A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was signed on 30 October 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The MoU presents a cooperative framework within which both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNITAR can develop and implement activities related to capacity building, training and collaboration with focus on three thematic areas;
- Training and learning support related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
- Training for diplomats in areas such as conference diplomacy and multilateral negotiation, skills development in communication, mediation and leadership, content-based workshops and specialised courses in climate change and human rights;
- Training by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) on the use of geo information technologies (GIT) and space applications for disaster risk reduction and crisis management.
The activities to be carried out under these areas of critical importance will enable relevant government institutions to benefit from high-quality training and capacity building programmes of UNITAR.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative Himalee Arunatilaka signed the MoU on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, while UNITAR was represented by Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough.
Established in 1965, UNITAR provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.
The MoU was signed pursuant to a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers on 08 May 2025.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
05 November 2025