On April 24, 2025, the GBAEEF delegation visited UNITAR CIFAL Shanghai. The two parties had fruitful discussions on deepening practical cooperation. They focused on boosting cooperation and exchanges between the GBA and the United Nations. They also talked about the underrepresentation of Chinese staff in international organizations. Currently, only 1.46% of the UN Secretariat staff and 3.38% of managerial positions are held by Chinese nationals, which is far lower than that of Western countries and not in line with China’s contributions. To address this, CIFAL Shanghai and GBAEEF will promote multi - field and multi - level cooperation, such as inviting international organizations to engage with the GBA and helping GBA universities reach out to the world, to enhance the quality and global leadership of young people.
On April 22, 2025, the United Nations Global Centre for Statistics, Big Data and Data Science and the Zhejiang Investigation Team of the National Bureau of Statistics visited CIFAL Shanghai. The two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on institutional development, organizational management, and operational support. This visit laid a solid foundation for future cooperation and explored new opportunities for collaboration in advancing relevant fields.
On April 22, 2025, the Seminar on "Cross-Border E-Commerce Development and Cross-Border Economic Cooperation for Gambia," a China-aid training program, was successfully launched in Shanghai. Hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China, guided by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and undertaken by CIFAL Shanghai, the 14-day seminar attracted 29 Gambian government officials. The program aims to enhance Gambia's capabilities in digital government construction through in-depth exchanges and practical learning, promoting further China-Gambia cooperation in digital economy and cross-border collaboration. Chinese experts will engage with participants on topics including digital transformation, smart cities, and big data governance.
Recently, CIFAL Shanghai has detected individuals fraudulently using its name to send false emails claiming to organize training activities and charging fees. CIFAL Shanghai hereby solemnly declares that the related false email addresses (such as info@cifalglobalnetwork.org, untfhs.training@grants-application.org, and info@cifal-training.org) do not belong to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) or the CIFAL Global Network. All activity information is only released through the official websites (www.cifalshanghai.org and www.cifalshanghai.org.cn) and the official WeChat public account “UNITAR Shanghai Training Center.” The public is advised to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams.
On March 6, 2025, Yang Shan, founder of Youjia Nature Exploration, and his delegation visited the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Shanghai International Training Center to introduce the development plan for the sustainable development practice base in Naka Village, Xishuangbanna.
On February 19, 2025, Long Fang, Director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Jing'an District, and her delegation visited CIFAL Shanghai for in-depth discussions on strategic cooperation and future development. Director Long toured CIFAL Shanghai's training facilities and office environment, gaining insights into its achievements in international training, the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and global partnerships. During the symposium, both parties explored areas of cooperation. Director Long highly praised CIFAL Shanghai's contributions and expressed hopes for deepening collaboration and exploring innovative models to drive regional development and the realization of sustainable goals. The visit enhanced mutual trust and laid a foundation for future cooperation. CIFAL Shanghai will continue to embrace an open and cooperative philosophy, expand partnership channels, and contribute to the cause of sustainable development.
The SDG K12 Global Goals Creative Challenge Award Ceremony and European Study Tour is now open for enrollment! This will be an extraordinary and rewarding journey, and we're waiting for you to join!
16 December 2024, New York, USA - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Michelle Gyles-McDonnough of Jamaica as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). She will officially assume her duties on 1 February 2025, succeeding Nikhil Seth of India, to whom the Secretary-General expressed profound gratitude for his dedication and contributions to the United Nations.
The CIFAL Global Network XXI Steering Committee Meeting commenced with insightful opening remarks from Mr Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR. This was followed by a detailed presentation on the CGN delivered by Mr Alex Mejia, Director of the Division for People and Head of the CGN.