UN CC:Learn Reaches 500,000 Certificates: A Milestone in Global Climate Education

12 March 2025

News

UN CC:Learn has reached a major milestone—500,000 certificates of completion issued to learners worldwide! This achievement reflects the growing global commitment to climate education and action. Keep reading to learn more about this milestone and its impact!

Read the article in French or Spanish.

UN CC:Learn has reached another major milestone: 500,000 certificates of completion issued to learners worldwide.

This significant achievement reflects the ongoing global commitment to climate education and action. It would not have been possible without the dedication of learners worldwide who continue to trust and engage with UN CC:Learn’s mission of building capacities on climate change, green economy, and circular economy.

Over the years, UN CC:Learn has significantly expanded its course portfolio to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to climate action. One of its latest offerings, the “Becoming a Climate Champion” course, developed with the UNFCCC, equips learners with the five key skills necessary to bring their climate action projects to life. Additionally, new courses like “Mastering International Climate Negotiations,” also developed in partnership with the UNFCCC, offer a deep dive into the international process of climate negotiations, empowering learners with the knowledge needed to navigate and contribute to this critical global effort.

Multilingualism, accessibility, and tailored content remain at the heart of UN CC:Learn’s approach. The e-learning platform is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. With a growing catalogue of over 120 courses, many of which are offered in two or more languages, learners can access high-quality climate education in their preferred language. The flagship “Climate Change: From Learning to Action” course, for instance, is available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Chinese.

Beyond course offerings, UN CC:Learn continues to build a vibrant community of alumni. Participants are invited to join events like the Fireside Chats and take part in initiatives such as the UN CC:Learn Champions, where they can further engage with course topics and inspire action within their communities.

The impact of UN CC:Learn courses is clear. The latest impact survey revealed that 82% of respondents frequently or occasionally apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the courses. Additionally, 94% stated that participating in a UN CC:Learn course provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge to take climate action.

Looking ahead, UN CC:Learn remains committed to expanding its portfolio, including developing new courses and making them available in various languages. By continuing to enhance climate literacy worldwide, UN CC:Learn ensures that more people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to face up to the significant challenge of climate change.

Three Ways to Ramp-up Women-led Climate Action.

8 March 2025

News

On this International Women’s Day, we’ve put women-led and gender-responsive climate action in the spotlight.

 

Read on to find out how we can strengthen and increase women’s participation in climate solutions.

 

Photo Credit: Panos Pictures.

Read in French or Spanish

Today is International Women’s Day. To celebrate this important date, we invite you to reflect on the role of women in addressing climate change.

Women are often overlooked in climate policy, even though they are the ones suffering the most from the consequences of climate change.

According to UN Women:

“The climate crisis is not “gender neutral”. Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.”

How can we ensure that women and girls take part in climate-related decisions that produce effective and inclusive solutions to climate change?

To answer this question, we listed below three ways that could help improve gender-responsive and women-led climate action.

Implement community-led and gender-responsive climate solutions.

Encouraging women’s participation and women-led climate solutions results in better, more efficient, and inclusive outcomes.

In many rural communities, for instance, women are responsible for collecting water for their families and, over the years, have gained a unique understanding of changes to rainfall patterns, as well as water harvesting and storage.

These women are uniquely placed to inform adaptation strategies and develop tailored and inclusive solutions.

Access to tailored financial resources and resource management.

Women manage households and account for a big chunk of the labor force. Nonetheless, they often find themselves without the means to provide for themselves and their families, or without the right incentives to do so.

In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, women account for 70% of the agricultural sector but own only 3% of the land they cultivate. This UN Women project in the country has empowered Ivorian women to increase their incomes through improved efficiency and greater agricultural output.

By providing them with the right resources, including financial ones, they can build more tailored and climate-resilient communities, greatly contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation.

Climate action for all.

Investments in gender-inclusive climate action have far-reaching, society-wide benefits, such as environmental conservation and poverty reduction.

