The idea of a UN training and research institute was mentioned for the first time in a 1962 resolution of the UN General Assembly (resolution 1827 (XVII) of 18 December 1962). The founding of UNITAR in 1963 followed the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council to the General Assembly, which commissioned the Secretary-General with the establishment of a United Nations Institute for Training and Research as an autonomous body within the UN system (General Assembly resolution 1934 (XVIII) of 11 December 1963).
The creation of UNITAR occurred at the most opportune time in the history of the United Nations. 36 States had joined the Organization since 1960, including 28 African States. That unprecedented wave of decolonization was a success story for the United Nations. At the same time, however, it created a critical need for assistance, as many of the newly-independent States lacked the capacity to train their young diplomats. The Institute, therefore, endeavoured to satisfy that need in accordance with its Statute.
UNITAR commenced functioning in March 1965. The Institute originally had its headquarters based in New York and a European Office in Geneva. The first office – still known as the “UNITAR building”– stood up on First Avenue near UN Headquarters, before being sold for financial reasons. In 1993, UNITAR’s headquarters were transferred to Geneva.