3 May 2023 - Bonn, Germany - UNITAR, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023. Since 2020, UNITAR has also had an office on the UN Campus in Bonn. The Bonn office marked the anniversary on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, with a high-level panel discussion on the past and future of education and research in response to current global challenges. Afterwards, the city and UNITAR hosted a reception on the UN Campus.

Mayor Katja Dörner said, "I congratulate UNITAR on its 60th anniversary and wish the Bonn office every success in its work now and in the future. Training and research on current, socially relevant topics such as combating the climate crisis, the intelligent use of natural resources and the promotion of the circular economy are of great importance for the future of mankind. UNITAR's Bonn office offers a unique blend of research and innovative learning opportunities for public and private sector professionals from all parts of the world."

UNITAR used its 60th birthday as an opportunity to look both back and ahead to the many challenges currently facing the world, but also to progress and achievements that have been spurred in part by training and research and have contributed to sustainable solutions. Through education and research, UNITAR aims to help engage young people, in particular, in the search for new solutions for a greener, more peaceful and sustainable way of life.

Participants in the panel discussion included Nikhil Seth, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, Ina Parvanova from the Bonn-based World Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), Hubertus Hille, Managing Director of the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Crafts, Sunandan Tiwari, International Cities Network ICLEI, Thomas Vogel, GS Foundation, Ambassador Rainer Lassig from the UN Liaison Office of the German Foreign Office, and Professor Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn.

Following the discussion, UNITAR and the City of Bonn hosted a reception. Mayor Dr. Ursula Sautter gave a welcoming speech. The panel discussion was also financially supported by the City of Bonn.