As the UNFCCC put it:

“By tackling climate change with a gender lens, we can also address women’s rights and promote greater gender equality.”

Women play a key role in building climate-resilient societies.

Interested in learning more about the interlinkages between gender and climate change on International Women’s Day?

Take our free gender-related e-courses.

Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary About Climate Change is here!

27 February 2025

News

The new Climate 101, inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, is now available with 27 key climate change terms, from mitigation and adaptation to carbon markets and a just transition. Read on to find out more about this fun and interactive resource.

Understanding climate change terminology can be challenging. From mitigation to just transition and carbon markets, these concepts are central to climate action but often difficult to grasp. To make these key terms more accessible, UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise have launched Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary about Climate Change—a new interactive resource designed to demystify climate jargon in a fun and engaging way.

Inspired by UNDP’s Climate Dictionary, Climate 101 covers 27 essential climate change terms, offering straightforward definitions alongside interactive learning tools such as case studies, videos, exercises, and more. The resource also adopts the Climate Dictionary’s unique branding, featuring visually striking collages that bring these terms to life.

Collage representing Climate Adaptation by UNDP.

Collage representing Climate Adaptation. Credit: UNDP

This initiative is the result of a collaboration between UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise, with the two organizations working together since early 2024 to develop this tool. The goal is to provide learners—whether students, professionals, policymakers, or the general public—with an accessible way to navigate the language of climate change and understand its implications for climate action.

Collage representing the Paris Agreement. Credit: UNDP.

Collage representing the Paris Agreement. Credit: UNDP.

Since its launch, Climate 101 has already attracted over 1,000 views in just three weeks, reflecting a strong interest in making climate knowledge more accessible. Throughout the learning experience, users are also encouraged to dive deeper into each term through additional resources from UN CC:Learn and UNDP Climate Promise, helping them build a more comprehensive understanding of climate action.

Start exploring Climate 101 today and take your climate knowledge to the next level!

Access Climate 101 here.

Access UNDP’s Climate Dictionary here.

A Day at UNITAR: A Hands-On Experience for St.Gallen Students

24 February 2025

News
Presentation during the St.Gallen student's visit.

Sixteen students from Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen visited UNITAR as part of their annual trip to International Geneva, and engaged in a series of activities with UN staff.

Read on to find out more.

Last week, UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) and the Communications and IT Support Unit (CITSU) welcomed 16 students from Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen. This visit marked the sixth time the school brought its students to the UNITAR office as part of their annual two-day trip to International Geneva, where they explore global governance through UN simulations and interactive sessions.

The students spent two dynamic hours with Mr. Lucas Terra from GCP and Ms. Sophie Mills from CITSU, engaging in a series of activities designed to introduce them to the work of the United Nations and UNITAR. The session kicked off with an introduction to the UN’s mission, followed by an interactive SDG game. Using a spinning wheel featuring all the Sustainable Development Goals, students took turns answering questions about different SDGs. Each correct response earned them points and small rewards to keep the energy levels high.

Presentation by Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills.

Presentation by Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills. Photo credit: UNITAR.

 

Student spinning the SDG wheel during the SDG game.

Student spinning the SDG wheel during the SDG game. Photo credit: UNITAR

Following the SDG game, the students participated in a speed networking session with five UNITAR staff members from different departments. Divided into small groups, they had five-minute discussions with each professional, asking questions about their careers, experiences, and insights into working at the UN. This fast-paced exchange allowed the students to gain diverse perspectives on career paths within the organization and beyond.

Speed networking session.

Speed networking session. Photo credit: UNITAR

The visit wrapped up with a hands-on problem-solving exercise, where students tackled real-world challenges that UNITAR staff encounter in their work. Split into two teams, they brainstormed solutions and presented their ideas to their peers, simulating the kind of strategic thinking and collaboration essential in international organizations.

