UNITAR
As the final fellowships are being awarded for the 2025 intake of the UPEACE–UNITAR Master’s and Certificate Programmes, the Art for Peace initiative offers an opportunity to reflect on how creative and digital solutions can be mobilized in support of education and equity. Launched through a collaboration between the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the University for Peace (UPEACE), the initiative explores the role of culture, technology, and cross-sector partnerships in expanding access to high-quality postgraduate education for individuals from some of the world’s most underserved regions.
At the core of the project is the Pura Vida NFT Collection: a limited series of 5,000 digital artworks designed by Costa Rican artist Gussa. Each piece is unique, drawing from visual motifs that celebrate peace, cultural identity, biodiversity, and hope: key themes that reflect both the values of the host country and the mission of the partner institutions. Unlike many NFT projects focused on commercial gain, this collection was structured from the outset as a fundraising mechanism for a Fellowship Programme supporting candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The fellowships created through the Pura Vida collection provide access to the joint UPEACE–UNITAR postgraduate programmes. These include both Master’s and Certificate options, delivered through a combination of academic instruction and executive-style training. Courses are taught by a diverse faculty of UN staff, diplomats, and leading academics, and are designed to provide both theoretical grounding and practical skills in areas such as diplomacy, development, international law, and human rights. Participants also gain insight into multilateral systems and are encouraged to apply their learning in real-world contexts, preparing them for roles in international organizations, public administration, and civil society.
Applications for the 2025 academic intake remain open until August, and the final fellowships supported by the Pura Vida collection are still being awarded. For eligible candidates from LDCs and SIDS, these fellowships provide not only financial support but also the chance to engage with a global academic community and strengthen their capacity to contribute to international cooperation efforts. Learn more about the programmes and eligibility for the remaining fellowships here.
The initiative has also gained international attention. In 2023, it was named a finalist for the SDG Digital GameChangers Award, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the category “Peace.” It was later presented at the SDG Digital event in New York and featured in the 2025 Mobile World Capital Awards, contributing to growing interest in how blockchain technologies might be used in the service of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rather than using NFTs as a novelty or purely symbolic gesture, Art for Peace was designed to produce tangible outcomes. Its structure links digital ownership to real-world opportunities, particularly in contexts where access to education is limited by economic or geographic constraints. The initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), while also participating in wider discussions about how blockchain and Web3 technologies might be applied in ethical, transparent, and socially constructive ways. This approach reflects UNITAR’s broader commitment to innovation in learning and capacity development. As an institution focused on providing knowledge solutions to individuals and communities worldwide, especially those in special and vulnerable situations, UNITAR continues to explore ways to integrate digital tools into its training and outreach work. In collaboration with UPEACE, the Art for Peace initiative represents one such pathway: an effort to leverage creativity and innovation in support of inclusive, equitable, and high-impact education.
As preparations begin for the 2025 cohort, the project continues to serve as a reference point for cross-sector collaboration. Grounded in clear outcomes and inclusive principles, it reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring that innovation contributes to broader access, particularly for those in traditionally underrepresented regions.