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
Certified by CIFAL Victoria
Community Engaged Scholarship for Today’s World Course
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
Transformative Climate Action Certificate
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
Climate Action Planning Micro-certificate
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
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
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
Ecological Restoration Professional specialization certificate
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
Mapping with Drones Micro-certificate
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
Population Health Data Analysis Professional specialization certificate
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
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.