Hiroshima, Japan - On 28 March 2024, UNITAR signed a new memorandum of understanding with Microsoft Japan to collaborate on the digital upskilling of workers in Japan and beyond.
UNITAR is discussing cooperation with Microsoft to develop AI and digital skilling content for a diverse group of people that would empower them to incorporate the new digital technologies into their organizations.
We are excited to collaborate with UNITAR, a renowned institution that has been providing cutting-edge training and capacity building for the UN and its partners for over 60 years. Together, we hope to inspire and empower more people from various backgrounds and sectors to acquire digital and AI skills and use them for positive impact in their communities and organizations across Japan and beyond." - Ms. Yoko Oshima, Head of Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA), Microsoft Japan
Through our collaboration with Microsoft Japan, UNITAR aims to catalyse digital empowerment across Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. By integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative learning platforms, we strive to equip diverse communities with the skills needed to harness the power of AI and digital advancements, fostering inclusive prosperity and sustainable development." - Ms Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity, UNITAR
This agreement follows the successful collaboration between UNITAR and Microsoft East Africa in an upskilling and reskilling programme for 5,000 women and youth in sub-Saharan Africa. The new agreement with Microsoft Japan will introduce a successful model of digital upskilling, initially in Japan and then throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
UNITAR will integrate Microsoft's content into EdApp and Moodle. The courses, which are offered in Japanese, as well as other languages, will target partners and organizations in Hiroshima, organized through UNITAR Hiroshima Office and UNITAR Association, as well as those engaged in UNITAR programming in the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration will ensure that UNITAR training programmes incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as AI, and reach new audiences.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2022, UNITAR trained over 395,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world.
UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers world-class learning and knowledge-sharing services to present and future change-makers from around the world. Through our innovative training and learning opportunities - built on robust adult learning principles - we seek to promote sustainable, inclusive and just economic development and catalyse the creation of decent employment opportunities for all.
UNITAR Division for Prosperity supports youth and women in particular to address growing inequalities. We work in solidarity with diverse partners at the local, regional and global levels to propel the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals and achieve an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous world.
