The UN General Assembly approved the merger of two United Nations learning and training bodies on Thursday, creating the United Nations Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI) effective January 1, 2027. The 193-member Assembly endorsed integrating the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The new institute will combine UNITAR's work helping governments, diplomats and public institutions build skills and capacity with UNSSC's expertise in training, leadership development and knowledge-sharing for UN personnel. Officials said the merger will create a single platform for learning and capability development, making it easier for Member States, UN entities and partners to access expertise and support while reducing duplication and fragmentation.
The decision is part of the UN80 Initiative, which aims to make the United Nations more coherent, effective and responsive to current challenges. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, said the move recognizes that "the UN must continue to evolve, building stronger capabilities, fostering innovation, and enhancing institutional effectiveness."
The transition will occur in phases through the end of 2026 to ensure continuity of programmes, partnerships and services. The new institute will be headquartered in Geneva, while Turin will continue as a UN learning campus and centre for leadership development. Existing offices in Bonn, Hiroshima, Madrid and New York will also continue operating.
UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General welcomed the decision, which "recognizes that capability and development, continuous learning, and innovation are not ancillary functions, but strategic drivers of the UN's effectiveness and reform."
