Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is proud to announce its membership in the Centre for Sport and Human Rights' (CSHR) Advisory Council. As the dedicated training arm of the United Nations, UNITAR provides capacity-building and training initiatives, with a strong focus on supporting developing countries and vulnerable communities. Leveraging its expertise in diplomatic training, UNITAR aims to deliver targeted programmes that strengthen leadership skills in sports diplomacy, fostering greater engagement at the intersection of sport and human rights.
By partnering with governments, international organizations, and the private sector, UNITAR seeks to drive meaningful change and create a sustainable impact through sports diplomacy, with a strong focus on advancing human rights and promoting social inclusion. These efforts contribute to achieving global development objectives, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CSHR and UNITAR have a history of collaboration, including the delivery of a special edition of UNITAR's Executive Diploma in Sports Diplomacy in 2024.
By joining CSHR's multi-stakeholder coalition UNITAR brings its expertise and global networks into the sport and human rights universe, offering opportunities to further CSHR's goals to raise awareness and build capacity on sport and human rights.
Mr. Rabih El-Haddad, Director, Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, UNITAR underscored the importance of joining CHSR:
Joining the Centre for Sport and Human Rights' Advisory Council marks a pivotal moment for UNITAR as we deepen our commitment to leveraging sport as a powerful platform for human rights and sustainable development. By aligning our efforts with CSHR, we aim to create specialized training programmes that not only address key human rights issues but also contribute directly to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. We are eager to foster innovative, inclusive initiatives and drive tangible impact in the realm of sports and human rights. This partnership is an invaluable opportunity to advance global efforts in creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Ms. Mary Harvey, CEO, CSHR expressed the significance of UNITAR joining:
We are honoured to have UNITAR become the latest intergovernmental agency to join our Advisory Council. Their work is closely aligned with ours in the way they support and enable institutions and individuals to effectively contribute to the SDGs. We have engaged with UNITAR on a number of projects already and look forward to expanding that work with our network of stakeholders throughout sport. UNITAR's global reach and deep engagement in regions that are so far underrepresented in our work offers many opportunities for further collaboration.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future. UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from newly-independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through the diplomatic environment.
Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors. With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports Governments to implement the 2030 Agenda.
