CIFAL Surrey – a United Nations-backed study centre for sustainability – has launched, aiming to tackle major global challenges by empowering local leaders and communities.
Drastically improving the UKโs ability to address climate change is the grand challenge that the new United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)-affiliated CIFAL centre will tackle.
It launched this week (Monday, 25 November) at the University of Surrey in Guildford with a ceremonial UN flag raising, a Signing Ceremony and a panel event.
In attendance was a senior delegation from UNITAR, Zรถe Franklin, MP for Guildford, and a range of the universityโs collaborative partners in business and government.
What is CIFAL Surrey?
Situated within the Universityโs Institute for Sustainability, CIFAL Surrey will deliver both training and capacity building on a wide range of sustainability challenges.
This includes helping facilitate knowledge exchange among leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society โ locally, nationally and internationally, as well as UK-based international organisations.
The CIFAL Centre will draw on the University of Surreyโs strong research heritage and active engagement in sustainability.
It will work with UNITAR (the UNโs training branch) and the CIFAL Global Network among other stakeholders to lead both training and capacity-building initiatives in sustainability.
This will ensure CIFAL Surrey makes a unique and much-needed contribution to empowering climate leadership through enhanced climate literacy within and beyond Surrey.
CIFAL Surrey will also work in partnership with national and local government, industry, civil society, and beyond. This includes developing sustainable economic practices, and helping to advance action towards the UNโs Sustainable Development Goals.
CIFAL Surrey is the second UN-affiliated centre on campus, following the 2023 launch of the Centre of Excellence for Ageing, which appointed its first cohort of Fellows in June 2024.
CIFAL Surrey – what they say
Professor Amelia Hadfield, Associate Vice President for External Engagement, and the new Director of CIFAL Surrey, said: Sustainability is far more than just a philosophy limited to net zero here at the University of Surrey. For us, and our community, sustainability reflects our deep, shared commitment to rebuilding a thriving planet for future generations. From the fundamentals of climate change to advanced policy implementation, CIFAL Surrey will provide hands-on training and resources to national and local government, businesses, and community groups, helping them deliver on the demands for a more sustainable future.
Alex Mejia, Division Director at United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), said: “We are honoured to inaugurate CIFAL Surrey, hosted by the University of Surrey, a renowned global institution at the forefront of innovation and learning. This new centre will mark an important step in our mission to advance sustainable development and capacity-building worldwide. It will serve as a vital hub for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the United Kingdom and beyond.”
Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said: It’s a pleasure to be able to welcome the team from the United Nations to launch this new international centre in the heart of Surrey.
The CIFAL centre will play a key role in promoting sustainable development at home and abroad while also opening up opportunities for our communities. It also reinforces the region’s global reputation for innovation, research and knowledge exchange.
Sustainability support for your business
Surrey is committed to a net zero future โ and as businesses in our vibrant regional economy, you are vital to achieving this goal by 2050.
There is lots of practical support, courses and funding out there to help your business along the way.
Looking for help to get started? Get in touch via our business support form and we can provide bespoke support for your business.
Surrey County Council is also providing a series of free “decarbonise your business” sessions throughout 2024 and 2025.
Plus you can visit our events page or sign up to our newsletter for further opportunities.
