Following the roll-out of the digital credentials on the UNCC:Learn platform in January 2026, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is launching its new digital credentialing system, starting with a first set of courses, as part of a phased rollout across its learning portfolio.
This milestone reflects UNITAR’s long-term vision to strengthen how learning achievements are recognized, shared and valued across borders. By introducing secure, digital credentials, the Institute is reinforcing its commitment to innovation in capacity development and to supporting learners in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Empowering learners through verifiable and portable credentials
The new digital credentials provide learners with a modern, reliable way to showcase their achievements. Each credential is:
- Verifiable: Securely issued and easily authenticated, ensuring credibility for employers, institutions and partners
- Portable: Shareable across digital platforms, including professional networks and online portfolios
- Recognized: Designed to support lifelong learning pathways and enhance professional visibility
This approach responds to the evolving needs of learners and employers alike, where trust, transparency and accessibility of qualifications are essential. By aligning with emerging global standards in digital credentialing, UNITAR is helping ensure that skills and knowledge gained through its programmes are both visible and valued.
A strategic first phase
The initial set of courses included in this rollout has been carefully selected to ensure quality, relevance and impact. This deliberate approach enables UNITAR to establish a strong foundation for the system, while ensuring that learners benefit from a seamless and meaningful credentialing experience. This first release represents a strategic step in a broader institutional transformation.
The first courses offering a digital certificate will be clearly identified in the online course catalogue through a dedicated icon displayed alongside the course description. This visual identifier will help learners easily recognize programmes that provide a verifiable digital credential upon successful completion. Additional courses will progressively adopt the new system as UNITAR expands the rollout across its learning portfolio in the coming months.
Looking ahead
UNITAR will progressively expand digital credentials across additional courses and programmes, moving towards full integration of this system across its entire learning offer.
As this phased rollout advances, learners can expect increasing opportunities to earn credentials that are recognized across a wide range of professional and academic contexts.
