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CIFAL Victoria

The Breakwater in Victoria, BC at sunset
Logo of CIFAL Victoria depicting a global network
Logo of UNITAR, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research with the United Nations emblem

UNITAR-UVic partnership

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 31 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
Front page of the report with institutional logos and depictions of two youth extending their arms with lines refering to the Sustainable Development Goals

Report published by UNITAR and CIFAL Victoria of a student-led initiative that embarked on a creative exploration sharing their experiences concerning life amidst climate change.

Read the report

Download the report

CIFAL annual reports

Discover how CIFAL Victoria has connected the region with the global community and supported international knowledge-sharing and partnerships during its first two years of operation.

Read the 2023 annual report.

Read the 2022 annual report.

Focus areas

Oceans, climate & sustainability
Salmon swimming in water

We are tackling the issues facing our oceans and lands, human health and the economy. Our focus is on climate policy, modelling, conservation and much more.

Innovation & entrepreneurship
A 3D printer
We're making an impact on people, places and the planet through the advancement and application of knowledge. Our research, innovation and connections help communities thrive.
Decolonization & Indigenous knowledge
Woven cedar bark

We are learning, listening and creating a community where Indigenous knowledge is valued. Understanding these perspectives is an important part of our education and growth.

Global health & well-being
A health care worker administers an injecting into a patient's upper arm.
Our research focuses on understanding and improving the health and wellness of all people.

Sustainable Development Goals

CIFAL Victoria is part of UVic's commitment to support the UN's 17 SDGs. These goals outline the work that needs to happen to create a sustainable future for our planet.

We aim to:

  • enable the transfer of knowledge, experience and best practices
  • encourage co-operation and multi-stakeholder partnerships
  • provide networking opportunities
  • contribute to the development of local and national strategies to meet the SDGs

CIFAL Victoria serves the Pacific Coast through local, regional and global partnerships.

Visit our  CIFAL SDG's Dashboard  that explores how the SDGs are impacting training initiatives on campus.

Upcoming events

Learning opportunities

UNITAR training opportunities
Logo of UNITAR, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research with the United Nations emblem

UNITAR offers a wide range of courses and training activities for students, academics, government agencies, international and non-governmental organizations. 

General Opportunities

Free and open courses

Online courses

CIFAL Global Network opportunities
Logo of the UNITAR CIFAL Global Network depicting a global network

The CIFAL Global Network is composed of 31 CIFAL Centres across Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean.

CIFAL Flanders

CIFAL York

CIFAL Newcastle

Our team

Contact us

To learn more email CIFAL Victoria Director Crystal Tremblay.