Skill Up for Success: Explore UN E-Learning Opportunities

Boost Your Career: UN E-Learning for Professional Advancement

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, when more than half of the world’s population was in lockdown and educational systems were disrupted, individuals were encouraged to engage in self-study and skill development. During this time, numerous e-learning courses became available through the United Nations System covering a wide array of topics, including sustainability, human rights, climate change, nuclear safety, and more.

This compilation provides a comprehensive overview of available e-learning tools and online courses. Below is a list of courses to guide participants in their educational journey:

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has launched the Digital Learning Centre (DLC), a publicly accessible repository of digital capacity-building resources. The DLC aims to provide essential digital learning tools to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. More information can be found at DESA Digital Learning Centre.

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has introduced the IDEP eLearning Platform, designed to assist African governments in their training and capacity-building efforts in economic management and planning. The platform collaborates closely with African member states to assess their needs and develop a range of courses tailored for senior and middle management levels. Additional details are available at IDEP eLearning Platform.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) emphasizes training as a key component of its technical cooperation with member countries. The training programs primarily target technical staff and decision-makers in public authorities, while also welcoming academic experts and opinion-makers from civil society. ECLAC promotes, supports, and organizes various courses and workshops, providing participants with opportunities to learn about development experiences across different countries. These initiatives aim to enhance professional skills and competencies in specific areas relevant to the Commission's work. For further information, participants can visit ECLAC Training.

The Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) focuses on enhancing the technical, managerial, and institutional capacities of member and associate member governments. Their objective is to enable these governments to implement more effective policies and programs that support inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in least-developed, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. To achieve this, ESCAP develops e-learning courses, training programs, tools, and other online platforms aimed at increasing institutional capacity to tackle development challenges. These resources also facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, contributing to the fulfillment of the 2030 Development Agenda in Asia and the Pacific. More information can be found at ESCAP Learning and Training Programmes.

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) offers a dedicated e-learning portal designed for learners seeking to enhance their understanding of various disciplines related to the Commission's thematic areas and regional development priorities. This portal provides a range of e-learning courses that address critical development issues pertinent to the Arab region, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, poverty, gender equality, urban development, and public sector leadership.
Courses on the portal are available in two formats: self-paced and facilitated. Learners have the flexibility to enroll in individual courses or complete a series of courses that form a learning path, leading to a professional certificate issued by ESCWA. Currently, professional certificates are offered in areas such as gender and the Sustainable Development Goals. More information is available at the ESCWA E-learning Portal.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) offers a comprehensive eLearning Academy designed to enhance the skills of professionals in food and nutrition security, social and economic development, and sustainable management of natural resources. The Academy aims to strengthen the capacity of member countries to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Participants can access a variety of free learning resources, including self-paced courses, blended learning programs, massive open online courses (MOOCs), technical webinars, and more. The platform provides content in multiple languages and formats, catering to diverse learning needs. For more information and to explore available courses, visit the FAO eLearning Academy.

The Human Rights Council (HRC) offers an interactive e-learning tool designed to educate government officials, particularly from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), about the Council and its mechanisms. While primarily intended for these officials, the tool is also accessible to UN staff, representatives from NGOs, civil society organizations, and interns interested in human rights. This gender-aware resource aims to enhance understanding of the HRC's work and is available online. For more details, participants can visit the HRC e-Learning Tool.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) provides e-Learning tools focused on child labor, aimed at enhancing understanding of the issue and the roles ILO stakeholders can play. More information is available at the ILO Child Labour e-Learning. Additionally, the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO) offers a range of advanced technical and vocational training programs. The Centre serves as a multicultural hub for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building for governments, workers' and employers' organizations, and development partners. For details on available courses, visit ITC-ILO Courses.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers an Online Learning Program designed to enhance the technical knowledge and expertise of government agencies in developing and implementing effective economic and financial policies. This program provides free access to high-quality training on key macroeconomic and financial issues, making IMF expertise available anytime and anywhere. Both government officials and the general public can learn from leading IMF experts on topics such as macroeconomic analysis, public debt management, central banking law, inclusive growth, and macroeconomic statistics. For more information, visit the IMF Online Learning.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) offers an e-learning portal designed to enhance the capacity of Member States in implementing IMO instruments effectively. The portal features a variety of e-learning courses as part of IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). Participants can access the courses through two options: authorization by their organization or self-enrollment. For detailed information on enrollment and registration, participants should refer to the guide provided. Notably, the IMO has launched a free e-learning course titled “Energy Saving at Sea” on December 5, 2022. Additionally, as of April 13, 2023, the first e-learning course in Spanish is now available. For more details, visit the IMO e-Learning portal.

