United Nations approves merger of UNITAR and UNSSC

The United Nations General Assembly has approved the merger of two training institutions to create the UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI). The new body is scheduled to begin operations in January 2027.

The resolution integrates the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the UN System Staff College (UNSSC). This restructuring is part of the wider UN80 Initiative, which aims to increase the coherence, effectiveness, and responsiveness of the UN system to global challenges.

UNICLI will combine UNITAR’s mission of supporting governments, diplomats, and public institutions with the UNSSC’s focus on leadership development and knowledge-sharing for UN personnel. The merger is intended to reduce fragmentation and duplication by providing a single platform for learning and capability development for both Member States and UN entities.