Before leaving, the students gathered for a group picture, marking the end of another visit. Their time at UNITAR provided a valuable glimpse into the work of international organizations, including cooperation and diplomacy, inspiring them to pursue a career in this field.

Group picture - St. Gallen Students and UNITAR staff

Group picture with the students, Mr. Lucas Terra and Ms. Sophie Mills. Photo credit: UNITAR

UN CC:Learn alumni engage in Fireside Chat on climate finance

11 February 2025

News

On 05 February 2025, UN CC:Learn organised the 10th edition of its Fireside Chat series. This edition focused on climate finance and brought together over 200 alumni to get insights into this topic from a UNDP expert.

 

Read on to find out more.

The first UN CC:Learn Fireside Chat of 2025 brought together 218 alumni for an insightful conversation on climate finance with Asad Maken, Regional Public Climate Finance Advisor at UNDP. This exclusive event, part of the ongoing Fireside Chat series, provided a unique opportunity for participants to hear directly from an expert with over 25 years of experience in public finance, climate policy, and development planning. Moderated by Lisa Main from UNITAR, the session explored Asad’s career journey, the evolving landscape of climate finance, and the key challenges and opportunities in mobilizing funds for climate action.

The discussion covered pressing questions from participants, including why climate finance often remains a small portion of national budgets, how governments can engage private sector investors, and whether debt-related financial instruments like green and blue bonds should be prioritized over grant-based funding. The interactive nature of the event allowed alumni to engage with Asad and each other through the chat and via a dedicated Q&A function, making for a dynamic and enriching discussion.

Beyond exploring the broader climate finance landscape, the event also marked the official launch of the Scaling Climate Finance e-course, a new self-paced learning opportunity developed by UNDP Asia-Pacific’s Climate Finance Network in collaboration with UNITAR. The course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of climate finance, whether they work in government, the private sector, or international organizations. Asad highlighted the motivations behind the course’s development, its intended audience, and the key takeaways learners can expect.

This Fireside Chat was not only a milestone as the 10th edition in the series but also a testament to the growing engagement of UN CC:Learn alumni in deepening their expertise on climate-related topics. By providing a platform for direct exchanges with leading experts, the series continues to support professional growth and capacity-building for individuals working to advance climate action worldwide. Stay tuned for the next edition as we bring more voices and perspectives to the forefront of critical climate discussions!

Scaling up for impact: A new e-course to unlock climate finance opportunities

4 February 2025

News
Women from Asia smiling in a field.

Discover how climate finance can drive meaningful climate action with the new Scaling Climate Finance e-learning course. Designed by UNITAR and UNDP’s Asia-Pacific Climate Finance Network, this free, self-paced course equips professionals and citizens alike with the knowledge and tools to mobilize finance for climate action.

 

Read on to find out more.

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, causing devastating impacts on communities around the globe. Addressing this urgent challenge demands bold climate action supported by significant financial investments. While the need for climate finance is immense, the good news is that opportunities to mobilize resources have never been greater. To help unlock these opportunities, UNITAR and UNDP’s Asia-PacificClimate Finance Network, with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of Sweden, have launched the Scaling Climate Finance e-learning course.

This free, self-paced course aims to equip professionals from governments, the private sector, civil society, and beyond with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricate world of climate finance. Structured into four interactive modules, it helps learners identify key climate finance sources, instruments, and mechanisms while exploring innovative approaches to accessing new capital for climate action, including from the private sector.

In just five hours, participants will gain practical insights into mobilizing both public and private finance, applying innovative tools, and promoting inclusive, gender-responsive climate investments. Upon completion, learners will receive an official UN Certificate, showcasing their expertise in scaling climate finance—a critical skill set for driving climate action.

Find out more about the course below.

What Will You Learn?

