About us

CIFAL Newcastle is a Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders, a United Nations/UNITAR International Training and Outreach centre supporting, promoting and enabling progress towards the UN’s 17 Sustainability Goals.

Hosted by the University of Newcastle on Australia’s east coast we are a diverse team committed to developing and sharing tools, knowledge and skills that will help build a better tomorrow for all. Join us and be a part of building a sustainable future for your community.

Our mission

Our core mission is to build the capacity of individuals, organisations, institutions and communities through education and training to enact the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We achieve this by running training programs suitable for government officials, private enterprises and people from civil society. By facilitating the transfer of best practice, we empower individuals, communities, governments and organisations to effectively address development challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals

Hear about our commitment to aligning
strategic priorities to the 17 SDGs

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Our vision

The CIFAL Global Network aims to serve as a training system of excellence for capacity building of government authorities and civil society leaders on sustainable development, as well as on global mandates and goals of the United Nations.

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Focus areas

We have developed four new focus areas of work which we are committed to in 2024.

Global health and well-being

Interconnected goals that encompass the physical, mental, and social welfare of individuals and communities worldwide. Achieving them requires collaborative efforts, equitable access to healthcare, and addressing the underlying determinants of health on a global scale.

Equity, Indigenous knowledge and transformative education

Forms a powerful nexus, fostering inclusive learning environments that honor diverse perspectives and promote social justice. Embracing these principles not only enriches education but also empowers individuals to create a more equitable world.

Sustainable cities and communities

Strives to harmonise urban development with environmental responsibility and social inclusivity, creating vibrant, resilient, and liveable places for all. Their design and policies prioritise long-term well-being, resource efficiency, and equitable access to opportunities.

Climate adaptation and clean futures

Intertwined aspirations, guiding us towards resilience in the face of climate change while fostering a world powered by renewable energy and sustainable practices. Together, they represent our commitment to safeguarding the planet and securing a healthy, prosperous future for generations to come.

These focus areas are aimed at finding the unique synergies between the strengths of the University of Newcastle and CIFAL Newcastle’s work towards the SDGs.

Outreach

In 2021, the CIFAL Global Network reached 82,956 beneficiaries around the world through 110 training events.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, nearly all (81%) of the events were completed online. The substantial increase in training services and greater outreach reflects both the expansion of the Network and the continued demand for capacity building at local and subnational levels. The CIFAL Global Network also offers training activities aimed at raising awareness of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development including its 17 Goals and 169 Targets.

We will aim to increase our participant numbers and outreach through:

Developing new programs and initiatives to promote these focus areas in our region and beyond. Such as certifying new University of Newcastle short courses.
Partnering with local and international organizations to share knowledge and best practices. For example working with our partners to continue to develop and deliver short courses in global health and well-being and sustainable development in the pacific region such as our field epidemiology training program.
Build on the partnership with the University of Newcastle UNESCO chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education.
Conducting research and publishing papers and articles in academic journals.

Overall, the future of CIFAL Newcastle is very positive. The center is poised to play a leading role in helping to work on capacity building to create a more sustainable future for all.

Our people

Partners

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

CIFAL Newcastle