United Nations Institute for Training and Research
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is the training and capacity-development arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to bridge the knowledge and skills gaps through impactful training, research and innovative learning solutions across peace, diplomacy, sustainable development, and effective governance.
Through strategic partnerships and learning platforms, UNITAR builds the skills of individuals and enhances the capacities of institutions and organizations, particularly those in vulnerable contexts, to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future.
History and UNITAR Today
UNITAR started its operation in 1965 to train and equip young diplomats from newly independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the diplomatic environment. As global challenges become more interconnected and complex, the Institute continues to adapt its work to evolving country needs and emerging priorities.
Through modernization, innovation and scaling of its training and learning initiatives, UNITAR places emphasis on strategic foresight, futures skills and evidence-based approaches to enhance greater agility, digital capacity, system-wide coherence and results-orientation. UNITAR advances its mission through five interconnected workstreams:
- Learning & Skills Development.
- Knowledge Platforms & Systems.
- Collaborative Knowledge Exchanges.
- Advisory & Institutional Support.
- Research & Geospatial Solutions.
Target countries and beneficiaries
The Institute provides training and capacity development activities mainly to developing countries, with special attention to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and other groups and communities who are most vulnerable, including those in conflict situations.
In 2025, UNITAR reached more than 570,000 professionals and students through training and learning-related activities. Over 370,000 learners took part in structured learning events with specific learning objectives, 94% of whom were trained through activities delivered in partnership. Of these learners, 78% came from developing countries, including LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
Activities are delivered through both in-person and online modalities at global, regional and country levels, and most of the in-person programmes are delivered in the field. In 2025, the Institute worked with 314 partners.
Finance and Governance
UNITAR is a project-based organization and does not receive funds from the regular United Nations budget. The Institute continues to rely on voluntary contributions from UN Member States, other UN agencies, international and intergovernmental organizations, foundations, NGOs and the private sector.
The Institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director.
Strategic Framework
UNITAR is guided by a four-year Strategic Framework, which articulates the Institute’s vision, mission, core values and strategic direction. The framework outlines the direction of the Institute and serves as a foundation for planning, partnerships, resource mobilization, and measuring results.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, the Strategic Framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and sets a renewed direction for the Institute in response to a rapidly changing world. It strengthens the Institute’s focus on innovation, digital learning and practical, forward-looking solutions that help individuals, institutions and countries build the knowledge and skills needed to advance peace, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
