United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Mission
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is making concrete contributions to developing the capacities of tens of thousands of people in member states around the world. Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR has built sustainable partnerships, acquiring unique expertise and accumulating experience and knowledge to fulfil its mandate. These accomplishments have enabled UNITAR to respond to the growing demand from UN Member States for training for capacity development in the fields of Environment, Peace, Security and Diplomacy, and Governance. UNITAR also researches technology applications and knowledge systems innovation to bring to the UN system and its member states a distinctive advantage in learning and capacity development.
Disaster Reduction Goal
In keeping with its mandate and competencies, the goal of UNITAR in DRR is to contribute directly to the transfer to Member States and national experts of the skills and knowledge necessary to implement at national and local levels the policies and guidelines elaborated at global level, thus providing actionable leverage to increase resilience.
1. Led the successful implementation of the NORAD-funded project (2021-2024) "Strengthening Capacities in the Use of Geospatial Information Technologies for Improved Resilience in Asia-Pacific and Africa", impacting eight countries (Fiji, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Lao PDR, Nigeria, Solomon Islands, Uganda, and Vanuatu). Delivered 35 technical trainings reaching 594 government officers across 100+ unique learning topics, using performance-based learning approaches and free, open-source tools tailored to local contexts. Responded to 218 technical backstopping requests, providing on-demand geospatial analysis and advisory services, many of which evolved into training opportunities to foster sustainable capacities. Co-developed 24 decision support web applications, which recorded over 11,000 views and were accessed by more than 3,000 users, helping governments translate scientific risk data into actionable insights for disaster preparedness, response, and climate resilience.
Notable tools include:
- Disaster Risk Decision Support System - Vanuatu
- Sea Level Rise Impact Visualisation - Solomon Islands
2. Co-led the development of Risk and Vulnerability Mapping Dashboards for Lao PDR and Timor-Leste (2024) in partnership with FAO, with a strong focus on strengthening disaster risk reduction in the agriculture and food security sectors. Using a customised INFORM Risk Index and high-quality data (47 indicators for Lao PDR and 35 for Timor-Leste), the dashboards provide district-level insights on hazards, vulnerabilities, and coping capacities. These tools enable governments to identify risk hotspots, prioritise resilience-building efforts, and allocate resources more effectively to protect rural livelihoods and food systems. Key features include seasonal hazard calendars, dynamic hazard layers, and district-specific recommendations that support anticipatory action and early warning. Developed through extensive stakeholder consultations and validated through User Acceptance Testing, the dashboards are positioned for national ownership and long-term sustainability. Since their launch in September 2024, they have recorded 450 views in Lao PDR and 250 in Timor-Leste, highlighting strong early interest and potential impact in advancing climate-resilient agriculture and food security planning.
3. Co-developed the Urban Vulnerability Atlas (UVA) with UN-Habitat under the RISE UP Flagship Programme, creating a spatial web-based tool that visualises multilayered risk and vulnerability profiles for urban areas. The platform integrates climate, urbanisation, and biodiversity data to support evidence-based resilience planning. Piloted in Honiara, Solomon Islands, the tool highlights vulnerability hotspots, including climate-urban and urban-biodiversity intersections, using interactive maps and narrative-driven StoryMaps. Since its launch, the beta version has received 400 views. As it expands to 12 additional cities across nine countries, the UVA is expected to help target resilience investments, inform climate adaptation plans, and promote nature-based solutions in vulnerable urban communities. The tool is built on a standardised geospatial workflow and is supported by tailored training for local and national officials to ensure long-term adoption and use. The final version will also host city-level climate resilience plans and technical documentation.
Urban Vulnerability Atlas - Honiara
4. Supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UNOSAT Emergency Mapping Service (EMS) has been operational since 2003, providing 24/7 satellite imagery analysis to support evidence-based decision-making during natural disasters and complex emergencies. Operated by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), the EMS offers rapid geospatial analysis free of charge to UN agencies and humanitarian partners responding to crises. In 2024 alone, the service was activated 65 times across 43 countries, delivering 454 geospatial products to support emergency response planning. Disasters included floods, cyclones, landslides, earthquakes, oil spills, and volcanic eruptions. Analysts in Geneva and Bangkok ensure timely delivery of maps and data, contributing to operational coordination and resource prioritisation. EMS remains one of the most relied-upon geospatial services in the UN system for humanitarian crises. Recognised as a global public good, it directly supports disaster risk management, resilience-building, and protection of vulnerable populations worldwide.
Voluntary Commitments
The Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments (SFVC) online platform allows stakeholders to inform the public about their work on DRR. The SFVC online platform is a useful toolto know who is doing what and where for the implementation of the Sendai Framework, which could foster potential collaboration among stakeholders. All stakeholders (private sector, civil society organizations, academia, media, local governments, etc.) working on DRR can submit their commitments and report on their progress and deliverables.
