10 Free UNSSC Online Courses 2026: Study Climate Action, Sustainability, Peace and Security Online
The United Nations System Staff College has announced a collection of 10 free and open online learning opportunities for 2026, giving learners worldwide access to practical knowledge on sustainable development, digital transformation, climate action, disaster risk reduction, human security, youth participation, safe engagement with the United Nations, and the protection of children affected by armed conflict.
The United Nations System Staff College, commonly known as UNSSC, shared the courses to mark International Youth Day 2026 and highlight how accessible learning can help young people and other stakeholders turn their aspirations into meaningful action.
All 10 learning opportunities are delivered online and free of charge. Most are self-paced, allowing learners to access the materials and complete the required activities according to their schedules. The courses range from short two-hour learning challenges to a 12-hour digital sustainability learning path.
The courses are open to international participants, although the target audience differs by course. Some programmes are designed for everyone, while others have particular relevance for young leaders, public officials, United Nations personnel, government representatives, civil society organisations, academics, marketing professionals, policymakers or practitioners working in climate action, peacebuilding and sustainable development.
Most importantly, the official 2026 course pages confirm that enrolment remains open until either December 30 or December 31, 2026, depending on the course. These are genuine enrolment deadlines, and learners should register and complete the relevant requirements before access to the 2026 course cycle ends.
Free UNSSC Online Courses 2026 at a Glance
| No. | Course | Duration | Enrolment deadline | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Digital4Sustainability Learning Path | 12 hours | December 31, 2026 | Free |
| 2 | Youth, Peace and Security Primer | 7 hours | December 30, 2026 | Free |
| 3 | Youth, Peace and Security Primer on In-country Implementation | 5 hours | December 30, 2026 | Free |
| 4 | Sustainable Lifestyles | 3 hours | December 31, 2026 | Free |
| 5 | Human Security: From Principles to Practice | Self-paced | December 30, 2026 | Free |
| 6 | Synergizing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action Learning Path | 3 hours | December 31, 2026 | Free |
| 7 | Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action | 3.5 hours of core content | December 31, 2026 | Free |
| 8 | Green Marketing Challenge | 2 hours | December 31, 2026 | Free |
| 9 | Engaging Safely at the UN | 2.5 hours | December 30, 2026 | Free |
| 10 | Children and Armed Conflict Primer | Self-paced | December 30, 2026 | Free |
Are These Courses Still Open?
Yes. As of August 2026, all 10 official course pages show active 2026 course cycles.
The confirmed deadlines are:
Courses closing on December 30, 2026
- Youth, Peace and Security Primer;
- Youth, Peace and Security Primer on In-country Implementation;
- Human Security: From Principles to Practice;
- Engaging Safely at the UN; and
- Children and Armed Conflict Primer.
Courses closing on December 31, 2026
- Digital4Sustainability Learning Path;
- Sustainable Lifestyles;
- Synergizing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action Learning Path;
- Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action; and
- Green Marketing Challenge.
The published dates should be treated as enrolment deadlines. Learners should not wait until the final day because they may need to create an account, verify their email address and access a separate learning platform.
About the United Nations System Staff College
The United Nations System Staff College is the learning organisation of the United Nations system. It develops and delivers learning programmes designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and capabilities required to address complex international challenges.
Its learning portfolio covers areas such as:
- Sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals;
- Climate and environmental action;
- Peace and security;
- Human rights;
- Leadership and management;
- Stakeholder engagement;
- Youth participation;
- Digital transformation;
- Change and innovation; and
- United Nations policy and programming.
Although UNSSC was created to support learning across the United Nations system, many of its online courses are available to external participants, including government officials, civil society representatives, academics, private-sector professionals, young leaders and members of the public.
Benefits of the Free UNSSC Courses
These learning opportunities offer several important benefits.
Free international learning
No participation fee is charged for any of the 10 courses covered in this article.
Fully online delivery
Participants can access the programmes remotely without travelling to a UNSSC campus.
Flexible, self-paced study
Most courses allow learners to set their own study schedules and progress through the materials asynchronously.
Exposure to United Nations frameworks
The courses introduce learners to internationally recognised frameworks, including:
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
- The Sustainable Development Goals;
- The Paris Agreement;
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction;
- UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security;
- The human security approach;
- The Children and Armed Conflict agenda; and
- United Nations standards for safe and inclusive participation.
Practical and applied learning
Several courses include case studies, interactive exercises, quizzes, scenarios, action-planning templates or other applied activities.
