
As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary, the need for a UN system that is more responsive, results-driven and efficient is critical. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains our collective blueprint for people, planet, and prosperity, but achieving its vision requires renewed commitment and bold transformation. Building on this foundation, the Pact for the Future urges accelerated action, while the Secretary-General’s UN 2.0 vision focuses on strengthening the internal capabilities needed to deliver and support countries on their pathways. In a rapidly evolving multilateral landscape, these priorities help chart a path towards a UN that is fit for purpose and better equipped to serve all people.
UNSSC stands at the forefront of the UN’s commitment to building a more agile, capable, and future-ready workforce. Through learning, knowledge sharing, and capacity development, UNSSC empowers individuals and institutions to lead more effectively, deliver results more efficiently, and work collaboratively across mandates. In addition, we work with a multitude of stakeholders and actors to co-create learning solutions which inspire and enact real change.
Our core focus areas—leadership and management, sustainable development, and peace and security—reflect the pillars of the UN Charter and the priorities of the Secretary-General.
In order to better support countries to advance on the 2030 Agenda, the UN must transform the way it works. The UN System Leadership Framework, the Values and Behaviours Framework, and the UN 2.0 vision, coupled with UN Management Reform, are critical elements for enabling this transformation. Together, they underscore the need for UN personnel to develop new knowledge, skills, and mindsets.
UNSSC advances these priorities through its Knowledge Centre for Leadership and Management. Aligned with our mandate, we contribute to forging a common UN leadership and management culture across the UN by offering robust learning solutions and services for leadership development, change management and innovation.
Drawing from decades of experience working with UN organizations and partners, we offer a unique combination of individual learning offerings, customized learning solutions, assessment tools, and research initiatives. Our community of expert faculty and partners – all with deep UN insight and experience – help us develop more confident, capable , and collaborative leaders.
Beyond learning and capacity-building interventions, we also offer advisory services in change management and organizational development, as well as coaching, mentoring, and assessment services. Bespoke 360-degree feedback and personality profiling further strengthen leadership development by enhancing self-awareness and enabling targeted personal and professional growth.
By equipping leaders with the mindsets and capabilities needed to navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and foster a culture of results, we help position the UN as a more agile, accountable, and future-ready organization.
The 2030 Agenda, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and provides a vision for achieving global peace and prosperity. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change reinforces this vision by committing to limit temperature rise and pursue climate-resilient, low-carbon development pathways.
To help realize these ambitious commitments, our Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development equips the UN system and its partners with learning, training, knowledge, and tools necessary to accelerate action. Working in close collaboration with UN entities, civil society, academia, the private sector and other partners, the Centre supports policy and operational coherence across the UN system — with particular attention to those working at the country level.
Through innovative learning tools, interactive platforms, and comprehensive educational programmes, we support integrated approaches to sustainable development and foster a culture of collaboration. As a catalyst and convener, we foster meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing on critical issues aligned with the UN's vision and mission.
In today’s world of complex, interconnected crises, the UN must play an increasingly proactive role in preventing conflict and sustaining peace. Fostering trust, solidarity, and cooperation among nations is essential—not only for peace, but also for achieving the broader goals of sustainable development and human rights. This vision is reflected in the UN Peace and Security framework, the principles of the New Agenda for Peace, and the tenets of the Pact for the Future.
In this context, UNSSC’s Peace and Security Hub is responding to these calls by providing learning solutions which strengthen the UN’s ability to work across pillars to prevent and mitigate conflict, to build resilient societies and to contribute meaningfully to sustainable peace.
Our learning offerings help UN staff and partners to filter programming through the lens of sustaining peace by strengthening analytical capacities and fostering skills in key areas ranging from data, conflict analysis, climate, as well as supporting the Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security agendas.
We support a system-wide shift in UN practice to ensure more coordinated, coherent, and integrated efforts to prevent violence, end conflict, and mitigate fragility. We also champion shifts in UN practice towards inclusivity, offering visibility and legitimacy to a broader range of peace actors. In partnership with leading think tanks and academia, we broker knowledge on thematic issues such as youth, peace and security as well as climate- sensitive approaches to peacebuilding.
To ensure that UN personnel are prepared to carry out their mandates in high-risk environments, we also provide scenario-based training in safety and security, equipping staff with practical skills to navigate complex operational contexts.
The Staff College serves as a bridge between the United Nations and academic institutions. Our Academic Partnerships Unit connects UN personnel and partner organizations to learning opportunities and the latest knowledge offered by leading higher education institutions from across the globe. In turn, these academic institutions gain valuable insights enabling them to better respond to the real-world challenges faced by the multilateral system.