UNITAR Organizes Briefing for Students from University of Fortaleza, Brazil

2 June 2017, New York, U.S.A - The United Nations Institute of Training and Research organized a briefing at the United Nations Headquarters for a group of students from the Professional Master Program at the University of Fortaleza, Brazil, visiting Columbia University in New York. The programme is based on problem intervention and is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The event took place in the framework of the partnership between UNITAR and Columbia Law School, under which a series of training and capacity building workshop were organized over the last years with Professors Alexandra Carter and Shawn Watts from the Mediation Clinic of Columbia Law School.

The briefing was opened by Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Acting Head of UNITAR New York Office, who delivered short introductory remarks and the students were briefed by Ms. Denise Hauser, Human Rights Officer from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ms. Hauser’s briefing focused on enterprises and their impact on SDGs and Human Rights, arguing that they are a core foundation of an obligation to protect human rights. Ms. Hauser further addressed the connections between a social community and the private sector by using examples from countries like Guatemala, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.

UNITAR escorted the students for a tour of the United Nations Headquarters, during which students were able to visit the main conference rooms, including the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber and the Economic and Social Council Chamber.

Photo 1: Mr. Suazo with students from University of Fortaleza.

Photo 2: Ms. Denise Hauser, OHCHR, briefing the students.