6 April 2026, New York, USA - On 30 March 2026, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations, convened a timely hybrid briefing for delegates on Multilateralism in Practice. Held in person at UN Headquarters and livestreamed via UN WebTV, the session brought together approximately 480 participants across both in-person and virtual audiences.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, has launched a new online part-time MSc in Sustainable Global Futures aimed at strengthening professionals’ capacities to address complex global sustainability challenges.

The programme focuses on developing interdisciplinary skills aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including policy analysis, strategic foresight, data-informed decision-making and multi-stakeholder collaboration. It combines academic research with practical insights from United Nations practitioners in areas such as climate action, global health, gender equality and energy policy.

Designed for working professionals, the course offers flexible learning and culminates in an applied final project addressing sustainability priorities at local, national or global levels. The initiative reflects UNITAR’s broader commitment to capacity-building and multilateral cooperation in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The strengthened collaboration underscores a shared commitment to equipping young leaders with the competencies required to engage effectively in multilateral processes.

24 February 2026, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR, in partnership with the United Nations Offices at Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi, successfully delivered the online course “Working in a Multilingual Environment” in all six official UN languages. The self-paced course, held in March and September 2025, recorded 2,650 enrolments and over 800 certified participants, strengthening effective multilingual communication across the UN system.

Applications are closing soon for the March 2026 cohort of the Lifelong Learning Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, jointly offered by UNITAR and UOC. Delivered fully online, the programme combines academic rigor and practical expertise to prepare professionals for leadership roles in international affairs.

UNITAR successfully delivered the inaugural public edition of its Executive Diploma in Sports Diplomacy in Geneva from 26 to 30 January 2026. Bringing together participants from over 10 countries, the programme explored how sport can serve as a platform for diplomacy, peacebuilding and sustainable development. Through expert-led workshops, high-level discussions and on-site visits, participants gained practical tools to leverage sport as an instrument of international cooperation.

11 December 2025, Geneva, Switzerland — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the Global Digital Economy Cities Alliance (DEC40), will launch the International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity Building Programme in January 2026 in Beijing. The initiative combines online learning and onsite training to equip senior officials and industry leaders with advanced competencies in digital governance, smart-city transformation, and emerging technologies. All travel and accommodation costs will be fully covered by the programme’s donor.

8 December 2025, Doha, Qatar - Ms. Malebona Precious Matsoso, former Director General of the National Department of Health of South Africa, has been awarded the Doha Best Negotiator of the Year 2025. She was recognised for her leadership in securing the Pandemic Agreement adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly.

28 October 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Dubai Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in human rights training, capacity-building, and resilience. The agreement marks the beginning of a series of joint initiatives to enhance law enforcement practices through international expertise.

24 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - On United Nations Day, observed every year on 24 October, the research and training institutes of the United Nations reaffirm their essential role in building an integrated, effective, and future-ready UN system that delivers for people. This day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 — the founding moment of the Organization — and invites reflection on the UN’s enduring mission to promote peace, development, and human rights and how knowledge and learning support that mission.