The Global Institute for Training and Research (GITRUN) provides learning opportunities to individuals, national and international organizations, and academic institutions to deepen their understanding of the United Nations and support state-level activities aimed at building a better future. GITRUN is an independent non-profit organization that trains and equips young scholars, diplomats, academics, and researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate careers within the United Nations and other international institutions.
GITRUN is supported by experts with decades of United Nations and international experience who design and deliver a wide range of training activities. We are a leading institution in providing creative, high-quality, and internationally standardized learning opportunities through collaborations with prestigious institutions around the world.
GITRUN has adopted a strategy focused on strengthening understanding of the United Nations, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and encouraging states to implement the 2030 Agenda. We build minds through skills-based learning, training, and a research-centered approach to develop solutions for maintaining sustainability worldwide.
Our primary strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and uses the Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles, with key strategic objectives centered on Peace, Education, Health, and the Environment.
GITRUN emphasizes multilateral engagement, equal access to basic needs—including clean water and the right to life—strengthening partnerships to promote the 2030 Agenda, and fostering technological skills to support research-based solutions.
GITRUN provides training and capacity-building opportunities to assist emerging institutions at regional and international levels, as well as vulnerable communities and populations affected by conflict.
GITRUN targets youth scholars and practitioners from various institutions around the world, offering both face-to-face and online training through the GITRUN platform.
Our Vision
To empower Pakistani youth and policymakers through education and capacity-building to become informed global citizens and leaders who understand and actively contribute to the United Nations’ mission of peace, development, and cooperation.
Our Mission
To promote a deeper understanding of the United Nations’ work and values in Pakistan by providing:
- High-quality educational and training programs.
- Research and policy engagement on global and regional issues.
- Inclusive platforms for dialogue and collaboration.
- Certification and diploma programs tailored to Pakistan’s national and international development priorities.
Core Functions
- Education and Training
- Offer specialized certificate and diploma programs on UN-related themes such as sustainable development, diplomacy, human rights, peacebuilding, and climate action.
- Conduct leadership development programs targeting youth, educators, and civil servants.
- Research and Innovation
- Facilitate applied research on national challenges (e.g., disaster resilience, urban development, education, health, peace and gender equity) aligned with the SDGs.
- Encourage partnerships with Pakistani universities, think tanks, and civil society for policy innovation.
- National and Regional Engagement
- Act as a hub for national-level dialogue on regional integration, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
- Promote intercultural understanding within Pakistan’s diverse communities.
- Engagement with the United Nations
- Create formal linkages and internship pipelines with UN agencies operating in Pakistan.
- Align national academic and development initiatives with UN priorities.
Today, the scope of GITRUN programming is truly global, with outreach spanning nations across the world. This unique Institute is established to provide a wide range of learning opportunities and activities covering key topics in multilateralism, health, peace, education, and, above all, environmental sustainability, sustainable peace, and research and technology applications.
The Institute has also significantly diversified the delivery of its training. E-learning courses now account for 50% of all events, enabling participants from all corners of the globe to benefit from the Institute’s virtual learning environment. In carrying out its mission, the Institute emphasizes delivering learning-related products and services that promote knowledge-sharing, skill development, and awareness-raising, with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding of the United Nations and building the capacities of its beneficiaries.
In addition to learning, the Institute also engages in training-related and advisory support services for institutions worldwide, contributing to sustainable policy-making efforts.
The Governance
GITRUN is governed by a Board of Advisors and led by a Chief Executive. The Institute operates as a project-based organization and does not receive funding from the regular United Nations budget. GITRUN are financed entirely through voluntary contributions and joint projects with international institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.
GITRUN is guided by a five-year strategic framework which enables the Institute s vision, mission, core values and strategic objectives. The framework outline the direction that GITRUN will take and pursue delivering results, crafting partnership, and evaluating performance.
The framework was approved by the GITRUN Board of Advisors. It is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and is centered on four core pillars: Peace, Education, Health, and Environment. In addition, the framework includes a fifth cross-cutting objective—the Right to Life—designed to support communities living in conflict through integrated programs.
History & Statute
The idea of establishing an institute dedicated to training and research on the United Nations arose from the need to deepen global understanding of the Organization’s work and to counter growing criticism of its functions in 2025. The creation of GITRUN came at a crucial moment in the history of the United Nations, a time marked by widespread lack of awareness regarding its roles and impact. GITRUN seeks to promote the UN’s work in international peace and security, humanitarian relief, education, health, and many other fields.
In an era defined by protracted conflicts, terrorism, environmental challenges, and devastating disasters, the need for institutional and individual capacity-building has never been greater. The Institute provides a platform for youth to come together, discuss global issues, and receive training tailored to the needs and priorities of beneficiary countries.
GITRUN commenced its operations in March 2026, with headquarters originally established in Vienna and Lahore.
The Institute aims to become a unique resource for youth and institutions worldwide, offering practical solutions through shared knowledge, training, research, and policy support to address emerging crises and challenges across multiple sectors. Its independence from the United Nations system enables GITRUN to respond promptly and flexibly to new demands in training and research.
The Statutes form the legal foundation of GITRUN and define its existence, functions, and operational principles as adopted by the Board of Advisors.
Organizational Chart
GITRUN’s structure is organized around four thematic pillars of the 2030 Agenda: Peace, Education, Health, and Environment. In addition, due to the cross-cutting nature of our functions—strengthening multilateral diplomacy, information technology, satellite analysis, applied research, and implementation of the SDG 2030 Agenda—these areas are organized under the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy and the Division for Information Technology and Applied Research.
The Office of the Executive Director, under the guidance of the Office of the Founder, provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the entire Institute.
The Division for Strategic Planning and Performance is responsible for performance planning, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships, funds oversight, communications, and information technology. Meanwhile, the Division for Operations supports the development of new programmes and their implementation.
GITRUN maintains offices in Vienna (Austria) and Lahore (Pakistan) and intended to established several project-based offices around the world.