The United Nations is set to establish a new institution focused on strengthening learning, leadership and capacity development across the organisation and its member states, following approval by the UN General Assembly.

The 193-member General Assembly on Thursday endorsed the integration of the UN System Staff College (UNSSC) into the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), with Nigeria supporting the resolution.

The merger will lead to the creation of the UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI), which is expected to begin operations in January 2027.

The decision forms part of the broader UN80 Initiative, an effort aimed at making the global body more effective, coordinated and responsive to emerging international challenges.

UNICLI will bring together the respective strengths of UNITAR and UNSSC. While UNITAR focuses largely on building the skills and institutional capacity of governments, diplomats and public-sector institutions, UNSSC provides leadership training, learning and professional development for UN personnel.

UN officials said combining the two institutions would create a more unified platform through which member states, UN agencies and other partners could access training and expertise.

UNITAR Executive Director and UN Assistant Secretary-General, Michelle Gyles-McDonough, said the growing complexity of global challenges required the UN to strengthen its institutional capabilities, encourage innovation and continuously develop the skills needed to deliver on its commitments.

The Acting Director of UNSSC, Miguel Panadero, said bringing the two organisations together would provide a stronger and more coherent capability-development function for both member states and the UN system.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also welcomed the General Assembly’s decision, describing continuous learning, capability development and innovation as important drivers of the organisation’s effectiveness and reform.

The transition will be implemented gradually through the end of 2026 to ensure that existing programmes, partnerships and services continue without disruption.

Until the transition is completed, UNITAR and UNSSC will continue operating under their current arrangements.

The new institute will be headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, while Turin, Italy, will retain its role as a UN learning campus and centre for leadership development.

Existing operations in Bonn, Hiroshima, Madrid and New York will also continue under the new structure.

The merger represents one of the latest concrete measures under the UN80 reform initiative, reflecting efforts to reduce duplication, improve coordination and build a more agile United Nations.

For Nigeria, its support for the resolution underscores the country’s backing for reforms aimed at strengthening the UN’s ability to equip governments and institutions with the knowledge and skills required to respond to rapidly changing global challenges.