Geneva - On 29 May 2026, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand capacity-building opportunities for people around the world. Under this agreement, UNITAR and ACCA will jointly design, deliver and scale practical learning pathways in finance, sustainability, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, public financial management, ethics, and value creation.
This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both organizations, uniting ACCA's globally recognized qualifications, accredited learning content and extensive network with UNITAR's global reach and long‑standing leadership in capacity building.
This collaboration establishes a timely and effective model for future‑focused professional development that supports institutional resilience, workforce readiness, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
To meet rising demand for skills development and accelerate impact on the ground, UNITAR and ACCA will work to expand access to quality learning, online and offline, and strengthen the capacities of individuals and institutions across diverse regions.
This MOU reflects our shared commitment to advancing the technical capabilities of finance, business, and accounting for both individuals and the public sector, while recognizing the vital importance of doing so through ethical, sustainable, and inclusive approaches." - Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Executive Director, UNITAR
Developing financial and business skills with sustainability and ethics at their heart is vital for a successful and inclusive future, and we look forward to working on this with UNITAR," - Helen Brand, chief executive, ACCA
As the next step, UNITAR and ACCA plan to convert the MOU into a joint action plan, identifying priority areas for collaboration for this fiscal year. By combining their diverse expertise and resources, the two organizations seek to create diverse opportunities for capacity-building, knowledge exchange and innovation that contribute significantly to building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
About ACCA
ACCA is the only truly global professional accountancy body, proudly supporting a diverse community of over 257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries.
We're redefining accountancy. Our cutting-edge qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to lead and drive sustainable value in organisations and economies worldwide.
Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that focuses on people, planet and prosperity to create value for all. www.accaglobal.com
About UNITAR
Established in 1965, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is the dedicated training arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to strengthen knowledge and skills through high-quality training, research and innovative learning solutions.
Through strategic partnerships and a global learning platform, UNITAR builds skills of individuals, and enhances capacities of institutions and organizations, particularly those in vulnerable contexts, to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future.
