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1 October 2021, New York, USA – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office launched the Global Diplomacy Initiative (GDI). This programme provides students with practical knowledge and experience of global diplomacy and all things United Nations.
Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Head of UNITAR Office in New York, welcomed the participants and introduced the professors and panelists who shared their experience and expertise at the United Nations. He introduced H.E. Ambassador Dr. Yuriy Sergeyev (Former Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations), Dr. Angel Angelov (First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Bulgaria, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of Bulgaria), Ms. Jelena Pia-Comella (Former Deputy Executive Director, International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of Andorra) and Ms. Larisa Schelkin, (MS PE, MS CS CEO & Founder, Global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Center, Inc. 501(c) (3) nonprofit and President, Global STEM Education Consulting, LLC). Before moving on to the panelists, Mr. Suazo then gave a brief overview of the GDI agenda and invited all students to introduce themselves and advised them to engage with the panelists.
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H.E. Ambassador Dr. Yuriy Sergeyev (Former Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations), shared his experience as an Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Nations and then he spoke about the course he provides during the programme. He mentioned that international criminal and international justice in his course will help them understand how global diplomacy works theoretically and practically. The students will also understand where the United Nations takes place and develop fundamental legal instruments and prevent international crimes.
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Dr. Angel Angelov (First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Bulgaria, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of Bulgaria), shared his experience as diplomat in New York and his journey in the Security Council. He then talked about focusing on the players of the UN the role of countries and groups and how they interact. Dr. Angelov encouraged students to communicate and engage during this opportunity.
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Ms. Larisa Schelkin, MS PE, MS CS CEO & Founder, Global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Center, Inc. 501(c) (3) nonprofit and President, Global STEM Education Consulting, LLC, talked about the evolution of science diplomacy. She mentioned where we stand and each individual’s responsibility, the structure of UN environment and the responsibilities. Ms. Schelkin mentioned the environment article published by the UN called GEO- 6 and discussed where our planet stands using realistic data points.
Ms. Jelena Pia-Comella (Former Deputy Executive Director, International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, Former Deputy Permanent Representative of Andorra), shared her experience as a diplomat representing a small country and being a woman in the multilateral diplomacy in a male dominated field. She will walk the students through the Responsibility to protect and promoting women’s right and discuss the women peace and security agenda.
Moving towards the end of the session, Mr. Suazo thanked both panelists and students for attending. He then advised students to reach out to UNITAR team of any assistance or support and looking forward for the rest of the programme.
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