UNITAR Online Catalogue
Problem-solving through Systems Thinking and Creative Thinking Online Workshop 2027
Multilateral Diplomacy
Background
The World Economic Forum (WEF)’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2025” projects that 170 million jobs will be created by 2030, while 92 million will be displaced. Now more than ever there is growing uncertainty driven by technological change, economic shifts, and global challenges. Professionals are increasingly expected to anticipate and respond to these changes.
In line with the Pact for the Future and UN 2.0, this e-workshop equips participants with the skills to apply systems thinking and creative thinking to understand how to approach complex challenges and develop effective and innovative solutions.
Event Objectives
This workshop is designed to strengthen participants’ problem-solving abilities through systems thinking and creative thinking approaches. Participants will learn to understand how different elements of a complex challenge interact and use that broader perspective to develop more effective responses. These capabilities are increasingly valuable in a changing job market and can support a resilient career.
This workshop is one of the micro-credentials offered in UNITAR's Online Professional Diploma in Skills for the Future and Employability, comprising six online workshops: three focused on technical skills and three on human-centred skills.
Participants interested in further developing their competencies are encouraged to consider enrolling in the Professional Diploma programme. To register please click here.
Learning Objectives
After completing the workshop, participants should be able to:
- Describe key principles of systems thinking and creative thinking in problem-solving;
- Explore how systems thinking can be used to understand complex problems, relationships, and underlying causes;
- Identify how creative thinking can be used to generate new perspectives, ideas, and solutions;
- Recognise ways to reframe problems and explore alternative solutions;
- Apply systems thinking and creative-thinking approaches to real-world problems.
Content and Structure
The e-workshop will be 3 hours long, conducted via the platform Zoom and will be facilitated by an expert on the topic. The material presented in the e-workshop will be interactive and assignments will be given for participants to further advance their knowledge.
Upon successful completion of the e-workshop, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate after successful completion.
Participants interested in further developing their competencies are encouraged to consider enrolling in the Online Professional Diploma in Skills for the Future and Employability. To register please click here.
Methodology
UNITAR courses are designed to be highly interactive and participatory. Activities will include direct access to understand and discuss the topics at hand with a top expert in the respective field as well as opportunities to exchange knowledge will fellow participants. All activities will be conducted online.
The workshop may consist of the following components:
- Compulsory and optional reading material, intended to teach the fundamentals of the topic;
- Multimedia and external links to additional books, articles, documents, and websites related to the lessons;
- Quizzes and case studies;
- Community Discussion Boards;
- Learning journal entries corresponding to each e-workshop;
- Collaborative learning tools such as simulation exercises.
Participants will have access to the UNITAR e-Learning platform, where they will be able to interact with each other and their instructor via the discussion boards, view course materials, videos, and recordings as well as relevant additional resources.
Targeted Audience
This workshop is designed for government officials, diplomats, private sector specialists, practitioners in the international arena, academics, students or any interested participants who are seeking to adapt to evolving global dynamics and strengthen employability through agility, innovation and data-driven strategic thinking.
Additional Information
Kindly note that the programme will only take place if the minimum number of participants has been reached.
If you register for the Online Professional Diploma in Skills for the Future and Employability you are not required to register for the individual micro-credentials.
UNITAR is a non-accrediting institution, and as such, diplomas that may be awarded by UNITAR carry no accreditation recognition.
Admission requirements
There are no specific admission requirements. Participants who wish to enrol in individual micro-credentials without being awarded the Professional Diploma can still do so.
General requirements
- Have a good command of the English language
- Be computer literate
Technical requirements
UNITAR recommends the following as a minimum in hardware and software to take our e-workshops. Please consult your Network Administrator or Systems person to ensure that you have the following:
- Platform: Windows 10 or 11; MacOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, and 12 Monterey; Linux
- Software: Zoom, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office (Windows or Mac) or Open Office
- Browser: Microsoft Edge; Safari; Google Chrome; t works better with Firefox 3.6 or higher. Note that JavaScript, Cookies and Pop-ups must be enabled.
Basic system requirements:
- Stable internet connection
- Speakers and a microphone
- A webcam or HD webcam
- Or, a HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card
Payment information
We highly recommend credit card payments.
For more information, please contact mdp-elearning [at] unitar.org (mdp-elearning[at]unitar[dot]org)