02 June 2023, New York, United States - The Global Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) Closing Ceremony was held at the United Nations Headquarters by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office to celebrate the achievements of the GDI Graduates from the Spring 2023 Cohort. The GDI Programme offers a unique learning experience for students and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the United Nations and its functioning, providing them with the opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from experts and diplomats in the field.
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UNITAR was delighted to have the participation of both faculty members and students in the closing ceremony, which was held in a hybrid format. GDI graduates attended the ceremony from various parts of the world, joining in person and virtually. The GDI graduates were joined by course facilitators and the UNITAR team for the opening of the closing ceremony. As part of the event, the graduates had the privilege of exploring the United Nations through a guided tour, allowing them to witness firsthand what they had been studying throughout the semester.
Distinguished guests who attended the closing ceremony in person included: Ms Larisa Schelkin, CEO & Founder of Global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Center, Inc. and President of Global STEM Education Consulting, LLC; Dr Michael Jabot, from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The State University of New York at Fredonia; Dr Angel Angelov, Consul General to Bulgaria in New York and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN and UNITAR Facilitator; H.E. Mr Laszlo Molnar, Senior Lecturer of Clinical Practice at the Department of Professional Security Studies of New Jersey City University and Former Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations; and Ms Michele Clarke-Ceres, Co-Founder/President of WorldCeres Inc., Executive Career Coach, Soft Skills Trainer, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant. Additionally, H.E. Dr Yuriy Sergeyev, Former Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations; Ms Jelena Pia-Comella, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of the Principality of Andorra to the United Nations, Senior Consultant and Ms Cemre Ulker, US Director & UN Representative of the Journalists and Writers Foundation to the United Nations Department of Global Communications, joined the ceremony virtually.
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Several GDI Fellows shared their experiences and the benefits they gained from the programme over the past few months, emphasizing the value of interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise. Mr Marco A. Suazo, Head of UNITAR's New York Office, opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks, expressing his gratitude for the collective efforts, time, and success achieved during the GDI Spring 2023 programme. He highlighted the primary objective of the Global Diplomacy Initiative, which is to provide students and professionals with a platform to learn from experts and diplomats in the field of diplomacy. The distinguished facilitators expressed their appreciation for the student's active participation and engaging discussions throughout the programme.
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Furthermore, the students shared their personal experiences during the GDI programme, expressing their fascination with the opportunity to tour the United Nations. They also mentioned how the programme provided them with a clearer vision of the diplomatic environment. GDI graduates expressed their deep appreciation for the programme, commending the professors, study materials, and guidance they received during the closing ceremony.
The Global Diplomacy Initiative's Spring 2023 Closing Ceremony was a remarkable event, encapsulating the achievements and transformative experiences of the GDI graduates. UNITAR remains committed to fostering a conducive learning environment that nurtures future diplomats