How the UN Learning Managers Forum is turning shared challenges into collective insight

Building capacity across the United Nations (UN) has always required navigating complex institutional landscapes. Today, however, that challenge is amplified: priorities are shifting rapidly; resources face mounting pressure, and learning teams are being asked to prepare global organizations for an increasingly uncertain future. 

Across the UN system, learning managers are tasked with navigating organizational transformation, funding constraints, and evolving capability needs. While these pressures manifest differently across duty stations and mandates, many of the underlying questions remain shared. 

For nearly three decades, the UN Learning Managers Forum (UN LMF) has served as a vital connector for professionals working in learning, training, and capacity development across the system and international organizations. Throughout 2026, the forum has provided a space to compare experiences, exchange practical approaches, and identify opportunities for cross-agency collaboration.

Learning from across the system: Milestones in 2026

The momentum reached a high point at the 29th UN Learning Managers Forum, held in New York in July. Bringing together 24 participants from nine organizations including United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), and the United Nations Development Programme. (UNDP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Women, and more, the gathering explored how learning can act as a more strategic partner in organizational transformation. Discussions focused on connecting learning with change management, demonstrating measurable impact, harnessing artificial intelligence and data-informed practices, and future-proofing the learning function in alignment with UN 2.0 and UN80.  

Through interactive labs, case studies, working groups and a collaborative crossover with the, UNLOCK HR Peer Exchange community (a Staff College in-person gathering to connect peers exchange practical experiences, and strengthen approaches to supporting people through organizational transformation) participants moved beyond theoretical discussions of change to co-create practical, sustainable approaches for capability development. 

As Nigel Gan, Learning Portfolio Manager at UNSSC and convenor of the UN Learning Managers Forum, reflected, "The value of the forum lies in bringing people together. The conversations, ideas and connections generated through these exchanges help turn shared challenges into opportunities for collective learning and action." 

Those conversations have continued through UN LMF Connects, a series of smaller gatherings bringing learning professionals together at different duty stations. 

In Bonn, 28 participants from 14 agencies and departments gathered for an edition opened by Silke Weinlich, Deputy Director of Learning and Knowledge Services at UNSSC. Colleagues used the interactive LMF Wall to map their current priorities and operational challenges, while also surfacing opportunities already available across the UN system. As one participant observed, "there are many useful resources, toolkits and initiatives within the UN which were not known to my organization at all." The conversation highlighted how greater visibility of existing knowledge and expertise can strengthen learning functions across organizations. 

A central takeaway was the distinction between technical challenges, which often have established solutions, and adaptive challenges, which require fundamental shifts in behaviors, relationships, and ways of working. 

In Geneva, the UN LMF Connect was kindly hosted by IOM, with Anne Favreau, Deputy Director for HR, opening the day for 18 colleagues from a dozen organizations. Throughout the day, colleagues exchanged valuable operational experiences around shifting learning needs and discussed numerous opportunities for inter-agency collaborations. Across both the Bonn and Geneva gatherings, strong common themes emerged around aligning learning portfolios with shifting institutional priorities, supporting personnel through uncertainty, and articulating the strategic contribution of learning. 

On 14 October, UN LMF Connect: Nairobi convened 20 learning professionals from nine organizations to discuss “Learning that works: Connecting current priorities, practical solutions and near-term readiness.” Idris Ahmed, Chair of the Common Services Management Team (CMST), opened the event at the UN Office in Nairobi, highlighting the context of UN80, funding pressures, and evolving institutional mandates. Participants identified common needs, reviewed successes and challenges, and considered adaptable approaches for other organizations. 

Beyond the practical exchanges, the gathering reinforced the value of bringing colleagues together. Participants noted that opportunities to connect across organizations can be limited, with one attendee observing that "each of us usually stays in our own office and doesn't get to see each other." The sentiment reflected a recurring theme across this year's UN LMF activities: the importance of creating spaces where learning professionals can learn directly from one another's experiences. 

From shared pressures to practical responses 

This honest exchange is central to the UN LMF ethos. Its value does not lie in offering one answer to every challenge, but in connecting institutional experience across the system and helping colleagues learn from work already underway. By offering a trusted environment to share both successes and lessons learned, the network helps bridge the gap between high-level policy and everyday implementation across duty stations.  

This is reflected in participant feedback across the 2026 UN LMF Connect series, where 100 per cent of respondents said they would recommend future editions of UN LMF Connect to learning colleagues and peers. 

Looking ahead: Turning experience into value 

The 2026 programme will continue with UN LMF Connect: Amman on 6 December and another virtual coffee on December 10. Preparations are also well underway for 2027, including the 30th UN Learning Managers Forum in Bonn. 

A dedicated UN LMF community space on UN Blue Line provides members with a year-round place to access resources from past sessions, learn about upcoming activities and continue exchanging knowledge between events.  

No individual learning team has all the answers. Across the UN system, however, there is considerable knowledge, experience and practical insight. By sharing what they are trying, what they are learning and what they would do differently, UN LMF members can turn individual experience into collective value and help their organizations prepare for what comes next.