The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) underscored the critical role of youth empowerment and global partnerships in advancing sustainable development at Hainan University for the League of Tropical Universities 2025 Summit (14-15 April 2025). The engagement at Hainan University highlighted UNITAR’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and international cooperation across tropical regions.

At the event, UNITAR signed a memorandum of understanding with the League of Tropical Universities Secretariat, formalizing a partnership to unlock opportunities for academic collaboration, skills development and innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The two entities hope to collaborate in offering youth development training, study visits, joint events, youth-led entrepreneurship programmes and platforms for international knowledge exchange.

A panel discussion introduced members of the League and explored prospects for future cooperation. Guest speakers came from India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Thailand, and other League representatives joined from around the world. As a speaker, UNITAR detailed its capacity-building initiatives, such as immersive training on SDG leadership, cross-border mentorship programmes, global study visit programmes and forums connecting young innovators with changemakers.

The new partnership with the League of Tropical Universities will focus on advancing economic development through tailored training programmes, global partnership initiatives and joint academic exchange.

Priorities include expanding technical and vocational training to enhance workforce readiness, organizing study visits and cross-border exchange programmes to strengthen intercultural collaboration, and promoting academic-industry partnerships to address regional economic challenges. Joint projects such as an innovation challenge for youth-led entrepreneurial solutions and a symposium on tropical economic resilience will drive knowledge-sharing and institutional cooperation.

These efforts aim to position League member universities as centres of excellence in economic development education, equipping students and professionals with skills to navigate global markets and contribute to inclusive growth.