This 5-hour, self-paced e-learning course aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of the climate finance system. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify key climate finance sources, instruments, and mechanisms, and explain how these interact to support climate action for mitigation and adaptation
  • Explain the roles and responsibilities of different actors and stakeholders within the climate finance system
  • Outline measures, tools, and approaches to coordinate public climate finance more efficiently and effectively
  • List innovative sources, mechanisms, and instruments that can unlock new pools of capital for climate action, including from the private sector
  • Explain how applying a gender equality and social inclusion lens to climate finance ensures investments reach at-risk and vulnerable populations

The course is designed with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion. Through real-world case studies, examples, and stories, learners will see how these principles can be embedded into climate finance planning, budgeting, and decision-making for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Who Should Take This Course?

Many actors play a role in scaling finance for climate action. While the course presents tools and approaches primarily through a government or public sector lens, it is relevant to a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • Policy, planning, and technical staff managing or mobilizing climate finance at national and sub-national levels (e.g., from central finance or planning ministries, line ministries, sub-national governments, and parliamentarians)
  • Individuals from quasi-governmental organizations, including state or central banks, state-owned enterprises, parastatals, supreme audit institutions, and securities or exchange commissions
  • Private sector stakeholders and market facilitators involved in climate-aligned investments
  • Practitioners from non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, think tanks, and educational institutions focused on climate-related issues
  • Citizens interested in understanding how finance drives climate action and holding relevant actors accountable

While many case studies are drawn from the Asia-Pacific region, the tools, instruments, and approaches presented are applicable to individuals and organizations worldwide.

Will You Get a Certificate?

Yes! To earn a certificate of completion, participants must pass the final quiz with a score of 70% or higher within three attempts.

Take the course today!

Learn how to mainstream climate adaptation into policy and finance with our new course

30 January 2025

News
Women tilling the land in Pakistan

UNITAR, in collaboration with GIZ and BMZ, has launched a new self-paced e-course on Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate climate adaptation into planning, budgeting, and financing.

 

Read on to find out more!

As climate change accelerates, governments and communities worldwide face increasing challenges in adapting to its impacts. From extreme weather events to shifting agricultural patterns and heightened risks to public health, the need for effective climate adaptation strategies has never been more urgent. Recognizing this, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has launched a new online course: Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience.

This self-paced, three-module e-course takes between 4 and 5 hours to complete and is designed to equip policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate climate adaptation into planning, budgeting, and financing.

This e-course was developed in the framework of the Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAR) Project, which aims to improve climate adaptation measures in Pakistan, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations, including women. While the course features case studies from Pakistan and other Asia-Pacific countries, its core content is globally relevant, providing participants with a solid foundation in climate risk assessment, policy integration, and innovative financial solutions for adaptation. Through interactive lessons, real-world case studies, and self-assessment quizzes, learners will gain practical insights into implementing effective climate resilience strategies at various governance levels.

Designed to accommodate the busy schedules of professionals, this flexible e-course allows participants to learn at their own pace while deepening their expertise in climate adaptation. Get more information about the e-course below.

Who should take this course?

While the course was initially developed to support the Pakistan government in enhancing climate adaptation and resilience, it will be of particular interest to:

  • Civil servants in planning and development departments of various line ministries such as environment, agriculture, industry, finance, development, etc., at the local and national levels, and
  • Stakeholders from non-governmental organizations and community groups focused on climate change adaptation and resilience.

What will you learn?

The core objectives of the e-course include enhancing knowledge on integrating climate change into planning, budgeting, and decision-making in an inclusive manner, while also strengthening individual capacities within governments to implement nationally appropriate adaptation strategies. Additionally, the course provides insights into innovative financial instruments for funding climate adaptation.

Designed and developed through a gender-sensitive lens, the course takes an integrated approach, featuring case studies that highlight how climate change impacts different groups in distinct ways. This reinforces the importance of considering all community members when addressing climate adaptation challenges.

Will you get a certificate?

The successful completion of the course rewards the learner with a certificate. To complete the course, the learner must complete all three modules and pass each associated quiz with a minimum grade of 70% from no more than three attempts.

