Sri Lanka Partners with UNITAR to Elevate Diplomacy

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward strengthening its international engagement and capacity-building efforts by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). 

The agreement was formalized on October 30, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, marking a new era of collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and UNITAR.

The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation in three critical areas:

Advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through targeted training and learning support.

Diplomatic Skills Development, including conference diplomacy, multilateral negotiations, communication, mediation, leadership, and specialized courses on climate change and human rights.

Geo-Information and Space Technology Training by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) to enhance disaster risk reduction and crisis management capabilities.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Himalee Arunatilaka signed the MoU on behalf of Sri Lanka, while Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR, represented the organization.

UNITAR, established in 1965, is renowned for delivering innovative learning solutions that strengthen global decision-making and support country-level action for a sustainable future.

The agreement follows a Cabinet decision made on May 8, 2025, underscoring Sri Lanka’s commitment to international cooperation and capacity building.