Markham campus site of first Canadian UN leadership training centre opening at York U

Yorkregion.com
June 1, 2021

University and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) partnership effort to build a more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable world

York University and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) will establish Canada’s first Centre International de Formation des Acteurs Locaux (CIFAL).

York Region was selected as the new home of this global initiative, with York’s Markham Centre Campus chosen for the site of CIFAL York when it is open and operational.

The centre will serve as one of 22 hubs throughout the world for the exchange of knowledge among government officials, the private sector, academia and civil society.

It will be a catalyst for positive change and extend York’s global reach that already includes more than 300 university, industry and NGO partners in over 70 countries, said a university spokesperson.

In addition, CIFAL York will provide a platform for dialogue and a forum for the development of new ideas by providing public servants, decision-makers and academics learning opportunities that facilitate knowledge sharing and improve decision-making processes.

“The world is facing complex global problems -- from the climate crisis to inequality to rapid technological change to the pandemic -- that call for collaboration across sectors and across countries to solve,” said the university’s president & vice-chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.

“The creation of this CIFAL Centre, in partnership with UNITAR, will enable us to bring leaders from governments, not-for-profits and industry together with researchers and educators to share experiences and expertise, and to train new generations of global leaders,” she added.

“We are proud to host CIFAL York as part of our commitment to building a healthier and more just, sustainable and prosperous world.”

York University’s “outsized reputation” made it an obvious choice when the United Nations, through UNITAR, started thinking of partnering with an academic institution in Canada to share knowledge and best practices, said UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR Nikhil Seth.

“I count academic institutions as one of UNITAR’s most indispensable allies, without whom we cannot hope to achieve the 2030 Agenda,” he added.

In welcoming a CIFAL Centre to York University, the region is further expanding collaborative opportunities between all levels of government, international organizations, the business community, and the public sector to continue building strong, caring, safe communities where everyone can develop to their full potential, said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson.

Professor Ali Asgary will act as the new Director of CIFAL York in collaboration with associate director, Idil Boran, beginning June 1 in temporary offices at York’s Keele campus.

Since its inception in 2003, the CIFAL network has reached more than 30,000 beneficiaries through over 400 learning events.