The United Nations General Assembly has approved the merger of two UN learning and training institutions, paving the way for the establishment of a new body aimed at strengthening capacity development across the UN system and its member states.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday approving the integration of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the UN System Staff College (UNSSC).
The resolution provides for the establishment of the UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI), which is expected to begin operations in January 2027.
Nigeria was among the member states that backed the resolution.
The merger is part of the broader UN80 Initiative, a reform agenda designed to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent and responsive to emerging global challenges.
The new institution will bring together UNITAR’s work in strengthening the capacity of governments, diplomats and public institutions with UNSSC’s expertise in staff training, leadership development and knowledge-sharing within the UN system.
Speaking on the development, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNITAR Executive Director, Michelle Gyles-McDonough, said the changing nature of global challenges required the organisation to continuously strengthen its capabilities.
“Member States and the United Nations system are facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges,” she said.
She added that the UN needed to continue evolving by building stronger capabilities, promoting innovation and improving institutional effectiveness to translate global commitments into tangible results.
According to the UN, the merger will provide a unified platform for learning and capability development, making it easier for member states, UN agencies and partners to access expertise and support.
It is also expected to reduce duplication and fragmentation in training and capacity-building activities across the organisation.
Acting Director of UNSSC, Miguel Panadero, said bringing the expertise of the two institutions together would strengthen the UN’s overall capability development function.
“By integrating UNSSC’s and UNITAR’s expertise in providing training for the UN system and Member States respectively, the new entity will be better positioned to provide a stronger, more coherent capability development function,” Panadero said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also welcomed the General Assembly’s decision.
His spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said the decision recognised continuous learning, capability development and innovation as essential components of the UN’s effectiveness and reform efforts.
Dujarric said the Secretary-General had invited member states, UN entities, partners and other stakeholders to contribute to shaping the new institution and strengthening its role in promoting a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient world.
The transition to UNICLI will be implemented in phases through the end of 2026 to ensure that existing programmes, partnerships and services continue without disruption.
Until the transition is completed, UNITAR and UNSSC will continue to operate under their current structures and arrangements.
