The Office of Human Resources (OHR) in DMSPC, along with the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service in DOS and the Integrated Training Service in DPPA-DPO, plays a pivotal role in implementing the Learning Strategy 2021-2025, focusing on innovative solutions for learning, training, and skills development in the UN Secretariat.
Empowering learners and enhancing skills
The work of OHR is driven by the Secretary-General’s ‘Our Common Agenda,’ which seeks to accelerate the UN Secretariat’s transformation over the next five years through the UN 2.0 Quintet of Change. This framework emphasizes strengthening skills in data, digital, innovation, strategic foresight, and behavioral science among UN personnel.
Since the introduction of the UN 2.0 agenda, OHR has been developing learning initiatives aligned with the UN 2.0 Quintet of Change. The impact of these efforts has been significant, with high levels of staff engagement reported.
By September 2024:
• 1,300 individuals completed learning activities through Coursera.
• 28,000 learners finished 35,800 courses on LinkedIn Learning.
• 7,000 staff accessed 17,561 online modules on The Blue Line platform.
• In October 2023, a curated catalog of Artificial Intelligence courses was introduced, further providing opportunities to enhance capabilities in data and digital skills. Leadership development also advanced, with over 1,000 staff completing four key leadership programs.
Strategic learning initiatives
The UN Values and Behaviors Framework was introduced through a soft launch in late 2021. Since July 2022, significant advancement on its implementation has been taking place, including the formal promulgation of the Framework by the Secretary-General along with a revised performance management policy in September 2024. These values and behaviors are fundamental to the organizational culture in the UN Secretariat.
The launch of the 2021-2025 Learning Strategy has prompted OHR to implement numerous initiatives aimed at equipping staff with essential knowledge and competencies. Notably, in April 2024, OHR introduced a new e-learning path for data management and analytics. Before the year’s end, OHR plans to offer the UN Data Analytics Professional Certificate to 40 staff members, featuring a blended curriculum on descriptive and predictive analytics tailored to the UN context.
In July 2024, OHR completed an external assessment of its mandatory learning programs, which highlighted strengths in alignment with organizational policies while recommending improvements in program management, course harmonization, feedback mechanisms, and technical upgrades. Efforts to implement these recommendations, including enhancing accessibility for personnel with disabilities, are already underway.
New learning management system
The need for a modern, organization-wide learning management system has been recognized within the UN Secretariat. Following a design phase and a pilot involving 19 entities earlier in 2024, a new enterprise learning management system has been endorsed, set to roll out in early 2026. This system also aims to provide an integrated approach to management of learning resources and accessibility of learning content.
To bolster learning accountability, practical tools and methodologies are being developed to help entities assess the impact of various learning initiatives. These tools are expected to launch later this year, enabling entities to evaluate whether programs met their objectives and effectively improved participants’ skills.
Anti-Racism training
In August-September 2024, OHR, in collaboration with the Anti-Racism Office, Department of Safety and Security (DSS), and the Stress Counselors Office, conducted an anti-racism training program for staff and stress counselors. This initiative, part of the Strategic Action Plan on Addressing Racism and Promoting Dignity for All in the UN Secretariat, reached over 50 participants. Feedback indicated high satisfaction levels, as the program successfully created safe spaces for dialogue and supported victims of racism.
United to respect dialogues and induction platform
The United to Respect Dialogues initiative, developed by OHR, facilitates training that enables Heads of Entities to engage staff in discussions about discrimination, harassment, and abuse of authority.
This program, which received the 2023 Secretary-General Award for Staff Engagement, provides personnel with strategies to better prevent and respond to these issues.
Additionally, the new global induction platform, GO2UN, developed by OHR and the Office of Support Operations (OSO), received the Employee Engagement Award at the 2023 Career Development Roundtable Conference in Washington, D.C. This platform aims to enhance the onboarding experience for new UN employees.
Through these comprehensive learning and development initiatives, the UN Secretariat is committed to building a capable, agile, and inclusive workforce. By fostering an environment that values continuous learning and skills development, the UN is better positioned to meet the complex challenges of a rapidly changing world, ensuring it can effectively support its mission to promote peace, security, and human rights globally.