The United Nations Institute for Training and Research

The Institute

An autonomous UN body established in 1963, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations System and has the mandate to enhance the effectiveness of the UN through diplomatic training, and to increase the impact of national actions through public awareness-raising, education and training of public policy officials.

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.  The Institute covers topics in the broad areas of Peace (promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies), People and social inclusion (promote people’s well-being and support equitable representation of countries in global decision-making fora), Planet, environmental protection and restoration, and climate change (Support the conservation, restoration and safeguarding of our planet for present and future generations), Prosperity through sustainable economic growth (Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth), and Cross-fertilizing knowledge (Optimizing the use of technology and supporting coherence for the 2030 Agenda).

It also conducts research on innovative learning approaches, methods, and tools, as well as applied research to address critical issues, such as disaster risk reduction and humanitarian emergencies.

UNITAR is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director.

The Institute is a project-based organization and does not receive any funds from the regular United Nations budget.  UNITAR is financed entirely from voluntary contributions derived mainly from UN Member States, other UN agencies, international and intergovernmental organizations, foundations NGOs and the private sector.

Please visit UNITAR’s website for additional information and resources.