The programme opened on 10 August with remarks from Ms. Patricia Martín de Briones, Senior Programme Specialist at UNITAR, and Ms. Hui Zhu, Project Director of Fosun Foundation. The opening session introduced participants to the objectives of the Bootcamp and encouraged them to actively engage with the people and perspectives they would encounter throughout the week. The opening also featured the Fosun Visionaries Award presentations, recognizing three participating students for their achievements and potential as future leaders. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Mr. Haifeng Li, Chairman of Fosun Foundation.

The third day focused on the Introduction to the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), led by Ms. Robin Endres, Sustainability Leadership Trainer and Consultant. Participants explored the role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges and examined the SDG framework and its relevance to sustainable development. Through experiential learning activities, they were able to move beyond theoretical discussions and consider how the SDGs can be applied to real-world challenges. The interactive approach encouraged participants to collaborate, exchange ideas and consider the interconnected nature of global challenges and sustainable development. It also reinforced the importance of cooperation among governments, organizations and other stakeholders in advancing shared global priorities.

Practical learning continued on 13 August with a session on Negotiation Skills led by Ms. Samantha Adler, Founder of SEA Conflict Consulting and with the Columbia University Law School Mediation Clinic. Through exercises and simulations, participants had the opportunity to put negotiation concepts into practice and experience some of the challenges involved in reaching mutually acceptable outcomes. The session emphasized the importance of active listening, understanding different interests and perspectives, and communicating effectively during negotiations.

The Bootcamp concluded on 14 August with a closing ceremony and certificate presentation, the final day provided an opportunity to bring together the knowledge and experiences developed throughout the week and reflect on their application in diplomatic and multilateral settings.

Across the five-day programme, participants engaged with different dimensions of diplomacy through a combination of expert insights, experiential learning and practical exercises. The format enabled them to connect concepts discussed in the classroom with some of the dynamics involved in negotiation, cooperation and consensus-building.

Through the continued partnership between UNITAR and Harbour Education, the Global Diplomacy Bootcamp provides young people with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the United Nations and gain first-hand exposure to the practice of diplomacy in New York, home to United Nations Headquarters.