Jelena is an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, and a senior consultant on topics related to Women, Peace and Security (WPS). As part of her consultancy services, she acts as an expert for UNITAR’s Global Diplomacy Initiative (GDI). Her relationship with UNITAR started in 1996, when she participated in a UNITAR training as a young diplomat from her home country, Andorra. Her journey through the intricate corridors of global governance and her transformative career pathway paints a vivid picture of resilience, dedication and continuous learning.

"UNITAR’s programme, on the other hand, welcomes professionals that do not necessarily have a traditional career in diplomacy but want to develop their knowledge and gain skills. Doctors, journalists, activities, artists, educators like myself, students, mid-career professionals… all have a chance to learn and contribute to the world of diplomacy."

“We discovered that the SDGs are completely interrelated. If you are working to improve access to water, you are going to improve access to health. Consequently, you will improve access to education. Consequently, you will improve access to employment.”

In fact, sharing ideas with people with different professional backgrounds, beliefs, and from over ten different places of origin was one of Udeaku’s main learnings and had impacted her professional and personal life.

It’s like a first-hand experience. Some of the diplomats really played important roles in negotiating UN conflict resolutions and the SDGs. They shared their own stories of both their personal and professional lives.

If diplomats are equipped with the tools of mediation, they will be able to engage more effectively in this global environment and all the challenges that it brings.

“The trainings had a very powerful effect on me. They have given me an increased sense of confidence."