16 December 2022, New York, United States (hybrid) – The Global Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) Closing Ceremony took place, celebrating the GDI Graduates for the Fall 2022 Cohort at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The GDI Programme provides a kind experience for students and professionals in their higher education levels who are interested to learn more on the is United Nations and how it functions. They have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience from experts and diplomats in the field.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, UNITAR held the closing ceremony in a hybrid format. GDI graduates joined us from around the world both in-person and virtually. The graduates had a tour of the UN, where they had the chance to see and experience what they have been learning about for the past semester. After the tour, the graduates were joined by both course facilitators and UNITAR staff at their ceremony. They were joined by: Ms. Jelena Pia-Comella, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of the Principality of Andorra to the United Nations, Senior Consultant, Ms. Larisa Schelkin, MS PE, MS CS, CEO & Founder, Global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Center, Inc. and President, Global STEM Education Consulting, LLC; Dr. Michael Jabot, Department of Curriculum, and Instruction at The State University of New York at Fredonia; Dr. Angel Angelov, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Directorate, at the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNITAR Facilitator; H.E. Dr. Yuriy Sergeyev, Former Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Laszlo Molnar, Senior Lecturer of Clinical Practice of New Jersey City University at the Department of Professional Security Studies, and Former Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations; Ms. Holly White, United Nations Development Programme, Human Resources Specialist – Central Recruitment, and Ms. Michele Clarke-Ceres, Co-Founder/President, WorldCeres Inc. Executive Career Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant.

Ambassador Marco A. Suazo, Head of the UNITAR’s New York Office, started his welcoming remarks by thanking everyone for their efforts, time and success of GDI Fall 2022. He talked about the Global Diplomacy Initiative’s goal which is to provide the opportunity for students and professionals to learn about diplomacy from experts and diplomats. The distinguished facilitators expressed their appreciation towards the students for their participation and discussions in the programme. Furthermore, the students talked about their experiences during the GDI programme and expressed their fascination for touring the United Nations. Professionals and students who are pursuing their careers gained a clear vision of the diplomatic environment. GDI graduates expressed their appreciation for the programme and provided impressive feedback about the professors, materials, and guidance they experienced during the closing ceremony.