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 Recent & Upcoming Events and Courses
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course November 22 | 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
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare Speaker Series
Tech Innovators Summer Camp: Exploring the Future
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
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22 8:30AM-4:00PM (EDT)
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course
Location: ADERSIM Lab, N004, Schulich Building, York University
Instructors: Dr. Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Director CIFAL York, Executive Director ADERSIM, York University, Holds Pilot Certificate for Advanced Operations
Dr. Maleknaz Nayebi - Drone Pilot; Associate Director, CIFAL York; Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, York University
Mahbod Aarabi - Drone Pilot, Drone Mapping and Data Processing, Drone-based Water Sampling; Operations Coordinator, ADERSIM, York University
Francesco del Carpio - Drone Pilot; Operations Coordinator, CIFAL York, York University
The Birds and Biodiversity of Swan Lake Park Workshop
Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET (Toronto Time)
Location: Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Rd, Markham, ON
Menstrual Equity Micro Credential
Virtual Offering: December 2nd, 2025
Time: From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Virtual Location: Zoom Webinar link to be provided upon registration
Search & Rescue Operations with Drone
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Location: ADERSIM Lab, N004, Schulich Building, York University
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Location: ADERSIM Lab, N004, Schulich Building, York University
Multispectral Mapping with Drone
Date: November 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 5.30 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Location: ADERSIM Lab, N004, Schulich Building, York University