What if you had half a day set aside only for learning: no meetings, no emails, just space to explore new skills, tools and ideas?
On Thursday, 20 November, the Department of Operational Support (DOS) will host the first UN Skills Fest Day, a live, in-person event designed to make learning practical, social, and fun.
From 10.00 to 14:00 at the UNHQ Learning Centre (3B), colleagues will have the chance to try out new tools, hear from internal experts, and experience a wide range of skills in action, whether for 15 minutes or four hours.
What to expect:
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Short TED-style talks (or “spark talks”) from UN innovators on topics such as artificial intelligence, attracting extrabudgetary funding, psychological safety, and more.
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Keynote address by the Chief Information Technology Officer, Bernardo Mariano Junior, on how technology is reshaping the world of work and how staff can stay future-ready.
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Hands-on demos, interactive stations, and practical take-home tools led by colleagues from DOS, DGC, DSS, DESA, DPO, and other entities.
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Snacks and prizes throughout the day.
The event is designed for everyone: newcomers and senior staff, tech-curious and tech-shy, those in transition and those simply looking for a spark of inspiration.
Even a 15-minute visit can leave you with a new idea, a new tool, or a new connection.
Why Skills Fest, and why now?
The UN is entering a period of rapid transformation: digitally, structurally, and culturally. With the UN80 Initiative in action, the ability to learn fast, adapt, and share knowledge has never been more essential.
UN Skills Fest Day offers the simple proposition that learning does not have to be formal, complicated, or time-consuming. It can be active, social, and immediate.
How to join:
UN Skills Fest Day is organized by the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) within the Office of Support Operations (OSO) in DOS in collaboration with multiple Secretariat entities.
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