The United Nations System Staff College offers a free, self-paced Human Security online course in English, Arabic, French and Spanish. Enrol by 30 December 2026.
Background & Course Description
The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is offering the free online course Human Security: From Principles to Practice for individuals interested in human security, peacebuilding, development and humanitarian action.
The course explores how the human security approach can help governments, organisations and communities address complex challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, migration, displacement and public health emergencies.
Delivered through the UNSSC’s eLounge online learning platform, the course is self-paced, allowing participants to study online from anywhere and work through six learning modules at their own speed.
Enrolment is available until 30 December 2026, and participation is free thanks to support from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security.
Course Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) |
| Course | Human Security: From Principles to Practice |
| Delivery | Online |
| Cost | Free |
| Duration | Self-paced |
| Languages | English, Arabic, French and Spanish |
| Enrolment deadline | 30 December 2026 |
| Target audience | UN staff, government representatives, NGOs, private sector, civil society and academia |
| Learning platform | UNSSC eLounge |
| Contact email | peacesecurity@unssc.org |
| Official course page | UNSSC Human Security Course |
What You Will Learn
The course introduces practical ways to apply human security principles when designing policies and programmes that respond to people’s needs.
Participants will explore how to identify vulnerabilities, analyse complex risks and develop integrated approaches that protect people’s survival, livelihoods and dignity.
Upon completion, learners should be able to understand the human security approach, apply it to policy and programme design, undertake localised risk analysis and promote strategies that strengthen resilience through inclusive participation.
Course Modules
The training consists of six modules:
- Understanding the Human Security Approach: Explore the concept, its operating principles and its relevance to complex crises.
- Getting Started with Human Security Programming: Learn about the different phases of developing integrated policies and programmes.
3–4. Analysing Complex Challenges: Examine human security situational analysis, needs, vulnerabilities and capacities. - Designing a Human Security Programme: Learn about collective outcomes, protection and empowerment strategies.
- Implementing a Human Security Programme: Explore participatory and integrated implementation approaches.
The course combines online learning activities with case study applications to help participants connect concepts to practical situations.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The course is designed for a broad audience and does not specify a formal degree requirement in the supplied information.
It is particularly relevant to:
- United Nations staff members.
- Government representatives and public-sector practitioners.
- Non-governmental organisation professionals.
- Private-sector representatives.
- Civil society practitioners.
- Academics and researchers.
Anyone interested in understanding human security and its application to policies and programmes can explore the course.
Additional Information
The Human Security: From Principles to Practice course is self-paced and available online. Learners can access the materials through the UNSSC eLounge platform.
Participation is free, with no course fee required according to the programme information.
How to enrol: Visit the official UNSSC course page, review the course details and follow the enrolment instructions. The stated enrolment deadline is 30 December 2026.
For enquiries, contact peacesecurity@unssc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UNSSC Human Security course free?
Yes. The course is offered free of charge with support from the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security.
2. Is the course available online?
Yes. It is self-paced and hosted on the UNSSC eLounge online learning platform.
3. Which languages are available?
The course is available in English, Arabic, French and Spanish.
4. Who can enrol?
The course targets UN staff, government representatives, NGO professionals, private-sector representatives, civil society practitioners and academics. It is also suitable for others interested in human security.
5. What topics does the course cover?
It covers human security principles, risk analysis, vulnerabilities, policy and programme design, protection, empowerment and programme implementation.
6. When is the enrolment deadline?
The listed enrolment deadline is 30 December 2026.
7. Is a university degree required?
The supplied course information does not specify a degree requirement.
8. How can I enrol?
Visit the official UNSSC course page and follow the online enrolment instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This free course may benefit professionals and learners working in development, humanitarian response, peacebuilding, public policy and social protection. Its flexible format and four-language availability make it accessible to participants across different regions and professional backgrounds.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares educational and professional development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNSSC or the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security. Always consult the official course page for the latest enrolment information.
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