Overview

The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme is a flagship capacity development initiative delivered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in Geneva, designed to strengthen knowledge and professional competencies in international chemicals and waste governance. The programme provides participants with direct exposure to global institutions shaping environmental policy and multilateral cooperation, offering an immersive learning experience through expert lectures, technical workshops, institutional visits, and career development sessions.

Through engagement with United Nations agencies, convention secretariats, and international experts, participants gain practical insights into policy frameworks, regulatory approaches, and emerging challenges in the sound management of chemicals and waste.

By fostering technical expertise, professional networks, and understanding of multilateral chemicals and waste governance, the programme supports the development of skilled professionals capable of contributing to sustainable chemicals management at national and international levels. It also promotes international exchange, enhances career pathways within the UN system and related organizations, and contributes to strengthening global cooperation and capacity for environmental sustainability.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the global architecture of chemicals and waste governance, including international agreements, UN agencies, and scientific bodies.
• Describe the global system for chemicals and waste management.
• Identify tools, methodologies, and financing mechanisms relevant to chemicals and waste management.
• Build networks with Geneva-based secretariats, UN agencies, and technical institutions.
• Understand career pathways in international chemicals and waste governance.

Content

The programme integrates expert lectures, technical workshops, site visits, and career sessions.

Target Audience

This programme is ideal for researchers, graduate students, and early-career professionals working on chemicals, waste, environmental policy. A maximum of 30 participants will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Methodology

UNITAR programmes are designed to be highly interactive and participatory and will include – whenever possible – a variety of simulation exercises, case studies, and tools to enable participants to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of substantive topics. Illustrations and case studies will be shared with participants so that they can strengthen their understanding of the topics.

Monitoring and Evaluation Criteria

UNITAR evaluates its training for accountability, learning, and quality improvement purposes. During the delivery of the training, learners will be engaged to assess progress towards the achievement of pre-defined learning objectives (which will be communicated to the participants prior to each learning event). The training activities will be monitored and evaluated through the standard UNITAR Quality Assurance Framework for evaluating training. Recommendations received will be systemically considered for the continuous improvement of activities and their implementation will be executed progressively.

Certification

At the end of this study programme, participants who have attended over 75% of the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion by UNITAR.