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, Emergency Management and Humanitarian Actions
- Health, Development, Environment & Climate Change
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Entrepreneurship, Digital Technology, and Economic Development
- Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals
CIFAL York Upcoming and Recent Events and Courses
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare Speaker Series
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course December 20 | 2025
Swan Lake Citizen Science Lab Workshops
Environmental Communication Course
AI and Feminism: Foundations of a Critical Dialogue on Gender, Power, and Technology
Menstrual Equity Micro Credential
Multispectral Mapping with Drone Course
Search & Rescue Operations with Drone
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Tech Innovators Summer Camp: Exploring the Future (2026 sessions coming up soon)
Drones for Public Health, Safety, Risk, Humanitarian and Emergency Management Speaker Series
Climate Change Emergencies & Cultural Heritage Speaker Series
The Psychosocial Response and Education Preparedness Program (PREPP)
Upcoming Events
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare
The Burn MCI Gap: Critical Vulnerabilities in Canadian Healthcare Systems
Date: WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4 Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (ET)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
How AI, IoT, and Satellites are Redefining Wildfire Management
Date: THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26 Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (ET)
Location: Zoom Register Here