About
CIFAL York is part of UNITAR's global network of training centers for knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building for leaders, local authorities, and civil society. Established in 2020 as a partnership between UNITAR, York University and York Region, CIFAL York started its operation in June 2021 as the first CIFAL Centre in Canada.
Vision
CIFAL York envisions a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world, empowering communities to overcome global challenges, while integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals for shaping a better future.
Mission
CIFAL York is dedicated to serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and capacity building among government officials, the private sector, academia, and civil society. CIFAL York works towards a global outreach and positive change through bridging gaps and facilitating a range of inspirational training and research opportunities.
CIFAL York Focusing Areas
- Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Management and Humanitarian Response
- Health, Development, Environment, and Climate Change
- Technological Innovations, Digital Technologies, and AI for human, social and environmental health and well-being
- Entrepreneurship, Local Economic Development, Sustainable Transportation, and Cultural Heritage
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Citizen Science Labs for Sustainable Development Goals
CIFAL York Upcoming and Recent Events and Courses
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare Speaker Series
Resilient Airports in a Volatile World
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
Tech Innovators March Break 2026 Camp: Exploring the Future
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Multispectral Mapping with Drone Course
Upcoming Events
Back on Track for 2030: Embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Higher Education Curriculum - From Awareness to Assessment
Date: March 25 & April 9 Time: 10:00AM-1:00PM & 11:00AM-2:00PM (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
Designing for Circularity: How Buildings Can Reduce Waste and Carbon
Date: THURSDAY MARCH 26 Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare
Hospital Command Centres / Emergency Operations Centres in Healthcare Settings
Date: SESSION 3 WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Resilient Airports in a Volatile World: Airport Operations, Passenger Management, and Technology in the Face of Geopolitical Crises
Dates: August 17 & August 24 Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Location: Online via Zoom Webinar
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
SESSION 2 THURSDAY MARCH 19 12:00PM-1:00PM (ET)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Drone Pilot Course-2026 Offerings-Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
Dates: Saturday, April 25 | May 30 | June 27 | July 25 | August 29 | September 26 |
October 24 | November 28 | December 19
Time: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
Search & Rescue Operations with Drone - Specialized Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
2026 Dates: Saturday, | June 13 | August 8 | October 10 | December 12
Time: 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
Multispectral Mapping with Drone-Specialized Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
2026 Dates: Saturday, May 16 | July 11 | September 12 | November 14
Time: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
2026 Saturday May 9 | August 15 | November 21
9 AM- 4 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.