UC Davis and UNITAR Forge Partnership to Advance Global Change

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) and the University of California, Davis, recently welcomed representatives from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) for two dynamic delegation meetings that laid the foundation for a bold new partnership. Together, these globally recognized institutions are joining forces to co-create and deliver education programs that address some of the today’s most pressing global challenges and emerging trends—including sustainable development, leadership and digital innovation. 

A Shared Commitment to Global Impact 

The partnership reflects a strong alignment between UC Davis’ leadership in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and CPE’s mission to provide accessible, transformative learning opportunities. By leveraging UNITAR’s unparalleled diplomatic expertise and international reach alongside UC Davis’ world-class scientific and agricultural innovation, the collaboration aims to empower the next generation of global citizens and leaders. 

Delegate participants included: 

• Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR
• Michael Adalla, Senior Program Officer, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR
• Lu Meng, Programme Coordinator, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR
• Michael Zu, Executive Director, UNITAR Prosperity Alliance California
• Harrison Sun, President, Mars Education • Julie Greenwood, Dean, UC Davis CPE
• Jake Hosier, Executive Director, UC Davis CPE-International
• Xin Chen, Director of International Partnerships and Development, UC Davis CPE – International
• Emeline Crowder, Program Coordinator, UC Davis CPE-International
• Michael Lazzara, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Partnerships; acting Vice Provost and Dean, UC Davis Global Affairs
• Jolynn Shoemaker, Senior Director of Global Engagements, UC Davis Global Affairs
• Sarah Olson, Director of Global Partnerships, UC Davis Global Affairs 

United by a commitment to creating tangible, measurable impact on global challenges. The partnership will focus on reaching underserved populations, including youth, women and learners from developing and fragile states. 

“These initiatives reflect our shared vision: equipping professionals, policymakers and students with the skills to lead global change,” said CPE Dean Julie Greenwood. 

Co-Creating Innovative Educational Programs 

The meetings highlighted several exciting opportunities for collaboration, including: 

• Joint Study Tours & Flagship Programs – Co-designed programs blending learning experiences at UC Davis and UNITAR hubs, such as Geneva and Hiroshima. These would pair UC Davis’ expertise in sustainability, agriculture and climate technology with UNITAR’s strength in diplomacy, international policy and entrepreneurship.
• Young Leadership Programs – Immersive programs designed for students ages 16 and up, featuring model UN exercises, international collaboration projects and problem-solving practicums focused on advancing the SDGs.
• Professional & Executive Training – Specialized programs for government officials, private sector professionals and emerging leaders, offering training in digital upskilling, sustainable agricultural technologies and multilateral diplomacy. 

Leveraging Complementary Strengths 

Each partner brings unique assets to the table. UNITAR offers brand recognition, especially across developing countries, and extensive global networks, along with expertise in peacekeeping, multilateral engagements and international diplomacy. UC Davis contributes cutting-edge knowledge in agricultural science, environmental sustainability and veterinary medicine. The university also has a long-standing commitment to the SDGs and to designing and delivering impactful continuing and professional education programs. 

Together, the institutions will expand access to high-quality education worldwide, using UNITAR’s networks to extend UC Davis’ global reach and enriching UNITAR’s offerings with UC Davis scientific rigor. 

Defining Success Through Impact 

A central focus of the collaboration is to move beyond traditional participation metrics toward tracking meaningful, long-term impact. Both institutions agreed to co-develop frameworks that measure how programs transform lives, strengthen communities and shape careers—an essential step for sustaining funding and demonstrating value. 

Next Steps 

Momentum is already underway. The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and work is set to begin on designing the first flagship program, with youth leadership or sustainable agricultural technology as priority themes. Detailed Letters of Agreement will follow, outlining program scope, funding and implementation. 

This partnership represents a powerful convergence of education, science and diplomacy. By uniting UC Davis’ academic excellence with UNITAR’s global influence, the two institutions are poised to create innovative programs that educate and inspire action to drive measurable progress toward a more sustainable and equitable world. 

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