text: Since 2003, UNITAR provides courses to support municipal and regional leaders dealing with complex public policies.
  Another task of the institute is to organize knowledge sharing events for the UN Secretary-General, including the annual seminar for Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General as well as strategic meetings for UN Departments. UNITAR also spearheads UN inter-agency initiatives such as the one UN Learning Platform on Climate Change or the Global Migration Group.
  UNITAR's research activities are focusing on knowledge systems and their practical applications. They support the Institute's training activities through the provision of learning environments adapted to respond to the needs of adult learners, thus facilitating the increase, efficiency and outreach of the Institute's capacity development activities.
  Governance
  Operated as an autonomous body within the United Nations system, UNITAR is headed by an Executive Director and governed by a board of trustees. The Executive Director and the members of the board of trustees are appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General.
  UNITAR Executive Directors:
  Funding
  UNITAR is a project-based organization and does not receive any funds from the regular United Nations budget. The institute is financed entirely from voluntary contributions mainly from UN Member States, other UN agencies, international and Intergovernmental organization, NGOs and the private sector.