The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UNCC) is a collaborative initiative involving over 30 multilateral organizations aimed at enhancing climate action through education and skill development. Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the UN CC provides valuable resources for individuals, governments, and businesses to understand and adapt to climate change.

Recently, UNU-IAS launched a free e-learning course titled "Net Zero 101: What, Why and How," which offers a straightforward introduction to climate change and net zero concepts. This self-paced course is designed for anyone interested in building a foundational understanding of climate action, with no prior knowledge required. Participants can earn a digital certificate upon successful completion. The course is accessible through the UN CC platform. For more details, participants can visit UN CC.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) offers two valuable e-learning platforms aimed at enhancing understanding of sustainable development and trade connectivity.

• Standards for the SDGs e-learning platform: This platform focuses on the significance of quality infrastructure for sustainable development. It offers free courses on topics like Risk Management in Regulatory Structures, Conformity Assessment, and Market Surveillance. Participants can take courses independently or integrate them into existing programs. For complete information, refer to Standards for the SDGs.
• LearnITC – The Inland Transport and Trade Connectivity e-Learning Platform: This platform provides courses designed to promote sustainable transport and trade connectivity. It covers UN legal instruments and standards in inland transport and trade facilitation. The courses are available in English, French, and Russian, catering to those interested in enhancing their skills in these areas. For additional insights, see LearnITC.

UNECE LearnQI Platform The UNECE LearnQI platform is an open-access e-learning resource offering innovative courses focused on quality infrastructure. Developed by the UNECE Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6), these self-directed courses allow participants to learn at their own pace. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate acknowledging their achievement. The platform will continue to expand with additional courses and languages as funding becomes available. More information can be found at LearnQI.

UNESCWA SDG Knowledge and Learning Platform The SDG Knowledge and Learning Platform is an open-access electronic resource established by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA). It aims to enhance the capacities of Arab countries for effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by disseminating knowledge, promoting learning, and providing training in sustainable development. For a deeper understanding, visit SDG Knowledge and Learning.

UNESCO Open Learning The UNESCO Open Learning platform provides e-learning resources for developing and disseminating online courses aligned with UNESCO’s mandate in the Natural and Human Sciences, Communication and Information, Education, and Culture sectors. Initially focusing on science-related topics, such as water resources management and climate change adaptation, the platform will expand based on demand. For extensive details, go to UNESCO Open Learning.
UNESCO Memory of the World e-Learning

The UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) e-learning course is designed for teachers and educators, guiding them on how to integrate the MoW International Register into their teaching. This Register includes significant historical items globally, promoting intercultural dialogue and creating engaging learning experiences. For further details, please check   UNESCO MoW Course.
UIL Learning Hub

The UIL Learning Hub offers access to online training courses, webinars, and guidelines aimed at supporting Member States in developing flexible, gender-responsive lifelong learning systems. It covers various topics, from adult education to literacy strategies and monitoring. The Hub collaborates with UNESCO institutes and other agencies to provide comprehensive training resources. To learn more, head over to UIL Learning Hub.

