About Us

Background of CIFAL Atlanta

CIFAL Atlanta was inaugurated in September 2004 as a joint initiative between UNITAR and the City of Atlanta, supported by Hemisphere, Inc.(2004-2006), the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and The Wireless Internet Institute.

Created in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations System, The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) delivers training and research programs worldwide to the UN and member state officials.

UNITAR developed its Decentralized Cooperation Programme with CIFAL Centers to serve government and local authorities, recognizing their critical role in achieving the United Nations Eight Millennium Development Goals for more than 60% of the world population living in urban areas.

As of January 2006, 12 CIFAL centers have been established around the world. CIFAL Atlanta specializes in four main areas: Economic Development, Social Development, Information Technology, and Environmental Sustainability. CIFAL Atlanta serves governmemt authorities and civil society leaders throughout the Western Hemisphere.

CIFAL Atlanta: Vision, Mission, and Goals

Vision
To become one of the best resources for government authorities and civil society leaders in developing solutions that improve the quality of life of their constituents.

Mission
To provide government authorities and civil society leaders of countries in the Western Hemisphere with a forum to exchange strategies, tools and best practices in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Goals
To appeal to a significant percentage of government authorities and civil society leaders of large urban areas in the Western Hemisphere.

Maintain the highest standards of quality for our training programs measured by participant satisfaction surveys.

Translate learning into follow-up actions that will foster best practices sharing and enhance curriculum.

Provide individual evaluation and access to the best sources of knowledge and experience available in each area of training to participants.

Attract financial support from international organizations, foundations, and the private sector.

Develop and maintain a strong cooperation with UNITAR, other UN agencies, the CIFAL Centers network, academia and multilateral organizations to develop worldwide expertise to support participants.

Abide by the principles of the United Nations and the UNITAR guidelines applicable to CIFAL Centers including its methodologies.