22 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and mountainous terrain. However, this landlocked nation faces significant environmental challenges. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bhutan’s fragile ecosystem, with around 2,700 glaciers, is increasingly impacted by global warming. Melting glaciers have led to increased risks of floods, landslides, and other natural disasters, threatening communities and ecosystems.

In response to these challenges, the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), in collaboration with Bhutan’s government, has focused on enhancing the country’s resilience through the use of advanced geospatial information technologies (GIT). By strengthening local capacities, UNOSAT plays a pivotal role in supporting Bhutan’s efforts to address climate vulnerability and improve disaster risk management.

21 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is running the emergency training programme “Rapid Assistance for Sudan: Promoting Socioeconomic Stability through Institutional Capacity and Livelihood Development”. This initiative aims to address the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises in Sudan by equipping displaced populations with market-relevant skills and promoting entrepreneurship to stimulate economic recovery.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland. UNIDO, UNITAR and SDSN with support from DLA Piper are organizing a side event “Capabilities 4 the Future Hub” at UNIDO Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum 2024 (MIFP) on 23 October 2024 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The side event will convene the main Champions of the Capabilities 4 the Future Hub and explore how the Hub can offer a space for government agencies, private sector and educational and training institutions to prepare and manage these transitions through participatory dialogue and learning strategies at global, sectoral and national levels enabling them to innovate and create the highest joint returns to prosperity, society and environment for those who participate in inclusive and sustainable Global Value Chains.

18 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR will participate in the AidEx 2024 exhibition in Geneva, on 23 and 24 October 2024. In this humanitarian aid and disaster relief event, UNITAR’s exhibit is themed “Empowering Changemakers: A Force for Sustainable Future ”. The UNITAR exhibition highlights the impact of training women, youth and professionals in Asia and the Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, African countries, and Ukraine on lifelong practical digital skills, community-based disaster risk reduction, and effective and inclusive leadership to support sustainable and strategic economic growth.

16 October 2024, Beijing, China - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Social Impact Investment Foundation (SIIF) have officially signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing, announcing the establishment of the United Nations Global Leadership & ESG Programme.

10 October 2024 Nadi, Fiji – On 10 October 2024, the final day of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sea and Human Security regional workshop in Fiji, around 70 agents of change from eight Pacific Island countries presented their group projects, exhibiting their improved skills and collaborative spirits to tackle sea and human security issues.

9 October 2024, Hiroshima, Japan – UNITAR wrapped up the first phase of the “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” training programme with the fourth and final virtual classroom on 24 September. For two months, over 200 enthusiastic officials and professionals from 16 Pacific Island countries explored risk assessment, tools, knowledge, and technologies in early warning systems (EWS) through asynchronous online learning.

7 October 2024, Geneva – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly launched the third edition of the online training course "Trade and Food Security for the Near East and North Africa (NENA)", which aims to strengthen government capacity to develop and implement trade policies and negotiate trade agreements. The course will run from 6 October to 2 November 2024, facilitated by experts and delivered in Arabic.

4 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – In August 2024, the UNITAR Future Global Youth Leaders Programme brought around 20 high school students from across China to UNITAR headquarters in Geneva, providing them with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to lead in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. This programme round was completed in partnership with IC Education, a Chinese educational enterprise.

2 October 2024, Praia, Cabo Verde - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Atlantic Centre, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the support of Cabo Verde, are pleased to announce a major forthcoming event called "Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future.", financed by the German Federal Foreign Office. This event will take place in Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde, in collaboration with the European Union, the Atlantic Centre, and the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG).