ABSTRACT
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), was founded in 1965 following a recommendation of the Economic and Social Council to the General Assembly, which commissioned the Secretary-General with the establishment of UNITAR as an autonomous body within the UN system.† The creation of UNITAR occurred at the most opportune time in the history of the UN. Thirty-six states had joined the organization since 1960, including 28 African States. The training of diplomats representing newly independent countries was a success story for the UN. At the same time, however, it created a critical need for assistance, as many of the newly independent States lacked the capacity to train their new diplomats. The Institute, therefore, endeavored to satisfy that need in accordance with its Statute.
