University of Turin and UNSSC sign landmark agreement to drive joint research and leadership training

Turin, 12 October 2026 — In a significant step toward strengthening global leadership for sustainable development, the University of Turin (UniTo) and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement paves the way for innovative joint research, knowledge sharing, and comprehensive training programmes. 

The signing ceremony, held at the University’s historic Rectorate, was attended by Cristina Prandi, Rector of the University of Turin, Miguel Panadero, Acting Director of the UNSSC, and local government leaders Michela Favaro, Deputy Mayor of Turin and Jacopo Suppo, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City. The partnership combines UniTo’s academic excellence with UNSSC’s expertise in staff learning and training, marking a new chapter in international collaboration. 

Deputy Mayor Michela Favaro remarked, “This agreement is a source of pride for all of us. In today’s world, science diplomacy is more important than ever, especially as traditional political channels face increasing challenges—even on issues we once took for granted. Our city stands out for its strong tradition of excellence, and this partnership further strengthens our leading role on the international stage.” 

The five-year Memorandum outlines a broad range of joint initiatives, including collaborative research projects, knowledge and best-practice sharing, and the development of internationally competitive training programmes. These efforts will target both academic and professional communities, with activities ranging from joint courses and seminars to internships, academic exchanges, and public outreach events. 

“In this period of profound international transformation for educational institutions, we have had to pause many important initiatives—except for this one,” said Miguel Panadero, Interim Director of UNSSC. “From climate change to artificial intelligence, the world is changing rapidly. We must be prepared, and we firmly believe that bringing the academic world closer to the United Nations is a powerful formula for success. Connecting knowledge to the global challenges we face is essential for our shared future.” 

"For us, these are initiatives that strengthen our internationalization," says the Rector, Cristina Prandi. "For us it is also a precise responsibility: to give central value to knowledge that can contribute to dialogue and the common good. Enhancing skills helps the mission of international collaboration." 

The agreement paves the way for greater integration within the UN system, just as the UN General Assembly recently approved the merger of UNSSC into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the establishment of the United Nations Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI), effective 1 January 2027. UNICLI will serve as the UN system’s integrated platform for learning, capability development, and institutional transformation. It will operate at the intersection of three core functions: system capability development, Member State capacity support, and knowledge integration and transfer. 

For UniTo, the collaboration represents an opportunity to expand its network of international partners and to contribute more broadly to the United Nations’ mission of promoting peace and development worldwide.