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United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) : History, Mission, Functions, and Governance

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United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

  • United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is the principal training arm of the UN, established in 1963 by the UN General Assembly.
  • Works globally to empower individuals, governments, and organizations through knowledge and learning.
  • Purpose: To enhance the effectiveness of the UN in addressing global challenges through training and research.
  • UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip diplomats from newly independent UN member states with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the diplomatic environment.
    • Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. It has become a leading institute in the provision of customized, creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both the public and private sectors.

Mission

  • UNITAR’s mission is to develop capacities to enhance global decision-making and to support country-level action for shaping a better future.

Functions

  • Training & Learning: Designs and delivers innovative training to meet the needs of individuals, organizations, and institutions.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Facilitates exchange of experiences through networked and innovative processes.
  • Research & Innovation: Conducts research, pilots new learning strategies, approaches, and methodologies.
  • Advisory Role: Advises and supports governments, the UN system, and partners with technology-based and knowledge-related services.

Do you Know?

  • UNITAR organizes training in the form of workshops, seminars and fellowships where participants, mostly professionals from developing countries, learn from each other and share their experiences and the common issues they are facing. This can be done through face-to-face events as well as online courses.
  • Who can participate?
    • UNITAR offers different types of training and courses, some of which are open to the public and others are limited to specific target audiences such as diplomats or civil servants.
  • UNITAR provides training and capacity development activities to assist mainly developing countries, with special attention to least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), and other groups and communities who are most vulnerable, including those in conflict situations.

Mandate

  • To carry out a wide range of training programmes in the field of peace and security as well as social, environment and economic development.
  • To carry out result-oriented research, in particular, research on and for training and to develop pedagogical materials including distance learning training packages, workbooks, as well as software and video training packs.
  • To establish and strengthen cooperation with other inter-governmental organizations, faculties and academic institutions, in particular for the development of research and training activities.
  • To conduct training programmes in multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation for diplomats accredited to the United Nations and national officials involved in work related to United Nations activities.

Governance of UNITAR

  • Head: UNITAR is led by an Executive Director, appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
  • Reporting: The Executive Director reports directly to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
  • Board of Trustees:
    • Governing body of UNITAR.
    • Members are appointed ad personam by the UN Secretary-General.
    • Drawn from governments, foundations, academia, and the private sector.
    • Provide strategic advice and ensure inclusiveness in UNITAR’s work.

FAQs

Q1. What is UNITAR?

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is the principal training arm of the UN, established in 1963 to build the capacity of individuals, governments, and organizations through training and research.

Q2. Why was UNITAR established?

UNITAR was created in 1963 by the UN General Assembly to train diplomats from newly independent states so they could effectively participate in the UN system.

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