CH-1211 GENEVA 10 SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 8455
Fax: +41 22 917 8047
WebSite: http//:www.unitar.org