Diverse subject coverage
The collection is not limited to one professional field. Learners can explore technology, sustainability, climate action, peacebuilding, marketing, public policy, behavioural science, disaster risk reduction, youth participation or human rights.
1. Digital4Sustainability Learning Path
The Digital4Sustainability Learning Path examines how digital transformation can support environmental and social sustainability while also addressing the environmental risks created by digital technologies.
The programme was developed by UNSSC and the United Nations Environment Programme in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ, the European Union, the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology.
Its content is inspired by the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability Action Plan for a Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age.
What participants will learn
The learning path helps participants understand:
- Digitalisation and digital transformation;
- Digital sustainability;
- The relationship between technology and sustainable development;
- How digital solutions can help address climate change;
- The role of digital tools in biodiversity conservation;
- How technology can support pollution prevention;
- Negative environmental and social effects of digital transformation;
- Strategies for reducing the adverse impact of digital technologies; and
- Systems-thinking approaches to digital sustainability.
Course structure
The learning path contains four modules:
- Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development;
- Digital Sustainability for Climate Action;
- Digital Sustainability for Biodiversity Action; and
- Digital Sustainability for Pollution Action.
Each module takes approximately three to four hours. The entire learning path has an estimated duration of 12 hours.
Who should take this course?
It is suitable for anyone interested in the relationship between technology and sustainable development, including:
- Sustainability professionals;
- Technology professionals;
- Policymakers;
- Public officials;
- Students;
- Researchers;
- Climate practitioners;
- Environmental organisations;
- Digital-governance professionals; and
- Young leaders.
Course deadline
Enrolment closes on December 31, 2026.
Access the Digital4Sustainability Learning Path
2. Youth, Peace and Security Primer
The Youth, Peace and Security Primer establishes a shared understanding of the international Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and how it can be implemented by the United Nations and its partners.
The course is grounded in UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and subsequent resolutions calling for the meaningful and inclusive participation of young people in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and decision-making.
It was developed by UNSSC in partnership with the Folke Bernadotte Academy and builds on the Youth, Peace and Security Programming Handbook.
Course contents
The primer contains three foundational modules:
- Introduction to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda;
- Enabling Meaningful Youth Participation; and
- Conducting Youth-Sensitive Conflict Analysis.
What participants will learn
Participants will develop an understanding of:
- The origins and principles of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda;
- The importance of meaningful youth participation;
- The role of young people in conflict prevention and peacebuilding;
- Inclusive approaches to youth engagement;
- Youth-sensitive conflict analysis; and
- How institutions can work with and for young people in peace and security.
Target audience
The course is open to practitioners, including:
- Young peacebuilders;
- Youth leaders;
- UN personnel;
- Government officials;
- Civil society representatives;
- Academics;
- Peace and security practitioners; and
- Professionals designing youth-related programmes.
Languages
The programme is available in English. UNSSC’s International Youth Day announcement also identifies versions in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Georgian and Arabic.
Duration and deadline
The course requires approximately seven hours. Enrolment closes on December 30, 2026.
Access the Youth, Peace and Security Primer
3. Youth, Peace and Security Primer on In-country Implementation
The Youth, Peace and Security Primer on In-country Implementation moves beyond introducing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and focuses on translating it into policies, plans and coordinated action at the country level.
It examines pathways for planning, implementation, monitoring and follow-up. It also introduces the institutional capabilities, stakeholder relationships and resources required for successful national implementation.
The primer was developed by UNSSC in partnership with the Folke Bernadotte Academy. It builds on the 2022 guide, “Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda at Country-level: A Guide for Public Officials,” developed by the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security.
Learning objectives
After completing the course, participants should be able to:
- Recognise meaningful youth participation as a foundation for national implementation;
- Conduct or understand contextual analysis through a youth lens;
- Review political commitments, laws and policies relevant to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda;
- Assess institutional capacity;
- Map stakeholders involved in national coordination;
- Identify practical implementation pathways; and
- Develop a personal action plan for advancing the agenda.
Course modules
The five learning sessions cover:
- Introduction to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda;
- A crash course on country-level implementation;
- Analysing, assessing and mapping;
- Four pathways to implementation; and
- Capacity, coordination and resources.
Participants also receive a Personal Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan template.
Target audience
This course is particularly relevant to:
- Public officials;
- Young leaders;
- International actors;
- UN staff;
- Government representatives;
- Civil society practitioners;
- Academics; and
- Professionals working on national Youth, Peace and Security implementation.
Languages
In addition to English, the International Youth Day announcement identifies French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic versions.
Duration and deadline
The course takes approximately five hours. Enrolment closes on December 30, 2026.
Access the Youth, Peace and Security Primer on In-country Implementation
4. Sustainable Lifestyles
The Sustainable Lifestyles course explores how daily choices, behaviours and consumption patterns affect environmental sustainability and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
It recognises that living patterns vary between countries, communities and social groups. Consequently, there is no single sustainable lifestyle model that can be applied universally. Instead, policies and initiatives must be adapted to different realities.
Learning objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Understand the concept of sustainable lifestyles;
- Recognise the collective impact of individual choices;
- Identify values and factors influencing lifestyle decisions;
- Understand major areas of consumption;
- Explore ways to make consumption more sustainable;
- Examine policy environments that support sustainable choices;
- Recognise how personal action can contribute to broader change; and
- Adapt sustainability solutions to different contexts.
Course contents
The programme contains four lessons:
- Why are we living in unsustainable ways?
- What are sustainable lifestyles?
- How can we drive lasting change?
- Sustainable lifestyles in action.
The course combines self-paced study with case studies and interactive exercises. It presents practical examples from different sectors and regions and encourages learners to adapt relevant initiatives within their communities.
Target audience
The course is intended for all stakeholders interested in shaping decisions and environments that promote sustainable living.
It may be particularly valuable for:
- Sustainability practitioners;
- Environmental professionals;
- Policymakers;
- Public officials;
- Educators;
- Students;
- Community leaders;
- Civil society organisations;
- Consumer advocates; and
- Members of the public seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Duration and deadline
The course takes approximately three hours. Enrolment closes on December 31, 2026.
Access the Sustainable Lifestyles course
5. Human Security: From Principles to Practice
Human Security: From Principles to Practice explains how the human security approach can be used to develop integrated, people-centred policies and programmes.
Human security places the survival, livelihood and dignity of people at the centre of peace and development. It provides a framework for addressing interconnected challenges in a comprehensive, context-specific and prevention-oriented manner.
The course examines challenges such as:
- Persistent poverty;
- Inequality;
- Climate change;
- Humanitarian crises;
- Transitions from emergency response to long-term development;
- Migration;
- Displacement; and
- Health emergencies.
Learning objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Understand the concept and operational principles of human security;
- Recognise the value of the human security framework;
- Apply human security principles when designing policies and programmes;
- Undertake localised and disaggregated analysis;
- Map needs, vulnerabilities and capacities;
- Develop integrated protection and empowerment strategies;
- Promote early action;
- Reduce vulnerability;
- Strengthen resilience; and
- Apply lessons from the UN Trust Fund for Human Security.
Course structure
The course contains six modules:
- Understanding the human security approach;
- Getting started with human security programming;
- Analysing complex challenges through a human security lens;
- Mapping needs, vulnerabilities and capacities;
- Designing a human security programme; and
- Implementing a human security programme.
Target audience
The course is designed for:
- UN personnel;
- Government representatives;
- Non-governmental organisations;
- Private-sector representatives;
- Civil society practitioners;
- Academics;
- Development professionals; and
- Anyone seeking to use human security in policy and programme design.
Languages
The course is available in English, Arabic, French and Spanish.
Duration and deadline
It is a self-paced course. Enrolment closes on December 30, 2026.
Access Human Security: From Principles to Practice
6. Synergizing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action Learning Path
This updated and expanded learning path examines how disaster risk reduction and climate action can be integrated to improve resilience and make better use of resources.
It was developed by UNSSC in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation seek to reduce vulnerability, manage risks and strengthen resilience. However, national disaster risk reduction strategies and climate adaptation plans are often developed separately. This can result in fragmented governance, duplication and missed opportunities.
The course introduces Comprehensive Risk Management as a framework for creating stronger coherence between these areas.
International frameworks covered
The learning path connects its subject matter to:
- The Paris Agreement;
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction;
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and
- Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.
Learning objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Explain the relationship between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation;
- Understand Comprehensive Risk Management;
- Identify policy and institutional mechanisms that support integration;
- Recognise good practices;
- Analyse real examples from different governance levels;
- Identify practical implementation pathways;
- Improve resource use;
- Strengthen resilience; and
- Promote more coherent risk-management strategies.
Course modules
The learning path contains:
- Promoting Coherence between Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; and
- Implementation Pathways for Coherent Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action.
