New UN training centre at University of Surrey will boost policymaker, business and community sustainability leadership skills
The new CIFAL Surrey 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 University of Surrey will tackle.
CIFAL Surrey 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 Surrey’, 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 Surrey will make a unique and much-needed contribution to empowering climate leadership through enhanced climate literacy within and beyond Surrey.
As part of its activities, CIFAL Surrey 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 Surrey 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.
CIFAL Surrey is the second UN-affiliated centre on campus, following the 2023 launch of the Centre of Excellence for Ageing, which appointed its first cohort of Fellows in June 2024.
We are honoured to inaugurate CIFAL Surrey, hosted by the University of Surrey, 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 Surrey and be a key partner in the project.Cllr Tom Hunt, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration at Guildford Borough Council
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.
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 Surrey.Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council
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.
Related sustainable development goals
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