The United Nations General Assembly has approved the merger of two UN learning and training institutions as part of efforts to strengthen capacity development across the organisation and its member states.

The 193-member Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday approving the integration of the UN System Staff College into the UN Institute for Training and Research.

The resolution also approved the creation of a new institution, the UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation, which will begin operations in January 2027.

The move is part of the broader UN80 Initiative, which seeks to make the United Nations more coherent, effective and responsive to emerging global challenges.

The merger is expected to create a single platform for learning and capability development, allowing member states, UN entities and partners to access expertise and support more efficiently while reducing duplication and fragmentation.

This marks one of the latest concrete measures under the UN80 Initiative and reflects efforts by member states to create a more agile, innovative and future-focused United Nations capable of responding to changing global needs.