Target audience
The course is particularly relevant to:
- Decision-makers;
- Policymakers;
- Disaster risk reduction focal points;
- Climate adaptation focal points;
- Professionals developing national disaster risk reduction strategies;
- Professionals involved in national adaptation planning;
- Local and subnational officials;
- International development practitioners; and
- Stakeholders supporting resilient, risk-informed development.
Languages
The current course is in English. UNSSC states that Spanish and French versions are expected to become available.
Duration and deadline
The official course page lists a duration of approximately three hours. Enrolment closes on December 31, 2026.
Access the Synergizing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action Learning Path
7. Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action
Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action equips current and aspiring climate leaders with tools for analysing complex systems, influencing behaviour and designing scalable climate solutions.
The course was developed by the UNFCCC Youth4Capacity programme with support from the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and UNSSC.
It recognises that climate change cannot be addressed only through technological solutions. Effective action also requires understanding the systems, behaviours, decisions, institutions and social norms that contribute to environmental outcomes.
Why systems thinking and behavioural science matter
Systems thinking helps participants:
- Examine relationships between different parts of a system;
- Identify underlying causes;
- Understand feedback loops and patterns;
- Move beyond treating isolated symptoms; and
- Design structural interventions.
Behavioural science helps participants:
- Understand how people make decisions;
- Analyse social norms;
- Identify barriers to action;
- Design initiatives that influence behaviour; and
- Improve the effectiveness of climate programmes.
Course modules
The course includes:
- Understanding Climate Change: People, Patterns and Systems;
- Systems Change for Climate Action; and
- Behavioural Science for Climate Action.
Duration
The core learning materials take approximately 3.5 hours. Participants who apply the exercises fully to their own projects may require six to eight hours.
Certificate
Participants who complete the three modules, mandatory quiz and evaluation form will receive a certificate.
Target audience
The course is open to people actively engaged or aspiring to engage in climate action.
It is especially relevant to:
- Young people aged 18–35;
- Youth-led climate initiatives;
- UNFCCC Youth4Capacity participants;
- Climate Catalysts Mentorship Programme participants;
- Climate activists;
- Sustainability professionals;
- Project designers;
- Community organisers; and
- Emerging climate leaders.
Deadline
Enrolment closes on December 31, 2026.
Access Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action
8. Green Marketing Challenge
The Green Marketing Challenge is an interactive learning programme examining what makes a credible product sustainability claim.
As consumer interest in environmentally responsible products grows, companies increasingly use green claims to promote their goods and services. However, some claims may be unclear, unsupported, exaggerated or misleading. This creates the risk of greenwashing and makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.
The challenge is based on the Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information developed by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Trade Centre.
Learning objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Recognise credible sustainability claims;
- Distinguish stronger claims from misleading claims;
- Understand principles for quality sustainability information;
- Improve environmental marketing communication;
- Apply 10 principles of sustainable product claims;
- Identify barriers to credible sustainability labelling;
- Support informed consumption decisions; and
- Reduce greenwashing risks.
Course methodology
Participants respond to challenges based on practical examples of good and poor sustainability claims. The programme provides feedback explaining how each example relates to international guidance.
Target audience
The challenge is particularly relevant to:
- Marketing managers;
- Business managers;
- Small and medium-sized companies;
- Product managers;
- Sustainability and ESG professionals;
- Civil society organisations;
- Consumer-protection organisations;
- Labelling and standards bodies;
- Government regulators;
- Communications professionals; and
- Consumers.
Languages
The programme is available in English, and UNSSC’s announcement also identifies a Spanish version.
Duration and deadline
The challenge takes approximately two hours. Enrolment closes on December 31, 2026.
Access the Green Marketing Challenge
9. Engaging Safely at the UN
Engaging Safely at the UN is a youth-focused course designed to promote safe and inclusive participation in United Nations events, meetings, conferences, working groups and intergovernmental or multi-stakeholder processes.
The course was developed by the UN Youth Office with contributions from young people, civil society and United Nations partners.
It responds to the fact that increasing numbers of young people are engaging with the United Nations, while acknowledging that participants may encounter harmful conduct.
Issues covered
The course addresses:
- Abuse of authority;
- Discrimination;
- Harassment;
- Sexual harassment;
- Sexual exploitation and abuse;
- Age-related power imbalances;
- Reporting mechanisms;
- Bystander intervention; and
- The UN’s responsibilities in preventing and responding to harm.
Learning objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Recognise harmful or unwelcome conduct;
- Understand relevant terminology;
- Identify available UN reporting mechanisms;
- Explore official and informal response options;
- Understand bystander intervention;
- Anticipate challenges;
- Respond more safely to difficult situations; and
- Understand institutional responsibilities.