Take the course today!

Keeping 1.5°C Alive: UN CC:Learn Champions Inspire Action

20 December 2024

News

Nine inspiring 2024 UN CC:Learn Champions shared their diverse climate stories during three engaging sessions, showcasing how individual actions drive collective change.

 

Read on to find out more.

Last week, the UN CC:Learn community came together for a series of events that brought climate stories to life. Over three dynamic sessions, held on 10 and 11 December in English and 12 December in French, nine of the 2024 UN CC:Learn Champions showcased their inspiring work in the field. With an audience of nearly 1,000 engaged alumni from around the globe, these 90-minute events showcased inspiring examples of climate action in different shapes and forms.

Each event followed an engaging structure that kept the energy high. The Champions—Afifa, Sagaitu, and Vathanak in Event 1; Alan, Hannah, and Varnessa in Event 2; and Jules, Souhayata, and Wadley in the French session—each had 10 minutes to share their unique climate stories. Their work painted a compelling picture of leadership in climate action, from reforestation projects to educational comic books. Following these presentations, an active and engaging Q&A followed. The Champions answered thought-provoking questions from the audience, sparking deeper dialogue about the challenges and successes of their climate actions. The conversations were rich and left participants inspired by the diverse ways individuals can make a difference.

The events closed with an insightful exercise. Participants were asked to submit a pledge answering the question, “What climate action do you pledge to carry out after being inspired by the UN CC:Learn Champions?” Participants bought into the idea and pledged several different things, from “increased community engagement through grassroots initiatives” and “more capacity building on climate change” to “scale up renewable energy” and “reduction carbon footprints,” to name a few.

These events highlighted how individual actions can motivate broader changes within larger groups. Building on this momentum, UN CC:Learn is planning similar events in 2025 featuring Spanish and Portuguese-speaking Champions.

Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know

Courses

Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know is an accessible and interactive guide to international climate negotiations. It empowers participants—especially youth—with essential knowledge for meaningful involvement in the UNFCCC process.

Enroll
  • Climate Change
  • Youth

Self-paced course

3.5 hours

Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know is a new e-course designed to guide participants through the intricate landscape of global climate negotiations as we approach COP29.

Created in collaboration with the UNFCCC Secretariat and the COP28 UAE Presidency Youth Climate Champion, it makes international climate negotiation principles more accessible, especially for newcomers and youth delegates.

With an emphasis on simplifying often complex themes, the course covers key topics within the UNFCCC framework, such as implementation mechanisms of the Paris Agreement and the Convention, which influence the policies and decisions shaping climate action worldwide.

“Mastering International Negotiations” is not just about learning but also about empowerment. It emphasizes youth empowerment in the negotiation process, supporting meaningful engagement on equal footing. Through 12 fun and engaging video-based lessons, participants will get critical insights into the UNFCCC process, gaining both the theoretical foundation and the practical knowledge to participate effectively in climate negotiations.

Young people have repeatedly raised that capacity building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that clearly identified need. COP28, UNFCCC, and UNITAR’s collaboration on climate education demonstrates our commitment to empower the younger generation and foster their active involvement in tackling the global climate crisis.“ – H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, COP28 Youth Climate Champion

UNFCCC is committed to fostering global climate literacy and empowering people everywhere to participate in climate policymaking and decision-making processes. Developed with the COP28 Presidency and UNITAR, this new the vital role of young people as agents of change in accelerating climate action at a time of spiraling climate harms for people of all ages, and massive climate costs for all economies.  The course provides learners with essential knowledge about the intergovernmental climate change process. Join us in helping to nurture the skills and expertise needed to ensure impactful climate action, now and in the future.” — Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change

What will you learn?

