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
Tech Innovators Summer Break 2026 Camp: Exploring the Future
Post-War Recovery & Reconstruction: Towards Build-Back-Better & Sustainable Development
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
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Multispectral Mapping with Drone Course
Search & Rescue Operations with Drone
Ontario Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMCON) 2026
Upcoming Events
Tech Innovators Summer Break Camps 2026
Dates: August 10-14
Time: 9:00AM-4:00PM (ET)
Location: ADERSIM Lab, 111 Ian MacDonald Blvd, Room N004, York University, Keele Campus
Post-War Recovery & Reconstruction: Towards Build-Back-Better & Sustainable Development
Date: June 29, 2026
Location: Design Hub, Placa de les Glories Catalones 38, Barcelona & Hybrid via Zoom Webinar
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare
Managing Our Past: The Threat of Unexploded World War II Ordnance to Hospitals in Dense Urban Areas in Germany
Date: SESSION 5 WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
SESSION 5 THURSDAY JUNE 18 12:00PM-1:00PM (ET)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
SESSION 4
Date: THURSDAY JUNE 25
Time: 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
Multispectral Mapping with Drone-Specialized Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
2026 Dates: Saturday, May 23 | 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.
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.
Drone Pilot Course-2026 Offerings-Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
Dates: Saturday, 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.
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.
Partner Events
Ontario Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMCON)
Dates: October 28-29, 2026
Location: International Centre, Toronto, Ontario