UNODA Disarmament Education Dashboard The Disarmament Education Dashboard offers interactive online training courses focused on disarmament, non-proliferation, and development issues. Users can navigate the course catalog, enroll in training, and apply for available scholarships. Explore the platform at Disarmament Education Dashboard.
Resolution 1540 Training Course

The Resolution 1540 (2004) Training Course is an initiative by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs aimed at raising awareness about UN Security Council Resolution 1540. This resolution addresses the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and emphasizes the threat posed by non-state actors. For extensive details, go to Resolution 1540 Training Course.

UNODC Global eLearning The UNODC Global eLearning platform offers online courses designed for over 50,000 officials from Member States, focusing on various international security threats. Topics include transnational organized crime, terrorism, illicit drugs, human trafficking, wildlife and forest crime, cybercrime, and more. The training also covers border control, intelligence analysis, gender issues, anti-corruption, HIV/AIDS, and human rights.
Developed by leading international experts, these courses help law enforcement officers and other professionals enhance their knowledge and stay informed about the global efforts to combat illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism under United Nations standards. Explore the platform at UNODC Global eLearning.

UNSTATS e-Learning Platform
The UNSTATS e-Learning Platform provides access to a range of online courses developed by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD). The platform focuses on topics such as population and housing censuses, energy statistics, and the use of big data in official statistics.
These courses complement UNSD's capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing statistical capabilities in member states, especially in developing countries. The e-learning offerings allow participants to learn at their own pace, free from the time and financial constraints associated with traditional face-to-face training. For more information, you can visit  UNSTATS e-Learning.

WFP Humanitarian Fundamentals E-Learning Channel
The Humanitarian Fundamentals E-Learning Channel, developed by the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to strengthen partnerships through shared learning and capacity building for effective humanitarian assistance.

The platform features an Introduction to Emergency Programming course designed for onboarding new partner staff and enhancing the knowledge of existing team members. This course covers WFP's programming model, focusing on emergency response and sustainable support for affected communities. It is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese.
Additionally, the platform offers resources on critical issues such as protection, accountability to affected populations, and humanitarian access, providing essential knowledge for navigating the complexities of humanitarian work. Explore the channel at WFP Humanitarian Fundamentals E-Learning.

WIPO eLearning Center
The WIPO eLearning Center offers a comprehensive range of courses on intellectual property (IP) for diverse audiences, including inventors, business managers, policymakers, and students. The courses blend traditional face-to-face and distance learning methods to promote innovation and creativity. Explore more at WIPO eLearning Center.

WMO E-Learning on Impact-Based Forecasts
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is piloting e-learning courses focused on impact-based forecasting. This initiative aims to train meteorological professionals to communicate forecasts effectively, enhancing decision-making and risk management. The courses will support WMO’s guidelines on multi-hazard impact-based forecasting.

WTO E-Learning
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched an updated e-learning platform to enhance user experience for its technical assistance beneficiaries and the general public. The platform features intuitive navigation, and a comprehensive course catalog, and offers both self-paced and blended learning options. Users can access training materials offline through a mobile app. Participants can learn more at WTO e-Learning and check out more interactive training modules.

World Bank Open Learning Campus
The World Bank Group's Open Learning Campus provides dynamic learning opportunities that allow individuals to learn at their own pace. The platform equips users with the knowledge and skills to address complex development challenges, leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience. Visit the Open Learning Campus at World Bank OLC.

Editor's Note:

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted individuals towards self-directed learning and skill development as traditional education approaches faced disruptions. The United Nations system responded by offering a multitude of e-learning courses across various critical topics, including sustainability, human rights, climate change, and nuclear safety. This compilation serves as a comprehensive guide to these resources, aimed at empowering learners on their educational journeys. From the Digital Learning Centre by DESA to the specialized platforms of various UN agencies, these initiatives provide valuable opportunities for capacity-building and knowledge enhancement. 

Skoobuzz encourages participants to explore these offerings to strengthen their understanding and skills in relevant areas.