"Learning languages nurtures abilities and skills in communication; promotes professional growth; is essential for mobility and adaptability; and provides staff members with the experience in listening to and learning from others."

UN Secretariat Learning Strategy 2021-2025

 

Learn an Official UN Language -- Improve Communication Skills

Explore online language and communication-skills courses in the six UN official languages delivered from such duty stations as New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi and other locations around the world. Consult Language Learning at the United Nations to know more about local language learning possibilities. 

The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) in New York offers a global brochure of online courses for UNHQ eligible participants, four times a year.

 

LPE Preparation Courses are available in the six UN official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The courses are self-paced and designed to orient exam candidates and other interested staff to prepare for the new LPE. Learners can find more information about the preparation courses by watching this short videoInformation about the LPE examination process can be found here.
The LPE Preparation Courses become available several months before the exam date* and are open to anyone in the UN system, with no eligibility restrictions. Detailed instructions on how to create an account and how to self-enroll can be found here.

*The 2022 LPE Preparation Courses are available for self-enrollment until 30 September 2022.

 

Learners can find a variety of authentic language resources to develop, practice and reinforce their language skills. Enjoy Learning the Six UN Official Languages on Your Devices is a package of resources featuring mobile applications for language learning and UN applications as a source of authentic language.

*The package has been compiled for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products described.

 

To expand the geographical reach of language learning across the Organization and serve those who are located in remote duty stations, the Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) offers an additional programme. Visit Online Language Learning Licenses to know more.

 

Language learners that are eligible for UNHQ courses can also benefit from self-study courses that range from discovering a new language to enhancing language use and learning the foundations of writing for the UN. Learners can watch this video-tutorial to know how to register, self-enroll and start.