The United Nations Institute of Training & Research

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions. These services enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.

UNITAR started its operation in 1965. The original goal of the Institute was to train and equip young diplomats from newly-independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills to navigate the diplomatic environment. Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise in designing and delivering a variety of training activities.

UNITAR is guided by a four-year strategic framework that articulates the Institute’s vision, mission, core values and strategic objectives. This framework serves as a foundation for planning and budgeting, mobilizing resources, crafting partnerships, delivering results and measuring and evaluating performance.

The CIFAL Global Network

CIFAL stands for “Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders”  (French), or “Centro Internacional de Formación para Autoridades y Líderes” (Spanish).

The CIFAL Global Network’s mission is to strengthen the capacities of government officials and civil society leaders, thus empowering them to advance sustainable development. 

The CIFAL Global Network is composed of 31 International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders. These centres are all coordinated by UNITAR’s Division for People. The 31 centres can be found across Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, located strategically to ensure a global reach. Each centre provides innovative training and serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing amongst government, the private sector and civil society. 

The purpose of CIFAL training programs is to develop and strengthen human capacities to respond to development challenges. The centres also aim to facilitate City-to-City (C2C) partnerships. The CIFAL alliance serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on key development issues. Through effective knowledge management, CIFAL centres offer networking opportunities that foster collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and sharing of best practices.

The CIFAL network was launched in 2003. Since its inception it has had a significant impact, reaching beneficiaries worldwide. Just in 2024, the network reached 153,116 beneficiaries through 407 events.

CIFAL at the University of Victoria

In 2021, UNITAR and the University of Victoria (UVic) established the 24th centre in the CIFAL Global Network and the first CIFAL centre on North America’s West Coast.

CIFAL Victoria is located on beautiful Vancouver Island at one of the top universities working on climate action, sustainable development and ocean health and conservation. The center is well-placed to connect with diverse communities across the region and beyond. It provides training focused on its four main themes: oceans, climate and sustainability; innovation and entrepreneurship; decolonization and Indigenous knowledge; and global health and well-being.