New UN training centre at �� will boost policymaker, business and community sustainability leadership skills

press release

Published: 20 November 2024

New UN training centre at �� will boost policymaker, business and community sustainability leadership skills

The new CIFAL �� aims to tackle major global challenges by empowering local leaders and communities.

Drastically improving the UK’s ability to address climate change is the grand challenge that the new United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)-affiliated CIFAL centre at the �� will tackle.

CIFAL �� will be officially launched on Monday, 25 November, with a ceremonial UN flag raising, a Signing Ceremony and a panel event. In attendance will be a senior delegation from UNITAR, including Alexander Mejia, Head of the CIFAL Global Network and Director of the Division for People and Social Inclusion at UNITAR, other UNITAR delegates, Zöe Franklin, M.P. for Guildford, alongside a range of the university’s collaborative partners in business and government.

Drawing on the University’s strong research heritage and active engagement in sustainability, the new CIFAL Centre (Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders), known as ‘CIFAL ��’, will work with UNITAR (the UN’s training branch) and the CIFAL Global Network among other stakeholders to lead both training and capacity-building initiatives in sustainability. In doing so, CIFAL �� will make a unique and much-needed contribution to empowering climate leadership through enhanced climate literacy within and beyond ��.

As part of its activities, CIFAL �� will work in partnership with national and local government, industry, civil society, and beyond, developing sustainable economic practices, and helping to advance action towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Situated within the University’s Institute for Sustainability, CIFAL �� will draw strongly on multi-disciplinary expertise in delivering both training and capacity building on a wide range of sustainability challenges, to help facilitate knowledge exchange among leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society – locally, nationally and internationally, as well as UK-based international organisations.

Sustainability is far more than just a philosophy limited to net zero here at the ��. For us, and our community, sustainability reflects our deep, shared commitment to rebuilding a thriving planet for future generations. From the fundamentals of climate change to advanced policy implementation, CIFAL �� will provide hands-on training and resources to national and local government, businesses, and community groups, helping them deliver on the demands for a more sustainable future.

Focused on knowledge sharing, skills building and decision-making, CIFAL �� will connect local expertise with global insight, fostering collaboration across government, the private sector, civil society, and the United Nations system to drive sustainable progress. As CIFAL �� Director, I’m delighted to be working with our own Institute for Sustainability, other CIFAL centres around the world, and UNITAR itself to deliver these critical goals. Professor Amelia Hadfield, Associate Vice President for External Engagement, and the new Director of CIFAL ��

CIFAL �� is the second UN-affiliated centre on campus, following the 2023 launch of the Centre of Excellence for Ageing, 2024.

If the UK is to be a leader on sustainability, leaders need more than just an awareness of net zero – they need the skills to create real change. CIFAL ��’s training gives leaders hands-on experience with sustainable practices and governance, focusing on systems thinking and breaking down silos across sectors.

Alumni of CIFAL �� will leave not only with world-renowned accreditation but they will also be part of a global network of alumni, gaining access to our Sustainability Innovation Hub for insights, research partnerships, and ongoing support.

We are honoured to inaugurate CIFAL ��, hosted by the ��, a renowned global institution at the forefront of innovation and learning. This new centre will mark an important step in our mission to advance sustainable development and capacity-building worldwide. It will serve as a vital hub for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the United Kingdom and beyond. Mr Alex Mejia, Division Director at United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

We are proud to support the launch of CIFAL �� and be a key partner in the project.

This initiative will play a big role in driving sustainable development. It will give us the chance to work together to share knowledge, improve skills and deliver practical solutions for our communities.

One of our key priorities as a council is to create a more sustainable borough. Our partnership with CIFAL gives us a unique opportunity to work alongside local, national and international experts to ensure a bright, sustainable future for Guildford. Cllr Tom Hunt, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration at Guildford Borough Council

It's a pleasure to be able to welcome the team from the United Nations to launch this new international centre in the heart of ��.

The CIFAL centre will play a key role in promoting sustainable development at home and abroad while also opening up opportunities for our communities.

It also reinforces the region's global reputation for innovation, research and knowledge exchange. Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at �� County Council