UN Accredited Sustainable Development Training

The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) and the University of Victoria have established the first accredited International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (known by the French acronym CIFAL) on North America's west coast.

CIFAL Victoria, based at UVic, joins a global network of 30 training centres. The main purpose of these centres is to develop and strengthen our ability to better respond to challenges and facilitate City-to-City partnerships.

CIFAL Victoria delivers training activities and research that build on UVic's commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It connects the region with the global community and supports international knowledge-sharing and partnerships, as well as gathering and measuring data on our impact in advancing the SDGs, with a focus on four key themes:

Oceans, climate and sustainability
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Decolonization and Indigenous knowledge
Global health and well-being

UNITAR-CIFAL certified programs and courses

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Applied AI for Administration

Applied AI for Administration is designed to equip administrative professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for work or daily tasks. View program

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Climate Action Planning

The climate crisis can have you feeling lost in a storm, but this program acts as a compass, guiding you in the right direction to respond effectively to climate challenges. Our program blends policy and social justice and science, empowering you to implement effective and collaborative action across various communities. View program

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Community Engaged Scholarship for Today’s World

Taught by leaders in their field, you will gain methods, tools, and strategies towards participatory methods and practices including collaborative planning, designing for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and more. View course

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Ecological Restoration

The Ecological Restoration program offers specialized training in high-level ecosystem functioning and is designed for practitioners working in restoration and related environmental fields that see problems with current practices and want to investigate alternative and innovative solutions. View program

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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This program empowers employers and employees to drive positive change by fostering equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces. Participants will learn about intercultural communication, systemic barriers and talent acquisition to transform work environments and promote collaboration. View program

Skiff floating in a swamp river surrounded by defoliation and tree stumps

Facing Human Wrongs 2.0: Climate Complexity and Relational Accountability

This six-week online intensive course was designed to guide you through an exploration of the ongoing systemic violence we perpetuate towards one another and the planet we are part of. View course

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Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration

The Fire Ecology for Environmental Restoration program equips learners with practical knowledge to understand and treat the effects of fire on natural ecosystems. View program

Xwa Lack Tun’s (Rick Harry) carved doors to the Ceremonial Hall in the First Peoples House at the University of Victoria.

Intellectual and Cultural Property Law

This professional development program explores the principles, concepts and relationship between intellectual property and Indigenous cultural property, laws, customs and traditions. View program

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Knowledge Democracy in Higher Education

This 5-part comprehensive learning series provides all the information, research and resources you need to enhance and refine your skills in knowledge democracy in higher education. View program

LiDAR Fundamentals for Climate Change Risk Analysis

LiDAR is a remote sensing survey method that facilitates 3D mapping of the Earth’s surface including urban and rural topography. This program equips learners to use and analyze LiDAR data for developing critical information towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. View program

Mapping with Drones

Do you want to take your connection to our planet to new heights? Capture detailed images from the sky for mapping landscapes and monitoring environmental change. Develop your analytical skills to identify real world features and structures in ways that allow you to provide detailed assessments of our planet. View program

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Population Health Data Analysis

This program focuses on analyzing health data to positively impact societal well-being. Through practical applications, you'll uncover insights that inform services, programs, and policies in various sectors. If you're driven by a desire to improve social health using data analytics, this program is for you. View program

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Restoration of Natural Systems - Certificate

Knowing where we are headed, from an ecological standpoint, requires an understanding of environmental impacts and recovery strategies. The Restoration of Natural Systems program provides a bridge that connects this knowledge with the practical skills needed to solve complex restoration issues. View program

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Restoration of Natural Systems - Diploma

This program provides comprehensive knowledge and skills to those interested in the rapidly emerging field of ecological restoration. Learn about the most current restoration practices from experienced and knowledgeable instructors, surrounded by peers who share your passion for the natural world. View program

Teaching the Holocaust

This program is specifically designed for in-service and pre-service secondary school teachers preparing to integrate Holocaust education into their classrooms. It is also open to educators engaged in Holocaust education. View program

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Tourism Sustainability

This micro-certificate addresses the response to extreme weather events and the global need for climate change mitigation and adaption. The program aims to prepare learners with the tools and knowledge to navigate environmental challenges in the tourism sector. View program

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Transformative Climate Action

The need for transformative climate action is urgent. An effective and practical response requires significant changes to how we live. This program provides the tools needed to make social, cultural and political changes that support diverse, ethical and flourishing communities. View program

In partnership with

The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL Victoria), the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) and the University of Victoria.