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
Drone Pilot Microcredit Course
Search & Rescue Operations with Drone
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare Speaker Series
Multispectral Mapping with Drone Course
Enterprise Drone Thermography Course
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Emerging Technologies and Winter Road Maintenance Workshop
Tech Innovators Summer Break 2026 Camp: Exploring the Future
First Symposium on Crowd Management and Safety in Mass Gatherings
Post-War Recovery & Reconstruction: Towards Build-Back-Better & Sustainable Development
Ontario Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMCON) 2026
Upcoming Events
Drone Pilot Course-2026 Offerings-Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
Dates: Saturday, 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.
Climate AI Innovation Hub: Scaling Climate Solutions with AI
Date: SESSION 7 THURSDAY OCTOBER 30
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Search & Rescue Operations with Drone - Specialized Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
2026 Dates: Saturday | October 31 | December 12
Time: 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
Emergency Management in Hospitals & Healthcare
CODE RED: FIRE SAFTEY AND MANAGEMENT
Date: SESSION 8 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM (EST)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Enterprise Drone Thermography Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
Saturday November 7
Time: 9:00 AM-5:30 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, November 14
Time: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships Speaker Series
SESSION 6 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19 12:00PM-1:00PM (ET)
Location: Zoom Register Here
Drone Photography & Videography Intensive Course
Open to Everyone
Link to Event Page and Registrations
2026 Saturday | November 21
9 AM- 4 PM
Location: York University, Schulich School Basement, Rm. N004, Schulich School of Business.
Waste Audit Training Course
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 8:30AM-6:30PM (ET)
Location: ADERSIM Lab, 111 Ian MacDonald Blvd, Room N004, York University, Keele Campus
Partner Events
Ontario Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMCON)
Dates: October 28-29, 2026
Location: International Centre, Toronto, Ontario