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the international climate negotiation process and institutional structure under the UNFCCC;
  2. Discuss the rationale, key provisions and activities within the various thematic areas of negotiation under the UNFCCC;
  3. Explain expected key issues and activities taking place at COP29
  4. Identify how to engage in climate policymaking processes at national and international levels across different thematic areas;
  5. Navigate the UNFCCC website and find information on specific UNFCCC processes.

Who is this course for?

The course is primarily designed to build capacities of delegates, particularly youth negotiators, youth-led and youth-focused organizations in the climate negotiation space as well as anyone else interested in learning more about the thematic areas in international climate negotiations.

The course at a glance

1. Introduction to the course

2. Mitigation

3. Adaptation

4. Transparency

5. Climate Finance

6. Technology Mechanism

7. Capacity Building and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)

8. Just Transition

9. Agriculture and Food Security

10. Gender

11. The Ocean

12. In Practice: How to Navigate the UNFCCC Website and App

Final Quiz

Will you get a certificate?

The course contains knowledge checks within each lesson to strengthen the learner’s understanding of the content.

A final assessment will be available at the end of the course. A certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

  • All videos, interactive lessons, and activities;
  • Final quiz with a 70% or higher score within three attempts;

Once these conditions are met, the certificate will automatically become available for participants to download on the platform in the “certification” tab.

Becoming a Climate Champion

Courses

The “Becoming a Climate Champion” e-course strives to empower you to put in place or ramp up your climate initiatives by enhancing your skills in five key areas: leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications.

Enroll
  • Youth
  • Climate Change

Self-paced course

3 hours

Are you ready to drive impactful climate action?

“Becoming a Climate Champion” is an interactive online course designed to equip you with essential skills for excelling in climate action in five key areas: leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications.

You will learn from high-level experts how to apply these skills to your climate and environmental projects, transforming your initiatives into successful, meaningful contributions to a sustainable future. Whether you are an entrepreneur, student, government official or NGO worker, this course empowers you to take your work to the next level and ramp up action against climate change.

“Becoming a Climate Champion” was developed by UN CC:Learn and UN Climate Change’s Youth4Capacity.

Enrol today to take the first step to becoming a Climate Champion!

What will you learn?

The e-course aims to build people’s capacities in five key areas – leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications – to support them in climate-related projects.

After completing the course, you will be able to:

  • Devise an inclusive climate action project or initiative that contributes to global efforts to tackle climate change.
  • Outline a brief communications plan to promote climate-friendly projects and initiatives.
  • Identify the resources needed to successfully implement a climate project or initiative.
  • Describe key elements to consider when conceptualizing and implementing inclusive and gender-responsive climate projects and initiatives.
  • Make use of different leadership styles in climate action projects and initiatives.

Who is this e-course for?

This course caters for everyone who wishes to learn more about leadership, project management, resource mobilization, leave no one behind and communications. However, it will be particularly useful to:

  • Young people, such as students, entrepreneurs and professionals, who are acting, or intend to act, on climate change and would like to start or enhance their projects and initiatives.
  • UN CC:Learn alumni and Youth4Capacity beneficiaries who are already taking or wish to take concrete steps to act on climate change.
  • Everyone interested in playing an active role in addressing climate change and would like to benefit from these skills in their projects and initiatives.

The course at a glance

The course is self-paced and takes around three hours to complete.

The course has five interactive and engaging modules, one for each of the areas it covers. The course features video lessons, interactive online lessons, a final quiz and various additional resources.

  • Module 1: Leadership
  • Module 2: Project Management
  • Module 3: Resource Mobilization
  • Module 4: Leave No One Behind
  • Module 5: Communications
  • Final Quiz & Project Idea Submission

Get your Certificate

Upon completing the five modules, participants will be asked to complete a final quiz covering the content of all the modules. A certificate of completion is awarded to learners who complete:

  • All videos, interactive lessons and activities.
  • The final quiz with a score of 70 per cent or higher.

The certificate will be available upon completion of the course. Once conditions are met, the certificate will automatically become available for download.