29 July 2025, New York, USA - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in collaboration with the Fosun Foundation, commenced the fourth edition of its flagship “Global Diplomacy Bootcamp” at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Held during a landmark year marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, this week-long programme from 21 July to 25 July brought together a cohort of globally minded young leaders to engage in intensive training focused on the UN system, multilateral negotiations, and the practical skills essential to international diplomacy. This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on youth-led innovation and the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all sessions.

The programme opened with a formal welcome ceremony and the Fosun Foundation Awards Presentation. In his opening remarks, Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office, underscored the critical role of capacity-building in preparing the next generation of diplomats and international civil servants. The ceremony recognized two standout young innovators for their SDG-aligned projects. Mr. Li Feihan presented his award-winning solar cooker—an eco-friendly, low-cost solution that is improving access to clean energy and sustainable cooking technologies in Zimbabwe. Ms. Wu Jinxuan introduced her innovative, child-centered transfusion board, designed to be biologically friendly and responsive to the needs of pediatric patients. Both projects served to highlight the ingenuity and commitment of youth in developing scalable solutions to global challenges.

The core of the academic programme began on Wednesday with the delivery of the UN 101 module by Dr. Angel Angelov, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in New York. Originally designed as a foundational training for diplomats, the session was adapted for students to gain deep insight into the structure and function of the United Nations. Dr. Angelov provided a comprehensive overview of the UN’s main players—both member states and political groupings—before outlining the roles of the principal organs, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice. The course explored the agendas and working methods of the General Assembly’s six main committees and highlighted upcoming milestones in the UN calendar, including the UN’s 80th anniversary. Drawing from nearly two decades of diplomatic experience, Dr. Angelov offered participants a nuanced understanding of the UN’s inner workings and the responsibilities of international civil servants. 

Later that day, students participated in an interactive Negotiation Skills module, led by Ms. Samantha Adler and Mr. Nicholas Schmitt. Designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical application, the course covered foundational negotiation strategies—from building rapport and effective communication to managing conflict and resolving disputes. Students engaged in simulations inspired by real-world scenarios, giving them a chance to apply the techniques discussed and develop key soft skills such as public speaking, persuasion, and decision-making. The session also encouraged reflection on the role of negotiation in leadership development and international cooperation, reinforcing the relevance of diplomacy far beyond the UN setting.