UNITAR
27 October 2025, New York, USA – On 23–24 October 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) office in New York, in partnership with Harbour Education, convened the High-level School Leadership United Nations Visit and Exchange Programme at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Bringing together senior education leaders and university representatives from across China, the two-day programme provided participants with a comprehensive introduction to the work of the United Nations, while fostering professional exchange and dialogue on international collaboration in higher education.
UNITAR
The programme opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Head of the UNITAR office in New York, who underscored the importance of cultivating globally minded education leaders equipped to advance cooperation through knowledge and innovation.
UNITAR
The first UN panel, moderated by Ms. Yeokyeong Cho of UNITAR, explored inclusive leadership and the role of the UN in advancing equality and empowerment through education. Ms. Anna-Carole Vareil, HR Business Partner at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and Ms. Heran Ayele, Technical Advisor at the United Nations Women Spotlight Initiative, shared insights on promoting gender equality and human capital development within global institutions.
UNITAR
The second UN panel, moderated by Ms. Graysen Airth of UNITAR, examined inclusive social development and multilateral cooperation within the United Nations. Mr. Neil Pierre, Principal Social Affairs Officer with United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Judicial Affairs Officer with the Department of Peace Operations, reflected on the UN’s role in addressing cross-cutting challenges and supporting social inclusion worldwide.
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Following the UN dialogues, participants had the opportunity to tour the United Nations Headquarters.
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On 24 October, the participants, along with Ms. Yeokyeong Cho, the representative of UNITAR, visited Teachers College, Columbia University, where they were welcomed by Mr. Amine Mechaal, Executive Director of Global Engagement. The meeting organized by UNITAR served as a platform for academic and institutional dialogue, focusing on international partnerships, student and faculty mobility, and innovative pathways for talent development. The visit concluded with a campus tour and an open discussion on future collaboration between UNITAR and Harbour Education.
UNITAR
The High-level School Leadership United Nations Visit and Exchange Programme is part of UNITAR's ongoing efforts to promote international understanding and strengthen the capacity of global education leaders. This event enabled participants to gain deeper insights into the the youth training programmes facilitated by UNITAR and the UN system and to explore opportunities for collaboration between UNITAR and international higher education institutions.
UNITAR extends its sincere appreciation to all participating delegates and to Harbour Education for its valuable partnership and coordination in making this initiative a success.