Who We Are

Operating under the UNITAR Social Development Program (SDP), CIFAL Istanbul (International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders) was established in June 2019 with the collaboration of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Bahçeşehir University (BAU).

The center’s mission is to advance and enhance capacities on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for public and private sector leaders, non-governmental organization representatives, academics, local authorities and students.

Through the transfer of best-knowledge practices, social awareness, and cross-sectional collaboration,
CIFAL Istanbul seeks to strengthen sustainable development capacities for individuals and institutions at
the national and international level.

UNITAR

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (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.

UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from the United Nations (UN) member states with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate through the global diplomatic environment.

Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering training activities. It has become a leading organization in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors.

With a strategy fully focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNITAR supports governments and institutions to implement the 2030 Agenda.

CIFAL GLOBAL NETWORK

CIFAL Istanbul is part of the CIFAL Global Network (CGN) of affiliated training centres dedicated to strengthening the capacities of government authorities and civil society leaders to advance sustainable development. is comprised of 30 UNITAR affiliated training centres located across Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas.

In partnership with governments, private sector and academic institutions, CIFAL centers provide an international platform for knowledge exchange, know-how sharing and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned across cities. CIFAL centers foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, leading to the design of innovative solutions that address current global challenges.

The CIFAL Global Network was created in 2003 as a cooperation model between the United Nations and local governments, as well as with other partners at the local level. As of April 2023, the CIFAL Global
Network is comprised of 30 training centres located across Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas.

Thematic Areas

• Economic Development
• Social Inclusion
• Capacity for the 2030 Agenda

Topics