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
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
Tech Innovators March Break 2026 Camp: Exploring the Future
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare Speaker Series
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Multispectral Mapping with Drone Course
Upcoming Events
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
SESSION 1 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19 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
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare
Building Healthcare Resilience Through Purposeful Exercise Design
From Exercise Design to Infrastructure Design: Turning Preparedness into Systemic Resilience
Date: SESSION 2 WEDNESDAY MARCH 4 12:00PM-1:00PM (EST
Location: Zoom Register Here
Tech Innovators March Break 2026 Camp: Exploring the Future
Date: March 16-March 20 Time: 9:00AM-5:00PM (ET)
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
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, April 11 | 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.