Course modules
The five modules are:
- Key terms and definitions;
- Harassment, discrimination and abuse;
- Making a complaint;
- Anticipating and dealing with challenges; and
- Conclusions.
The course includes quizzes, case scenarios and a reflective journal.
Target audience
This training is primarily designed for young people engaging with the United Nations through:
- Conferences;
- Events;
- Meetings;
- Working groups;
- Intergovernmental processes;
- Multi-stakeholder processes; and
- Activities at UN locations.
Languages
The course is available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.
Duration and deadline
It takes approximately 2.5 hours. Enrolment closes on December 30, 2026.
Access Engaging Safely at the UN
10. Children and Armed Conflict Primer
The Children and Armed Conflict Primer introduces the United Nations Children and Armed Conflict Agenda and helps participants incorporate its principles into their professional work.
The international mandate emerged following the publication of Graça Machel’s 1996 report on the impact of armed conflict on children. The report highlighted the disproportionate effect of war on children and helped establish children affected by armed conflict as an international peace and security priority.
The course was developed by the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNSSC.
Course contents
The primer contains four foundational modules:
- Introduction to the Children and Armed Conflict Agenda;
- The six grave violations against children in armed conflict;
- Key actors, partners and their roles; and
- The Children and Armed Conflict toolbox.
What participants will learn
Participants will develop foundational knowledge of:
- The origins of the Children and Armed Conflict Agenda;
- The impact of conflict on children;
- The six grave violations;
- Relevant international actors and institutional responsibilities;
- Partnerships supporting the agenda;
- Available tools and mechanisms; and
- Ways to mainstream protection considerations into professional activities.
Target audience
The course is open to all but is particularly relevant to:
- UN staff;
- Government representatives;
- Regional organisations;
- Civil society organisations;
- Academics;
- Peace and security professionals;
- Child-protection practitioners;
- Humanitarian workers; and
- Development professionals.
Languages
The course is available in English. UNSSC’s International Youth Day announcement also identifies French and Arabic versions.
Duration and deadline
The course is self-paced. Enrolment closes on December 30, 2026.
Access the Children and Armed Conflict Primer
How to Register for the UNSSC Courses
The exact access route may differ slightly by course, but the general process is:
- Open the official course page.
- Review the course description, target audience, duration and deadline.
- Select the registration or sign-up option.
- Complete the required registration information.
- Log in to an existing UNSSC account or create a new account when required.
- Check the email address used during registration for access instructions.
- Open the relevant learning platform.
- Begin the self-paced course.
- Complete all required modules, quizzes and evaluation activities.
Some programmes are hosted on the UNSSC E-Lounge, while Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action is hosted through UN Learn after the initial UNSSC registration.
Participants should check their spam or junk folder if access instructions do not appear in their inbox. UNSSC specifically advises learners to whitelist relevant automated UNSSC email addresses for the Digital4Sustainability Learning Path.
Important Points Before Enrolling
Registration does not necessarily mean completion
Learners should allow enough time to complete the modules before the 2026 course cycle closes.
Certificate availability varies
The Systems Change x Behavioural Science for Climate Action page expressly confirms a certificate upon completion of its modules, mandatory quiz and evaluation. Learners should not assume that every other course provides a certificate unless the relevant course platform confirms it.
Course languages differ
Not every course is offered in every language. Learners should select the relevant language version where available.
Duration is an estimate
The published duration generally refers to the estimated learning time. Applied exercises, reflection and project work may require additional time.
There is no application fee
All 10 courses covered in this article are officially listed as free.
Most courses are open to everyone
Although individual courses identify particular target audiences, the official pages generally classify their access as open to everyone.
Conclusion
The 10 free UNSSC online courses for 2026 provide a valuable opportunity for learners worldwide to develop practical knowledge in some of the most important areas affecting international development and global cooperation.
The collection covers the use of technology for sustainability, sustainable consumption, climate leadership, disaster risk reduction, human security, credible environmental marketing, youth participation in peacebuilding, safe engagement at the United Nations and the protection of children affected by conflict.
All courses are free and delivered online, with most offering flexible, self-paced learning. Depending on the programme, learners may complete the training in as little as two hours or pursue a broader 12-hour learning path.
Enrolment for five courses closes on December 30, 2026, while the remaining five close on December 31, 2026. Interested learners should register early, carefully review completion requirements and allocate sufficient time to finish their chosen courses.
For more opportunities, click HERE.
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