The United Nations Climate Change Study Programme

Event Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen participants’ understanding of global climate governance, climate science, and green development approaches.
• Provide insights into international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and global climate cooperation mechanisms.
• Build knowledge of practical approaches for climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience, sustainable finance, and a just transition.
• Develop participants’ understanding of the role of international organizations, research institutions, governments, and other stakeholders in advancing climate action.
• Provide opportunities for professional networking and career development within the United Nations system and related international organizations.

Background

The United Nations Climate Change Study Programme offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with the global institutions, experts, and practitioners shaping international climate policy and sustainable development. 

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the mandate of enhancing the effectiveness of the work of the United Nations and its Member States through capacity development, research, and knowledge sharing.

Through its Division for Planet, UNITAR supports governments and stakeholders worldwide in advancing sustainable development, climate action, and environmental governance. UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme develops and delivers capacity-building initiatives that strengthen knowledge and skills on climate change, green transitions, climate leadership, and the implementation of sustainable solutions.

Geneva represents one of the world’s leading centres for climate diplomacy, international cooperation, science, and sustainable development. The city hosts numerous United Nations agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and initiatives working on climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and other actors advancing climate action and green development.

By bringing together expertise from across International Geneva, the programme provides participants with first-hand exposure to the institutions and processes shaping global climate policy.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the role of the UN system and International Geneva in climate governance, environmental diplomacy and future global climate cooperation. 
2. Explain how the UNFCCC process, the Paris Agreement, and climate policy shape global climate action. 
3. Present key climate science concepts, data, and findings relevant to climate decision-making and action. 
4. Compare climate-related challenges and emerging solutions across key sectors, including health, water, food systems, energy, and cities. 
5. Assess how public and private finance, green skills, responsible innovation and digital technologies can enable climate action and support a just, inclusive and effective green transition.  
6. Engage with Geneva-based international organizations, experts and stakeholders to identify opportunities for continued learning, collaboration, and professional networking.