UNITAR NYO and Qatar Leadership Centre Launch UN Fellowship for Students from Various Qatari Universities
11 August 2025, New York, USA – From 1 July to 5 August 2024, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office, in partnership with the Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC), hosted an exclusive fellowship programme for students from various universities across Qatar. This unique five-week initiative was designed for third- and fourth-year students, offering them an exceptional opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge, practical professional experience, and critical leadership skills through immersive training with multiple United Nations agencies.
During the fellowship’s orientation programme, students explored key concepts such as the art of international negotiation and multilateral diplomacy, the organizational structure and functions of the United Nations, the research and analysis of General Assembly documents, and the UN’s role in advancing the global development agenda through sustainable development goals and international cooperation. Following this foundation, fellows participated in a month-long internship with various UN agencies, gaining practical experience in the organization’s work.
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01 – 05 July: Week 1 – Foundation Phase
The programme began with an intensive, in-person training week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. It opened with a private tour of the UN Headquarters, led by Ambassador Marco Suazo, where fellows gained firsthand insight into the General Assembly and Security Council chambers. This experience provided a practical understanding of the UN’s key decision-making processes and diplomatic protocols.
The Opening Ceremony included welcoming remarks from H.E. Marco Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office, who introduced the United Nations’ mission and outlined the academic and professional goals of the programme.
During the week, fellows built foundational skills in negotiation and multilateral diplomacy, emphasising consensus-building and effective communication in complex international settings.
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Research and analytical skills were strengthened through training on how to navigate and critically assess official UN documents. The programme also deepened their knowledge of the UN’s role in the global development agenda, emphasising sustainable development goals, international cooperation, and policy frameworks that address worldwide challenges.
Visits to key diplomatic missions and international organizations expanded fellows’ understanding of multilateral engagement and environmental governance. At the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN, fellows explored how countries represent their interests within the UN framework and engage in diplomatic negotiations. A briefing from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted international efforts to address climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable policy development.
An interactive session with representatives from INTERPOL introduced fellows to global law enforcement collaboration, the challenges of transnational crime, and partnerships with the UN to enhance global security.
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A field visit to Washington, D.C. was a major component of the programme. Fellows had the opportunity to engage with key international institutions and explore the broader context of global governance and diplomacy.
They also visited key offices, including the Permanent Mission of Egypt, and the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. These visits provided the fellows with firsthand experience in diplomatic engagement, regional cooperation, and an in-depth understanding of the leadership and administrative functions at the highest levels of the United Nations.
Overall, the programme equipped fellows with critical skills for effective global engagement, including negotiation and diplomacy, leadership and critical thinking, cultural competence, policy analysis, sustainable development, environmental policy, human rights, and international law.
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08 July – 01 Aug: Week 2-5 – Fellowship Phase
The practical internship phase spanned the following four weeks, providing fellows with valuable hands-on experience within various United Nations agencies. This phase enabled them to directly apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training in real-world international settings. Fellows were assigned to agencies including the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), the UN Youth Office, UN Women, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (UN DPO).
A distinctive aspect of this phase was the opportunity for fellows to attend sessions of the UN General Assembly and the High-Level Political Forum. These experiences offered unparalleled exposure to global policymaking processes and the dynamics of international diplomacy at the highest levels.
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During their visit to Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN, fellows met the Deputy Permanent Representative, Mr. Mohammed Khalifa H. Alnasr, at the Mission of the State of Qatar. Fellows explored how countries represent their interests within the UN framework and engage in diplomatic negotiations.
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Additionally, the fellows also had the opportunity to meet with H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly.
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On August 5, 2025, the fellowship concluded with a celebratory graduation ceremony at the University Club of New York. The ceremony began with opening remarks from H.E. Mr. Mohammed Khalifa H. Al-Nasr, First Secretary, Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, followed by remarks from H.E. Marco Suazo, Head of Office at UNITAR NYO.
Overall, this fellowship programme delivered a comprehensive integration of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, equipping participants with advanced competencies and a nuanced understanding of international diplomacy and global governance. Through immersive training and substantive internships, the programme has effectively prepared these emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions to their respective fields and to the advancement of their nations on the global stage.
Inside the Fellowship: Learning Through UN Engagement
As part of their enriching experience, the fellows from the UNITAR New York Office – Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) Young Leaders Fellowship participated in a series of one-on-one interview sessions. These reflective dialogues offered the fellows a platform to share their personal journeys throughout the fellowship, highlighting the UN offices and missions where they were placed, the professional insights they gained, and the challenges they overcame.
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Closing Ceremony
A distinguished celebratory luncheon was held at the University Club to honour the participants of the UNITAR-Qatar Fellowship Programme. The event provided an elegant setting for fellows, mentors, and guests to reflect on the programme’s achievements and foster connections, marking a meaningful conclusion to the fellowship experience.
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Certificate
Please note that Certificates were distributed at a luncheon at The University Club, New York. The fellows will receive their certificates in Doha, Qatar, from Qatar Leadership Centre General Manager, Mr. Abdulla M. Albinali, during a formal celebration.