9 June 2021, New York, USA - Following the Report of the Secretary-General (E/2021/49), the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) Headquarters and the New York office started preparations for delivering the report to the United Nations Member States, and consultations in order to produce the legislative response from the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations Member States.

What are the most effective tools in preventing and countering corruption? What connects anti-corruption to diplomacy and international relations? And which role does education and training play in this regard? Those are the main points and questions that UNITAR’s Executive Director and United Nations Assistant Secretary General Nikhil Seth and the Dean of the International Anti-Corruption Academy Dr. Thomas Stelzer discussed in the June edition of UN Today. The interview underlines the crucial role and immense importance of training and education in the fight against and the prevention of corruption. Only through the creation of specialized agencies and institutions, as well as multilateral and diplomatic efforts such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), combined with effective training and education in the field, true attitudinal and behavioural shifts can be achieved and lead to long-term positive impacts.

9 June 2021, Bonn, Germany - In the first three quarters of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 30% fall in electronic and electrical equipment sales in low- and middle-income countries but only a 5% decline in high-income countries, highlighting and intensifying the digital divide between north and south, according to a new UN report.

The Cook Islands have had long-standing self-reliant communities in the face of natural disasters. An alumna of UNITARPs Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme, Lydia Sijp shares her story and preparedness tips and options.

The programme’s coaching component has helped those selected as coaches to enhance their hard skills and improve their soft skills, which they can sometimes implement in their workplaces.

June 2021, Geneva, Switzerland - Empowering women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors and throughout all levels of economic activity is not only essential to establish more stable and just societies and to improve the quality of life for women, men, families, and communities but increasing gender equality is equally crucial to building strong sustainable economies. Therefore, focusing on women empowerment and gender equality has a massive multiplier effect, including promoting peace and security, providing equal opportunities in society and the labour market, and achieving sustainable development.

June 2021, Geneva, Switzerland - In this second episode, UN Senior Mediation Adviser, Milos Strugar (Conflux Center – Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Mediation) leads us into the world of mediation. He highlights the differences among negotiation, mediation, and facilitation processes as essential means for dispute resolution. Mr. Strugar comments on the effects of the pandemic on mediation and negotiation dynamics, exploring recent practical developments including the implementation of artificial intelligence in mediation procedures.  Overall, Mr. Strugar examines the key skills of a mediator; the stakeholders involved in mediation (state and non-state actors); the role of trust and confidentiality; and the relevance of multilateralism to solve complex disputes and to tackle global challenges.

June 2021, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to announce its upcoming second edition of the “Online Certificate on Essential Professional Skills” taking place over four consecutive weeks from 30 August to 22 September. The online certificate will consist of a series of e-workshops (48 hours of training) targeted to working professionals and individuals seeking to improve their professional skills. The online certificate aims to reinforce individuals’ transferable professional skills, especially in a time where flexibility and adaptability are key.

June 2021, Geneva, Switzerland - In an increasingly interconnected, globalized, and complex world, where the importance of multilateral dialogue and cooperation is ever-growing, the demand for training and capacity development in the field of international relations and diplomacy is constantly rising. In this regard, the establishment of this innovative Online Master's in International Affairs and Diplomacy between UNITAR and the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) holds great significance.

June 2021, Geneva, Switzerland - The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary and holistic programme that will not only broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability and diplomacy but it will also equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise. It is offered both online and in hybrid format, with a combination of online and face-to-face courses on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica.