UN Approves New Learning Institute, Nigeria Backs Merger Of UNITAR, UNSSC

The United Nations General Assembly has approved the creation of a learning institution following a decision to integrate the United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, with Nigeria among member states supporting the move.

The 193-member Assembly adopted the resolution on Thursday as part of the UN80 Initiative, a reform effort aimed at making the organisation more coherent, effective and responsive to emerging global challenges.

Under the arrangement, the United Nations Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation, known as UNICLI, is expected to begin operations from January 1, 2027.

The institution will combine the strengths of UNITAR and UNSSC. UNITAR provides training and capacity development for governments, diplomats and public institutions, while UNSSC focuses on learning, leadership development and knowledge-sharing for personnel across the UN system.

The merger is expected to create an integrated platform for learning and capability development, allowing member states, UN entities and partners to access expertise efficiently while reducing duplication and fragmentation.

UNITAR Executive Director Michelle Gyles-McDonough said the decision comes at a time when member states and the UN system face complex challenges. She stressed the need for capabilities, innovation and institutional effectiveness to translate global commitments into results.

UNSSC Acting Director Miguel Panadero said combining the two organisations would provide a stronger and more coherent capability development function, serving UN personnel, member states, government institutions, donors and partners.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision, saying learning and innovation are strategic drivers of UN effectiveness and reform.

The transition will be implemented in phases through the end of 2026 to protect existing programmes, partnerships and services. Until then, UNITAR and UNSSC will continue operating under their arrangements.

Geneva, Switzerland, will serve as the headquarters of the institute, while Turin, Italy, will remain a UN learning campus and leadership development centre. Existing operations in Bonn, Hiroshima, Madrid and New York are expected to continue.

The restructuring marks another step under the UN80 reform agenda, as member states seek to streamline UN structures, strengthen institutional capabilities and build a more adaptable organisation capable of responding to international challenges.