UN institute launches research centre in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday launched its 16th international research centre --- the Centre International de Formation des Authorite´s et Leaders (CIFAL)---to train leaders and government officials in Bengaluru.

This centre, started in partnership with ACTS Group of Institutions founded by Ken Gnanakan, who is also the chairman of CIFAL Bengaluru, is a first-of-its kind in India. CIFAL Bengaluru is a training centre affiliated to UNITAR that aims to contribute to advance socially inclusive programmes, empower underprivileged youth and provide them with opportunities to enjoy equal access to education, health services and technologies, while learning about global issues that will impact their lives.

Working with children and young adults in slums, villages, towns and cities, ACTS institutions have an integrated learning approach.

CIFAL, a training arm of the United Nations operating in 15 other countries, is mandated to increase the impact of national actions through public awareness-raising, education, and training.

Dominic F Dixon, head, research and development, CIFAL, Bengaluru, said: “CIFAL Bengaluru will focus on gender equality, health and well- being, peace, justice and building strong institutions. Being a state where 1.2 lakh children are not going to school, this venture is fitting to start off in Karnataka first. CIFAL Bengaluru will grant UN internships to college students who are at the top and the bottom of the class. The parameter of success of top students will depend on how they help the bottom ones to come up.”